You are close CEJ but not complete. I finally found the document I was referring to (a method not an action as per se) but lost the link that I got it from. I will print it here and I am sure the author won't mind as he threw this method out to the public. If anyone finds the original link for this document, please let me know and I will add it here.
LucisArt Filter Lookalike Method
Before applying the technique, it is necessary to download and install in your plugins folder, the following Photo Plugin's filters: High Pass Sharpening, Contrast Mask, and Local Contrast Enhancement. (While you are at it, you may want to download all of their free filters....I have found them to be useful) These filters may be downloaded here:
//www.photo-plugins.com/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=43
Following is my workflow:
1. Open your image and apply any pre-processing you might normally
do (Levels, USM, HSL, etc.).
2. Duplicate the background layer and name it "LucisArt look-alike". I
leave all settings at their default at this point.
3. If you have not already done so in your pre-processing, you should
adjust the lightness and contrast of the image (I use the "Clarify"
filter in PSP9)
4. Apply noise reduction to taste (again, I use PSP9 and the "Digital
Camera Noise Removal filter, with all settings around 50%)
5. Apply the Photo Plugins' "High Pass Sharpening" filter (adjust the
settings to your own taste). I used Range = 50; strength = 50 and
Hard Light. When applying the filter, be sure that the
"High Pass View" box is unchecked.
6. Apply the Photo Plugins' "Contrast Mask" filter; again adjusting the
settings to your own taste. (I used maximum settings) When applying the filter,
be sure that the "Contrast Mask Preview" box is unchecked.
7. Apply the Photo Plugins' "Local Contrast Enhancement" filter, using
your own settings. I used: Radius=100, Local Contrast Enhancement
= 10 and Blend with Original =200. When applying the filter, be sure that the
"Local Contrast View" box is unchecked.
8. Apply additional sharpening to taste.
9. Adjust the contrast to taste.
10. Adjust the layer opacity to get the desired effect ( generally, I use
around 40% - 50%).
11. Merge all layers and save.
That's all there is to it....very easy! Experiment with the settings of each
filter to achieve the effect that suits you best.
Good luck with the technique. I'm sure you will find that you can achieve results very similar to the LucisArt filter......I have! As with almost every technique, this one works better on some photos than others.
Should you wish, I could post some other examples using this technique.
Here is one: //alleyrat.smugmug.com/photos/92719995-L.jpg
Regards....
Allen
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