Tips & Tricks – April 8, 2019

AI and Some Recent Photography Software

Recently I have mentioned photographic editing software from Topaz that incorporates AI (Artificial Intelligence) in its function and development.  This software presumably has been developed in such a way that it has been able to optimize its functions through a great deal of trial and error. Topaz has added AI Sharpening to its arsenal of such programs.  This software is designed to simplify and maximize your sharpening outcomes during post processing. Some of our members have recommended AI Clear for similar results with the added feature of minimizing noise at the same time.

I mentioned a new IOS app from Halide that claims to use AI as well, namely Spectre.  This appears to be basically a 3-trick pony that takes hundreds of photos at once, giving you the option of 1) Blurring the background behind your subject, 2) Creating light trails behind moving cars in night shots, and 3) Removing people or moving objects from busy scenes at tourist spots,etc.  This 4 dollar app is well worth a look. See the DPReview description here: https://www.dpreview.com/news/5372004032/halide-s-spectre-is-an-ai-powered-long-exposure-app-for-the-iphone

A third area of interest, again for IOS, is the ongoing development of software that allows your IOS device to substitute for formerly distinct devices such as cameras, scanners, copiers, pedometers, heart-rate monitors, etc.  This time it’s the Wacom tablet. An app called Astropad allows your IOS devive to act as a digital tablet. With your compatible pen you can more precisely control editing or drawing functions on your Mac or PC desktop computer.  At 40 dollars Canadian this becomes a serious rival to a dedicated digital tablet such as the Wacom.

I feel that we have only just begun to see the development of new and smarter software that can make our photographic lives even richer.