After several years of availability, the current version of the popular LucisArt plug-in will cease to be available as of May 8. It will be replaced later in the summer with the new advanced LucisArt Pro plug-in, aimed at professional photographers.

See this page (http://www.plugsandpixels.com/lucisart.html) for details.

$595 for a Photoshop plug-in? They must be kidding!

I've asked the question a few times and never got an answer...has anyone tried the current pro version? If so, what comparision can you make, if any, to the less expensive plug in? Will the new pro version do anything different compared to the currentl pro version or even current plug in version. Please..who ever is the first to buy the $595 plug in please show me your $595 results...

Of course that is the first question to ask! I have discussed this pricing with the developer and her experience with working pros (wedding and portrait photographers) indicates that the unique LucisArt-type effects set them apart from what home users and other competitors are able to do, and as such the purchase price is worth it to them.

Real-life examples I was given include studios boosting print sales immediately after incorporating LucisArt into their workflow, in which case the purchase price becomes negligible. Again, this new version, with better specs than the current (16-bit support, etc.) is not targeted at the home user but is very attractive to the working pro.

skydog, check the link below for the technical details. For both Windows and Mac users there are advantages, but especially to Mac users (for starters, LucisArt Pro will be Intel-native, unlike LucisArt classic).

Clients and customers want something besides straight, unprocessed shots (consider the current goo-ga over the "Dave Hill effect", for which LucisArt seems to be the next best thing besides the actual technique he uses. And this is but one of thousands of effects you can create with a flick of the sliders).

Studios can spend hours creating popular post-shoot portrait effects with Painter (and some do), but this is not time-effective for most. LucisArt can create its effects almost immediately, and of course can be combined with other techniques for even more customized results.

As time goes by I'll be posting some examples created with the new version of LucisArt Pro on the Plugs 'N Pixels website (http://www.plugsandpixels.com/lucisartpro.html).

$595 is a lot to pay for something that is turning out to be an overused fad...

"set them apart from what home users and other competitors are able to do" - yeah sets them apart alright

I personally haven't engaged in the Dave Hill frenzy but there seem to be a lot of members here who have an interest in it, judging by the huge thread here (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/photo-retouching/17897-demystification-dave-hill-let-s-all-help.html?highlight=dave+hill) ;-).

But that particular effect is but one blip along the LucisArt continuum, so if it's not your style, no problem, keep the sliders moving.

Here's a quick portrait-type example of the extreme range of LucisArt, from "Dave Hill gone wrong" to something much softer (unretouched original at top). Moving from one effect to the next takes seconds.

Next, a before-and-after LucisArt Pro shot from the Luxor in Vegas (simple single-channel processing, followed by a shot from the Kimberly-Clark mansion in Redlands, CA (original, single and exaggerated color three-channel processing).

These examples were done with the pre-release core of LucisArt Pro (Windows version, running under Parallels on a MacBook). When we get closer to the actual release, I'll post an unretouched image followed by the LucisArt Pro effect version, and we can have a fun challenge to see who can duplicate the LucisArt effect in Photoshop or with other non-Lucis methods.

When we get closer to the actual release, I'll post an unretouched image followed by the LucisArt Pro effect version, and we can have a fun challenge to see who can duplicate the LucisArt effect in Photoshop or with other non-Lucis methods.

Heh.

Where will this challenge be posted? In a sub-forum here?

Probably on this same thread.

For those of you who are NAPP members there is an 8-page "Dave Hill" thread (http://www.photoshopuser.com/members/forum/showthread.php?t=13011) over there too, FWIW!

I bought the plug-in in summer 2006. At that time, when asking the developer a few questions, via email prior to my purchase, I remember her remarking that the plug-in was a well-guarded secret among some photographers and she wished the secret would get out ( not verbatim). Looks like her wish has come true. I do use the plug-in, however, end up masking the effect (especially in skin) adjusting Hue/Sat and adding additional adjustment layers to get the final effect. It is a great tool, but not a magic wand... but what is?
~Nancy

www.PhotoArt123.com


BTW: Although I would love all of you to hit one of my sites (please do) just for ranking, many of you who understand the value of SEO realize the value of a non-reciprocal link to A 7/10 PR site; retouchpro.com. All of the resources here and invaluable help (both solicited and non-solicited alike... from talent and lurkers alike, lol) and sometimes just helping makes you feel good (and now you're saying - OMG she is such a girl; you who think that: SHUT UP) "Plus" the advantage of a non-reciprocal link to your site should give you a reason to become a "Patron" to this site. SO JUST DO IT AND CONTRIBUTE!!! Help keep this site funded. Whatever your reasons for being here; it benefits you to help. Just my 2 cents.
__________________________________

www.PhotoArt123.com

Updated information just released by the developer:

1) The old LucisArt user interface will not be included in LucisArt Pro (http://www.plugsandpixels.com/lucisart.html). The new user interface is easier to use than the current version of LucisArt. While the approach to accomplish the various effects is a little different, LucisArt Pro can do everything the current LucisArt can do (and more).

2) The Mac version of LucisArt Pro will only run on Intel-based Macs, while the Windows version will run on Windows XP service pack 3 and Windows Vista service pack 1.

3) Both the Windows and Mac versions of LucisArt will require Photoshop CS3 or Photoshop Elements 6.

The sale deadline for LucisArt classic (http://plugsandpixels.com/lucisart.html) has been extended to May 9, 3pm EST (due to heavy traffic at the developer's website).

For those of you who own Lucis Art...if you don't have it...download and SAVE a copy of the file and your access code. If you happen to have a computer crash it looks like you will not get support.
I'm begining to wonder if this is more about marketing and price vs improved technology. I'm not aware of any other plugn at this price.
Plugnpixels...have you become an paid agent of the developer?

