Exclusive Interview with Skylum CEO Ivan Kutanin
Jan 21, 2025
Following our popular interviews with Trey Ratcliff and Jim Nix, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to talk with Ivan Kutanin, Skylum CEO, about the incredible developments at Skylum. From exciting new releases to major rebranding efforts, here’s an inside look at what’s been happening at Skylum and what we can expect in the future.
A Landmark Year for Skylum
2024 has been a monumental year for Skylum, marked by numerous updates, upgrades, rebranding, and the release of new software. One of the most significant achievements was the launch of Luminar Mobile. Available on iOS devices including iPad, iPhone, and even the Apple Vision Pro, this move signifies Skylum's venture into the mobile platform, a space traditionally dominated by desktop applications.
"This year was a big one for us," Ivan shared. "Our team did an amazing job bringing Luminar Mobile to life, allowing us to extend our innovative photo editing tools to mobile users."
Reflecting on Luminar Neo's Journey
Since its release in 2022, Luminar Neo has evolved tremendously. Ivan reflected on the software’s journey, highlighting its transition from a messy start to winning awards as the most favored photo editor for enthusiasts.
"Luminar Neo is now in a much better shape," Ivan said. "We’ve received a lot of positive feedback, and we’re excited to introduce more improvements in the coming year."
What’s Next for Luminar Neo?
Looking ahead to 2025, Ivan revealed plans for two major updates to Luminar Neo. These updates will focus on enhancing performance and integrating more seamlessly with both macOS and Windows operating systems.
"In 2025, we’re focusing on making Luminar Neo faster and even more user-friendly," Ivan explained. "We have some exciting features that have been in development for years, which will finally be integrated into the product."
The Inspiration Behind Luminar Neo’s Rebranding
2024 also saw a significant rebranding for Luminar Neo. Ivan described the inspiration behind this transformation, emphasizing the central theme of light, which is fundamental to both photography and the Luminar brand.
"Our design team wanted to bring our brand closer to the essence of light," Ivan said. "We think of our products as stars in our Milky Way, with Luminar Neo being the brightest star in our ecosystem."
Ivan’s Favorite Luminar Neo Tools
As a photography enthusiast, Ivan shared his favorite Luminar Neo tools, including Structure AI and Enhance AI, which he finds particularly useful for drone and night sky photography.
"Structure AI is my go-to tool for its precision in enhancing details," Ivan noted. "I also love using creative tools like adding haze and mist to make images pop."
The Journey of Luminar Mobile
Skylum’s return to the mobile platform with Luminar Mobile was a strategic move, leveraging their expertise in mobile applications. Ivan explained that the goal was to maintain the professional quality and innovation Skylum is known for, even on mobile devices.
"Luminar Mobile is about editing on the go," Ivan said. "It’s designed to complement Luminar Neo, allowing users to edit on their phones or tablets and continue on their desktops."
Find out more about Luminar NEO here.
Future of Luminar Mobile
As for what’s next, Ivan mentioned that RAW editing on mobile is one of the most requested features and is expected to roll out early next year. Skylum also plans to release an Android version, expanding the accessibility of Luminar Mobile.
"Our mobile platform is still young but very powerful," Ivan said. "We’re committed to adding more functionality and making it even better."
Introducing Aperty: Skylum’s Newest Challenge
Finally, we discussed Skylum’s latest product, Aperty, a professional portrait photo editing software. Ivan described Aperty as a challenge for Skylum, aimed at providing powerful tools for users who manage large volumes of images.
"Aperty is about delivering professional-grade features," Ivan explained. "We’re focused on optimizing and expanding its capabilities, and the feedback so far has been very positive."
Find out more about Aperty here.
Conclusion
Skylum is set to continue its trajectory of innovation and excellence. With exciting updates and new products on the horizon, 2025 promises to be another transformative year for the company.
