Capture One has started an open beta test of their upcoming major release, Capture One 16.7.
I’ve only just tried it out, but it’s a really impressive update that gives you a whole new level of layer control. I’ll be publishing the in-depth review when Capture One 16.7 is released, but for now, let’s go through the main new features.
Combine Masks
Firstly, you can now combine any masks. Literally any, including classic and AI masks. For example, you can subtract a subject mask from a gradient, which will remain active so that you can resize it if necessary.
Moreover, if you copy this layer to a new image, all the masks will adapt to it.
This allows you to create wild combinations, such as removing the subject from a linear gradient while keeping the iris, lips and eyebrow masks:
Or, using the Intersect tool, you can draw a gradient within a Subject mask borders:
To be honest, the variability of the layers is now so huge that I would need time to think that through properly. I have a feeling that, with the right approach, it could transform the entire image editing process, especially since you can save these layers as styles.
Clothes Masking
Capture One 16.7 introduces the ability to mask clothing as part of the People Masking tool.
And again, you can add, subtract and intersect the clothes mask with any other masks.
Hybrid Photography is Here
I’ve just recorded a 30-minute video of me working live with Nano Banana and Seedream 4:
You will learn how to:
- Transform studio portraits into on-location shots
- Replace background in a smart way
- Mix several objects into one image
- Visualize wedding photo shoots
I decided to show you the entire process so that you can see just how precise and reliable these new AIs are. It’s not just one useful generation out of 100. Over 95% of the generated images are high quality and ready for use.
And a friendly reminder that I’ll share all the prompts I use in this video and much more in the my upcoming online workshop:
The Art of Hybrid Photography:
Practical Generation with Nano Banana + Seedream 4
This 3-hour online workshop (with two short breaks) shows exactly how photographers can edit, generate and deliver hybrid photography using Nano Banana and Seedream 4.0.
By the end of the workshop, you will have working prompts, a repeatable hybrid workflow, and a 30-day plan to integrate this into your business.
- You will receive over 30 well-designed and well-thought-out prompts, and you will learn how to create professional prompts for any task.
- You will learn how to use Nano Banana and Seedream 4.0 for business headshots, family photography, weddings, e-commerce, and real estate photography.
- You will also discover how to gain unlimited access to these tools, including unlimited 4K generation, for just $24.50 per month!If you can’t attend the live stream, don’t worry — all workshop attendees will receive lifetime access to the workshop recording!
The live stream starts at 4:00 p.m. UTC. So, if you’re:
- in New York, it’s 12:00 p.m. (noon).
- in San Francisco, it’s 9:00 a.m.
- in London, it’s 5:00 p.m.
- in Berlin, it’s 6:00 p.m.
BONUS:
Free Access to Practical AI Video Course
In my course, Practical AI, I share a lot of real-life use cases for AI. If you sign up to my Art of Hybrid Photography workshop, you’ll get free access to this course. Here is what Capture One photographers are saying about Practical AI:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The AlexOnRaw Course on Practical AI is the best of many that I have watched.
For each section of each of the five parts in the course Alex provides concrete examples.”
Join the Workshop
Retouch Additions
The Retouch tab now has a whole bunch of new tools!
Neck Area Retouch
First, the neck area can now be retouched using the Blemish Removal and Even Skin tools.
Teeth Whitening
Secondly, you can now easy whiten teeth by adjusting their brightness and desaturation.
Eye Retouching
Finally, we now have a separate tool for eye enhancement:
Other Improvements
In addition to these major new features, Capture One 16.7 introduces several minor but useful improvements.
- You can now easily create and customise contact sheets.
- Capture One now supports HSL coordinate readouts.
- Capture One 16.7 also supports the PSB format.
I’ll be testing the 16.7 release further and will prepare a detailed overview of all the new features, so stay tuned!
