He suggests making global changes in LR to get the image as close as you can, then take it into Photoshop. Here are my notes from the workshop:
• Get the image pretty good in ACR/Lightroom before going to Photoshop
• Run the percept tool to change luminance to luminosity (works for color images as well)
• Mode -> 32 bit (avoids clipping)
• Copy BG if want result on a new layer, or run the script– check if it runs in 32-bit on Vista 64; puts result on a new layer, adds dialog box percept effect, gamma, and saturation (for color) - script probably won't work on Vista 64-bit
• Filter/George DeWolfe / percept tool
• Wait, is very, very slow
• Mode -> 16bit
• Exposure try 0.14 – 0.28
• Gamma for blacks, try 1.02 – 1.05
• New adjustment layer, Gradient Map
• Adjust opacity of Gradient Map until contrast looks right, try 23%
In LR he does convert to BW, but note the tool works on color images (we had the best-looking group photo out of the workshop I've ever seen; the staffer said he ran the PercepTool on it).
Hope this helps,
- susan
Thanks for the reply. I'm on a PC too and waiting.
In terms of work flow, where did he have you applying it? Since he's a LR user (as am I) is he doing the basic conversion to B&W, then exporting the image (RAW or TIFF?) into CS4 for the PercepTool edit? I assume doing a curves adjustment after that doesn't mess anything up that the plug-in achieved.
Any info on how one would use the thing is appreciated!
Phil