Skylum Software’s latest addition, the Luminar Neo GenExpand tool released on December 14, 2023, continues on a theme of anticipation and curiosity around Artificial Intelligence technology usage in the photography community. So does this new tool live up to the hype, and more importantly, is it a game-changer in the world of photo editing?
In this video, I did a deep dive into this new generative AI tool to bring you an in-depth review and overview. I tested it on a LOT of images so see what it could do.
Key takeaways from this Luminar Neo GenExpand review
- Internet connection required: GenExpand is an internet-dependent AI tool, requiring a connection for data processing. It works by sending information to the Skylum server and pulling new data back to use in your image.
- Access and qualifying for the update: This tool is available for Pro subscribers or Creative Journey pass holders, with necessary updates for older subscriptions (meaning if you have an older lifetime license you will need to pay for an update).
- Strengths and limitations: GenExpand excels in enlarging landscapes and simple patterns but struggles with detailed scenes, smooth areas (like the sky), and body parts like hands and faces.
- User tips and experimentation: The best results are achieved by making small, gradual expansions, and experimenting with different types of photos.
What is Luminar Neo GenExpand?
GenExpand is a generative AI tool in Luminar Neo designed to enlarge the canvas or edges of an image and intelligently fill in the gaps. It requires an internet connection for its AI to function, as it relies on retrieving data from the Skylum server.
Who can access GenExpand?
If you’re a Pro subscriber or own the Creative Journey pass of Luminar Neo, you’re in luck – the tool is available to you. However, those with older subscriptions or a lifetime subscription need to upgrade to access GenExpand.
NOTE: Skylum has just announced a new pricing structure for 2024. You can read about the details of it in the user guide, just CLICK HERE and view the chart below.
GenExpand in Action
My hands-on experience with GenExpand revealed its strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros
- Handling patterns: GenExpand excels in expanding images with repetitive patterns, like coffee beans in one photo I tested. The expanded sections blended seamlessly, making it hard to tell the difference.
- Landscapes and nature photos: It did a commendable job on landscapes, creating believable panoramas, although some areas appeared slightly painterly or out of focus upon closer inspection.
Cons
- Detail and texture Issues: Some expanded sections, especially skies, showed graininess and lack of sharpness. Other areas like trees lacked the detail of the original image.
- Complex scenes and body parts: The tool struggled with urban scenes full of intricate details and had a tough time accurately recreating body parts like hands, fingers, and toes – however, I did have some success with hands in two of the test images, and a cropped off top of the head.
NOTE: Overall this is true for all generative AI tools available including Photoshop’s. They are a bit hit-and-miss, sometimes return odd or bizarre results, and do not handle faces and body parts well at all. So don’t be too quick to fault Luminar Neo – this is new territory we’re in and this is Skylum’s first go at it with these new tools.
User experience
Operating GenExpand is pretty straightforward. It’s located in the right-hand panel of Luminar Neo, just below GenSwap in the catalog module. To use it, simply select an image, and you can either drag it onto the tool or click on the tool to open GenExpand. The interface is minimal, with a cropping box, a pull-down menu to resize, undo/redo, and a text prompt box.
Tips for best the results with Luminar Neo GenExpand
- Incremental expansions: Expand your images a bit at a time for better control and results.
- Experimentation is key: Different photos may respond differently, so it pays to experiment.
My Verdict
GenExpand is a valuable tool for specific scenarios like adding more space around a subject, filling in missing parts of a building, or extending backgrounds for studio work. However, it does have its limitations, particularly in handling complex textures and fine details.
However, having said that, I do think that of the three new generative AI tools in Luminar Neo, this is the one I (and many other photographers) am most likely to use.
Wishlist for future updates
- Aspect ratio guides: This would be helpful to maintain image proportions during expansion, or to alter the aspect ratio to something else standard like 16:9 or 4:5. Currently we have to just guess and crop after the fact.
- Multiple expansion options: Similar to Photoshop, an offering of various expansion results from which to choose each time would be really helpful and provide a better workflow.
- Panorama support: Improved functionality for stitching panoramic photos and filling in the gaps that often result.
Read also:
GenSwap versus GenErase versus GenExpand
Luminar Neo has introduced three groundbreaking tools: GenSwap, GenErase, and GenExpand. Each tool harnesses AI technology to enhance photo editing, but they differ in their specific functionalities and applications.
But how are they different, and when should you apply each? Let’s take a look.
Similarities
- AI-Driven: All three tools use AI technology to automate complex photo editing tasks.
- User-friendly: Designed for ease of use, they cater to both amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Creative flexibility: Each tool opens up new possibilities for creative photo manipulation.
- Subscription-based access: Access to these tools requires a Luminar Neo subscription or purchase of the Creative Journey Pass (note this will be eliminated in 2024, see above information on the new pricing and options).
Differences
| Feature/Tool | GenSwap | GenErase | GenExpand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Swaps or replaces elements in a photo | Removes or erases unwanted elements | Expands the canvas size and enlarges an image |
| Ideal Use | Creative replacements and addition of new elements | Decluttering images, removing distractions | Adjusting framing, adding background context |
| Complexity | Object selection (painting it in) and a text prompt are needed to use this tool | Easy to use, just paint over an element to be removed | Simple to use like a crop tool, just expand the outer edges of the image |
| Common Applications | Change or add objects, change or fix hair, and more | Removing signs, passersby, background clutter | Extending landscapes, adding space around the subject |
| Strengths | Versatile for creative changes | Simplifies the decluttering process | Useful for landscape and portrait framing |
| Limitations | May require precision and experimentation for believable results | Limited to removing rather than adding | Challenges in maintaining realism in expanded areas |
Practical uses
- GenSwap: A wedding photographer could use GenSwap to replace a cloudy sky in a photo with a sunny one, add a cloud to a plain sky, or add more flowers to a bouquet. A landscape photographer could use it to turn a rock into a frog, or vice versa.
- GenErase: Useful in street photography, where unwanted signs, trash, or passersby can be removed from the background. Can also be used to fill gaps in trees (white spots) in landscapes or portraits, remove a fence, and more.
- GenExpand: Expands a landscape photo to create a panoramic effect or adds more sky to the top of a portrait for artistic effect. Enlarge the image canvas size to provide more space around the subject in the case of a cut-off building apex, person’s head or foot, etc.
These tools represent a significant advancement in photo editing, making complex tasks simpler and more accessible. The use of AI not only speeds up the editing process but also opens up new creative avenues, allowing photographers to experiment and push the boundaries of traditional photography.
Luminar Neo GenExpand vs Photoshop Generative AI Photos
Final Thoughts
Skylum Software’s Luminar Neo’s GenExpand is a new AI tool released in December of 2023 for expanding the canvas of images. It can seamlessly handle patterns and landscapes, although it struggles with finer details and complex scenes. The tool requires an internet connection and is available to Pro subscribers or Creative Journey pass holders. It excels in adding extra space around subjects or filling in missing parts but requires patience for optimal results.
While it shows promise, it still competes with Photoshop’s generative AI in terms of effectiveness. In testing several images, I found that half the time Luminar Neo won the battle, and half the time it was Photoshop that was victorious. So for me, that proves the inconsistent nature of the technology.
GenExpand is indeed a step forward in AI-powered photo editing. While it may not be perfect, it opens up new possibilities for photographers and editors. Whether you find it indispensable or just another tool in your arsenal depends on your specific editing needs and expectations.
So, is this something you see yourself using? Let me know in the comments, and if you’re keen to learn more about photo editing, check out Luminar Neo: The Complete Course.
Cheers, happy editing!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.