Can I install plug-ins into Photoshop LE?

[eddie]

In the DPR forum, Nadim had posted "Contrast Masking Technique" http://www.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=911535&query=contrast+mask
where he provided a link to a PS atn file (plug-in?)
I tried following instructions in the PSLE help documents but was not successful. Can anyone tell me if PSLE allows installation of 3rd party plug-ins? Or maybe someone can tell me if I am asking the right question in the first place.
I consider myself a serious Canon G1 user but am a novice in Photoshop LE or similar software.

[nadim]

Hi Eddie,

You are asking a very valid question.. Unfortunately, since I had already installed PS6, I didn't dare installing PS5LE to check your question.

Anyway, I looked at the userguide manual available on the PS5LE CD-ROM. Would you mind following these steps and let me know where it does not work ?

1. let's assume your image is on one layer to simplify. Open the layer window
2. duplicate the background layer . Now you should have two layers. Select the top most layer (i.e. the newly created one)
3. deselect the lowest layer, and hide it (click on the eye icon.. the eye should disappear)
4. Set the layer blending mode to "Overlay".. You can do this in the "Layer" window, right under the Layer Tab, or left of the opacity slider.
5. While the topmost layer is still selected, go to menu: image->adjust->Hue/Saturation. Move the saturation slider to the min.
6. Invert the image using image->adjust->invert
7. Apply the Gaussian blur of 15 to 20 radius... this is in the Filter->Blur->gaussian Blur menu

The goal is to create an inverted image in black-and-whilte, that would compensate the contrast (in opposite). The Overlay blending mode is what it make it work.

This should work in theory... but I haven't tried it with PS5LE. Would you mind letting me know if this works ?

Otherwise, PS5-LE accepts filter plug-ins, but not actions. What I published was an action. An action is a sequence of command, created within Photoshop. A plug-in is a third-party filter, usually developed using C/C++, or using the filter/factory language. Different approach.

Regards
nadim

[eddie]

Yes, Nadim, it works. Thank you for taking the time to provide detailed instructions.

It is always good to know the techniques that are available ... you never know when you might need them.

Thanks again.

Ed

Addendum: What I meant is that I followed your instructions but this had nothing to do with the contrast.atn, right?