Summary
Julianne Kost introduces the new early access features in Lightroom Classic: assisted calling and auto stacking, designed to enhance productivity during photo import and organization. Assisted culling uses AI models to analyze portraits, automatically filtering images based on criteria like subject sharpness and eye focus. Users can adjust filter strictness and manually override AI selections. The tool helps quickly reject unwanted photos such as blurry shots, images with closed eyes, or documents.
Auto stacking organizes selected images by capture time or visual similarity. Assisted culling can be applied both during import and after in the library module. The feature runs locally on the device, ensuring offline functionality. Users can batch apply flags, ratings, and color labels to organize photos efficiently.
As an early access release, Adobe encourages feedback to improve accuracy and add features. Overall, these innovations streamline workflow and reduce manual culling time in Lightroom Classic.
Key Insights
- Assisted calling is available during import and post-import within the library module.
- The AI models focus on portraits of people, excluding animals like cats and dogs.
- Subject focus filter automatically sorts images by sharpness of the person in the photo.
- Eye focus filters reject images with blurry or closed eyes, with adjustable strictness.
- Manual override of AI decisions is possible via right-click on filter icons.
- Auto stacking can organize photos by capture time, visual similarity, or both combined.
- During import, users can exclude rejected images from being imported altogether.
- Batch actions allow applying flags, star ratings, color labels, or adding photos to collections.
- Assisted culling runs entirely on-device, no internet connection required.
- Early access status means features may evolve, with user feedback playing a crucial role.
Key Learning Points
- Assisted culling helps prioritize sharp and in-focus portraits, reducing manual sorting.
- The threshold sliders provide control over how strict or lenient the AI filters are.
- Rejecting images is especially useful for filtering out misfires, documents, or unusable shots.
- Eye-based filters help ensure photos with closed or out-of-focus eyes are excluded.
- Auto stacking improves organization by grouping photos closely related in time or appearance.
- Import filters can automatically apply star ratings and color labels using metadata presets.
- Users need to understand that auto stacking done during import does not persist after import.
- Catalog settings can be adjusted to analyze photos automatically or only when assisted calling is open.
- The technology is local, enhancing security and usability even without internet access.
- Providing feedback to Adobe helps refine AI model accuracy and feature development.
Conclusion
Lightroom Classic’s early access assisted culling and auto stacking are trans-formative features for photographers seeking faster, smarter culling and organization. By leveraging AI to assess portraits on sharpness and eye focus, Users save significant time otherwise spent manually filtering images.
The adjustable filters and manual overrides offer flexibility, while auto stacking enhances visual workflow organization. Running locally ensures accessibility without internet dependency.
As the technology is still evolving, user feedback is essential to refine and expand these tools.