Announcing the NEW & IMPROVED Aurora HDR 2019!

My favorite HDR software just got a BIG upgrade!

I’ve been a big Aurora HDR fan since the original version was introduced a few years ago. Each year it gets better and better and this new version is no exception. Aurora HDR 2019 makes it easier than ever to create natural, realistic high dynamic range photographs and works brilliantly with bracketed image sets and single exposures.

>> Save $10 on Aurora HDR 2019 with promo code ANGANDRIEUX <<

What’s New (or Improved) in Aurora HDR 2019?

Aurora HDR 2019’s most notable new and improved features include:

• NEW Quantum HDR Engine
• LUT Support with 11 new integrated LUTs
• Photoshop plugins support
• NEW Smart Structure Filter for realistic and artifact-free structure
• IMPROVED Adjustable Gradient Filter with new sliders for Shadows and Highlights
• IMPROVED HDR Details Boost

AI-powered Quantum HDR Engine

The new Quantum HDR Engine is magic for both single exposures and merged brackets. It harnesses the power of artificial intelligence reducing burned-out colors, loss of contrast, noise, unnatural lighting such as halos, and unstable deghosting.

The Quantum HDR Engine has taken three years to create within Skylum’s AI lab, and contains the vast knowledge of their development team paired with artificial intelligence to bring you seamless HDR editing, be it with a single image or multiple bracketed shots.

Skylum’s developers tested thousands of bracketed shots through a neural network, and used the results to develop the technology needed for creating incredible HDR photographs – whether it’s real estate, landscape, cityscape or any other type of HDR photography.

I tested the new engine on both single exposures and bracketed sets and both were impressive. However, it was the results on the single exposures that blew me away! Check out the results below.

Single Exposure Magic

Single Exposure | Before (top) and After (bottom) Aurora HDR 2019

I told you it was magic, right? I did NOTHING except open the image in Aurora HDR 2019. What you see on the bottom is the default. 

Quick. Easy. Amazing.

Tack-Sharp Alignment + Flawless Deghosting

Next, we’ll take a look at some bracketed images. I chose this set, not for their artistic merit (um, none IMHO – just a vacation snapshot) but to show the power of the Alignment and Deghosting options.

I captured this bracketed set of three exposures handheld in San Francisco. It was mid-day (harsh light) and crowded, as popular spots often are.

Aurora HDR 2019 Bracket Merge Settings

This scene had a lot of movement. It was windy so the trees were moving, and there are a bunch of people in the park, most of whom were on the move.

Let’s check out this screenshot of the trees, zoomed in to 100%:

Lots of detail, and no evident ghosting.

Next, we’ll take a look at the deghosting of moving people as well as the alignment of the architecture in the background (also zoomed to 100%):

As you can there is no obvious ghosting and everything is lined up as it should be. With so many moving parts (trees, people) I didn’t expect the results to be this good, but Aurora HDR 2019 did a great job!

The Results

I made a few small edits on this image to add contrast and enhance the colors. Here is the Before/After view in Aurora HDR 2019:

Before/After Screenshot in Aurora HDR 2019

And here is the final photograph:

The Final Photo

What do you think?

Free 14 Day Trial + Pricing

Ready to add Aurora HDR 2019 to your workflow? Make sure you use my coupon code ANGANDRIEUX to save $10 on your purchase.

• Current Users can upgrade for $59 ($49 w/ my coupon code)
• New Users can purchase for $99 ($89 w/ my coupon code)

Not sure yet? Click here to try Aurora HDR 2019 free for 14 days.

>> Save $10 on Aurora HDR 2019 with promo code ANGANDRIEUX <<

System Requirements

It is worth noting that processing HDRs requires a reasonably powerful computer. Please make sure your computer meets the minimum recommended specifications before purchasing:

Aurora HDR 2019 Mac Recommended System Requirements

• Apple Mac devices: MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Mac Pro, Mac mini
• Processor: Intel 64-bit Core 2 Duo or better
• Memory: 8 Gb RAM or more
• OS X: High Sierra 10.13.6, Sierra 10.12.5, El Capitan 10.11.5, Yosemite 10.10.5
• Hard disk: 3 Gb free space, SSD for best performance
• Display: 1280×768 size or better
• You can check your system specifications and hardware by choosing  > About this Mac 

Aurora HDR 2019 Windows Recommended System Requirements

• Windows-based hardware
• PC with mouse or similar input device
• Open GL 3.3 or later compatible Graphics Cards 
• Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
• Memory: 8 Gb RAM or more
• OS: Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 8.1 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Hard disk: 3 Gb free space, SSD for best performance
• Display: 1280×768 size or better
• You can check your system specifications by opening Settings and clicking About 

Questions?

If you have any questions about Aurora HDR (or any of the Skylum applications) please don’t hesitate to comment below or contact me directly. I’m always happy to help!