VSCO, the mobile photo editing app known for its film-inspired presets, is expanding its reach with the launch of VSCO Studio Pro, a desktop photo editor designed for professional photographers. This new software is a significant step for VSCO, as it marks a shift from a mobile-first approach to a more comprehensive photo editing solution. The app is currently available on iOS, with a desktop version set to arrive later this year, and it promises to revolutionize the way photographers edit and manage their photo shoots.
A Pro-Grade Photo Editor
VSCO Studio Pro is a powerful tool tailored for editing entire photo shoots, offering a range of features that cater to the needs of professional photographers. One of its key strengths is the ability to edit up to 100 photos at once using one-tap batch edits based on VSCO's popular film-inspired presets. This feature streamlines the editing process, allowing photographers to apply consistent looks to multiple images quickly.
In addition to batch editing, Studio Pro provides traditional tools for adjusting exposure, contrast, tone, and white balance. These tools can also be applied in batch mode, ensuring consistency across the entire photo shoot. The app's Style Match tool is another standout feature, enabling photographers to match the style of a reference photo to a new image, creating a cohesive look throughout the collection.
Missing Features and Future Plans
While VSCO Studio Pro is an impressive tool, it currently lacks some essential features that are expected in professional photo editing software. These include tools like aspect ratio adjustments, crops, auto leveling, clarity adjustments, bloom, halation, and curves. However, VSCO has announced plans to add these tools in future updates, ensuring that the software continues to evolve and meet the needs of its users.
The app also supports RAW file formats and direct import from camera SD cards, which are crucial for professional photographers. Additionally, the ability to cull photos by assigning star ratings will be introduced, providing a more organized and efficient workflow.
A Free-mium Model and Subscription Options
VSCO Studio Pro follows a free-mium pricing model, allowing users to access several tools for free. A monthly or annual subscription unlocks additional features and options, providing a comprehensive solution for professional photographers. The app is currently available on iOS, and the desktop version is expected to launch later this year.
VSCO One: A Suite of Professional Tools
As part of VSCO's upcoming suite of tools, VSCO One will bundle Studio Pro with other professional-grade software. This includes VSCO Workspace, a tool for organizing and booking clients, VSCO Galleries, and AI Lab. VSCO One will offer a comprehensive solution for photographers, covering everything from editing to invoices and galleries, and even providing business education resources.
The annual subscription for VSCO One is set to cost $499, with international pricing yet to be announced. This comprehensive suite of tools is expected to revolutionize the way photographers manage their work, offering a seamless and efficient workflow.
Conclusion
VSCO's expansion into desktop photo editing with Studio Pro and the upcoming VSCO One suite of tools is a significant development in the photo editing industry. By combining powerful editing capabilities with a user-friendly interface, VSCO is positioning itself as a serious competitor to established photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom and Capture One. As the app continues to evolve and add new features, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of professional photo editing.
