This week saw a monumental update to Adobe’s Photoshop, including the debut of its web version and the introduction of groundbreaking Neural Filters, signaling a new era in photo editing. Among these, the Landscape Mixer stands out, allowing users to transform landscapes through simple slider adjustments, altering the season or time of day with unprecedented ease and effectiveness.
Introducing Neural Filters
For those unfamiliar, Neural Filters are not immediately visible upon opening Photoshop but can be accessed by navigating to the Filter menu. These filters, once downloaded and activated, offer a range of effects that can be applied to images with a few clicks. Users have the option to apply filters in a variety of ways, including as a new layer, a masked layer, on the current layer, as a smart filter, or as a new document, with the smart filter option providing an editable, non-destructive method preferred by many.
Exploring the Landscape Mixer
The Landscape Mixer filter presents a selection of presets, depicted as thumbnails that give a rough idea of the potential outcomes. While outcomes vary based on the original landscape, the filter’s presets offer a close approximation. Users seeking more control can manually adjust parameters such as intensity, dusk, and seasons. Notably, the “Harmonize subject” option allows for the blending of the edited landscape with elements of a reference photo, providing a seamless integration of different environmental aspects.
Customization and Compatibility
After applying a preset, adjustments can still be made, and users can save their custom settings for future use. Additionally, the filter allows for the use of personal photos as the basis for new filters, enabling the application of specific seasonal and environmental effects to various landscapes. However, the filter’s performance may vary with more urban scenes, where elements such as roads and lamp posts can disrupt the intended natural effect.
The introduction of Neural Filters, particularly the Landscape Mixer, represents a significant advancement in photo editing technology, offering both professionals and hobbyists unprecedented creative control. While its utility in natural landscapes is evident, the potential for further development and refinement in urban settings suggests an exciting future for Photoshop’s capabilities.
