Post-Processing Power: Super Software for Stills and Motion

November 7, 2016

By Theano Nikitas

Anthropics PortraitPro Body  
If you like what PortraitPro can do for faces, you’re going to love PortraitPro Body. Whether you want to add (or slenderize) curves, bulk up muscles or quickly eliminate skin imperfections, there’s an intuitive slider tool to handle it. And, there are enough facial tools to tweak the basics, too. Go for the Studio version, with its standalone and plug-in options—as well as RAW support. It’s well worth the few extra dollars. Prices range from $80 (Standard/standalone only) to $120 (Studio).
portraitprobody.com

Alien Skin Exposure X2
Alien Skin has upped its game yet again with the release of Exposure X2. In addition to a histogram and a spot healing tool, the latest version of Exposure provides efficient metadata searching, along with improved export naming and re-sizing options. A history panel keeps track of all your edits and wedding photographers will love the new faded presets.
Price: $149; $99 (upgrade)
www.alienskin.com

Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Adobe made some impressive updates to Premiere Pro earlier this year, including a number of timesaving options for improved workflow speed. In addition to being able to edit during import, you can also create low-res proxies to avoid potential logjams caused by 4K video files. Expanded file format support includes RED Weapon and, for those of you into VR, you can now view, edit and output VR files. And that’s just touching the surface of what you’ll find in the latest version of this high-end video-editing program. $20/monthly subscription.
adobe.com

Corel AfterShot Pro 3 
Part photo editor, part RAW conversion tool, Corel’s AfterShot Pro 3 offers a lot of features, including frequently updated RAW file support, for a minor financial investment. Beyond its attractive RAW features, AfterShot Pro 3 offers a Lens Correction Development kit to create custom lens correction profiles, great watermarking options, a blemish removal tool, improved highlight recovery and the ability to download plug-ins and presets. It’s fast, too.
aftershotpro.com

DxO Optics Pro 11  
DxO didn’t skimp when updating its excellent RAW converter and image-processing software. Noise reduction capabilities have been improved with smoother bokeh, better shadow details and faster processing. You’ll also find simulated spot weighted metering that works very well with face detection. Lots of other intelligent features include auto microcontrast to enhance fine details as well as better midtone preservation, to name just a few improvements. Look for more responsive sliders, too. Prices range from $129 (Essential) to $199 (Elite).
dxo.com


Fundy Designer v7 Album Design and Studio Sales Software  
Fundy’s updated Album Design tools provide the perfect balance of automation and creative control. Taking into account various parameters such as star ratings and keywords, and providing a Quick Design Picker, this software makes short work of creating unique albums. New sales tools help you sell your album in person or online via video. Create client order invoices, online design proofs, wall art and social media marketing tools from within Fundy Designer v7. A free trial is available at the website. Prices range from $249 to $499.
fundydesigner.com