Photoshop’s greatest threat?

Around from almost a decade, Skylum (formerly known as Macphun) produces the image editing software, Luminar. Billed as a complete photo editing solution, it offers smart filters powered by AI, custom workspaces, one-click looks, layers, and advanced masking. There’s also a Luminar plug-in for Lightroom. And if it’s going head-to-head on price with Photoshop, at just $99 to buy, it’s a rather compelling offering.

In order to help grow the business in the region, Skylum has taken on 500px founder, Evgeny Tchebotarev to become the new VP of Growth in Asia. Tchebotarev launched 500px back in 2004. With 500px for 14 years, he grew the photo-sharing service to a user base of 13 million photographers. The company has also brought a number of high-profile photographers on board as ambassadors, including Joel Grimes, who shot the amazing cover for our July/August edition. 

“I have always been inspired by what Evgeny has done for the community,” says Skylum CEO Alex Tsepko. “He has created the most innovative and user-friendly social platform for photographers. I believe that as a part of the Skylum team, Evgeny can do even more for creators around the globe. We have revolutionary plans, and it’s an honor to have such team players on board,” Tsepko says.

Tchebotarev says that Skylum is investing heavily in the future, with dedicated AI lab, machine learning experts, and a team of professional photographers dedicated to build better tools for photographers of tomorrow. “What’s important to me, is Skylum’s complete dedication to building great software, and providing exceptional value to photographers, all while building a real community of passionate photographers,” he says. “This strongly resonates with my personal and professional ambitions, and being able to do so in a highly competitive, fast paced, and unique market, such as Asia, is an additional challenge that I’m excited to take head on.”