ICT (the developer of LucisArt) is one of about 32 developers that help support my website (covering hosting and registration as well as time/labor expenses), keeping site access free, without need for visitor registration and absent of Google ads and the like. Nevertheless, I actually bought my copy of LucisArt because I really like what it does ;-).

I spoke with the developer about my concerns over the new LucisArt Pro pricing scheme (which is not actually entirely new, because Lucis Pro has cost nearly as much all these years–$495, IIRC), and between her needing to recoup steep development costs and considering her professional/commercial target audience who consider Lucis effects a valuable selling tool, the price is what it is.

LucisArt Pro will be the first time this level of technology has been included in a plug-in version. The Windows-only Lucis Pro had advanced specs but was standalone-only. LucisArt and its presets/buttons was derived from Lucis Pro (a "lite" version if you will). LucisArt Pro also introduces a 16-bit workflow, Windows Vista, Intel Mac and cross-platform Photoshop CS3 support, a larger preview (etc.), all for the first time, so I would call it "improved technology".

The upcoming challenge I described elsewhere (pitting LucisArt Pro against Photoshop and other third-party plug-ins) is intended to help determine whether the cost is justified, so it should be an interesting exercise.

For those of you who own Lucis Art...if you don't have it...download and SAVE a copy of the file and your access code. If you happen to have a computer crash it looks like you will not get support.
I'm begining to wonder if this is more about marketing and price vs improved technology. I'm not aware of any other plugn at this price.
Plugnpixels...have you become an paid agent of the developer?

I think that I read that this site had a financial connection, however small. The discount shows that. NAPP obviously has a similar relationship.

When I had questions about Lucis Art, Plugsnpixels was pretty straight forward about things with me. It was great to get a response to my questions, because Barbara at Lucis never seemed to answer emails. Having said that, when I called her, She was forthcoming and helpful and after the info from Plugnpixels and Barbara's resonse, I bought Lucis Art.

And based on what I can predict, I will buy the new Pro version (Intel based for Mac). I have to admit though, that the companies non human "persona" seems "Dickensian"

Hi Don, I think what you're seeing with Barbara is a sole-proprietor running her business singlehandedly (and I think she's involved with other ventures besides developing LucisArt), and sometimes it gets to be too much for one person. That would explain the delayed email responses, but phone support is conducted during scheduled times.

But this particular time period is one of transition for her (ending sales of LucisArt/Lucis Pro and developing LucisArt Pro, with a needed vacation thrown in), so she is going to prefer email-based correspondence (http://www.lucisart.com/pContact.htm) beginning at the end of this month.

Hi Don, I think what you're seeing with Barbara is a sole-proprietor running her business singlehandedly (and I think she's involved with other ventures besides developing LucisArt), and sometimes it gets to be too much for one person. That would explain the delayed email responses, but phone support is conducted during scheduled times.

But this particular time period is one of transition for her (ending sales of LucisArt/Lucis Pro and developing LucisArt Pro, with a needed vacation thrown in), so she is going to prefer email-based correspondence (http://www.lucisart.com/pContact.htm) beginning at the end of this month.

Yes, I am looking forward to the new product and I hope that those more creative types here, might contribute a good tutorial to the Forum.

Is there any way to find the now discontinued version of Lucis Art for a Mac? Is any vendor still selling it?

And I'm also wondering if the old version will work on an older Mac running 10.5.2 on a PowerPC G4 platform.

Excuse the ignorance in a few of these questions. I'm hoping some of you pros will take the time to help a relative newbie.

Hi Stephen,

The only authorized seller has discontinued sales, but if you had that version, yes, it would run under Photoshop CS3 in Leopard 10.5.2 on a PowerPC G4, no problem. That's how I run it at home.

THANK YOU for the fast reply.

Too bad it is so sad!

I have the machinery, but no where to access the software.

Always a day late and a dollar short, I guess.

I am a professional photographer, but I think the new price is too much for a plug-in. I do have the older version and have been deeply disappointed with the lack of tutorials and how to information available. I just found this site, so perhaps that will help. However, I will continue to use the old version until the price comes down. I do like the effects and relative ease. That is almost as much as the whole version of Photoshop or Painter X. Since you must have Photoshop in order to use Lucisart, to make a plug-in almost the same price as the program is a bit much. Or how about offering a special price for people who already have Lucisart? An upgrade amount?

I doubt that you will see a price reduction. As I understand it, the program was made for its main market, the medical technology industry and it is also being used in forensics. If that primary segment of a market will pay the price, there is not much chance of a price reduction.

My understanding is that there may be a small ($70 or so) discount available to those upgrading to the new full version if their original purchase came within some time frame. Plugsnpixels maybe able to add to this.

I would love to see our segment of the market begin to contribute to a tutorial to raise the level of "use effectiveness" of the photographic community, but not much has been published from what I have seen.

Last I heard from the developer, new LucisArt Pro customers and those who purchased any LucisArt product before January 1, 2007 will be eligible for a $60 discount when using the "plugsnpixels" discount code. I believe there will also be a discount (direct from the developer) of a similar amount for currently registered users who purchased after January 1, 2007 who upgrade.

These discounts are separate and do not overlap/cannot be combined.

I also understand Lucis Pro 6 will be offered in the near future. That is the standalone version of LucisArt Pro.

Once development of the upcoming versions advances, I plan on creating some useful tutorials explaining the new Lucis software.

Word is just out that the new name for the upgrade will be "Lucis Pro 6.0 (http://www.plugsandpixels.com/lucisartpro.html)".

ICT (the developer of LucisArt) is one of about 32 developers that help support my website (covering hosting and registration as well as time/labor expenses), keeping site access free, without need for visitor registration and absent of Google ads and the like. Nevertheless, I actually bought my copy of LucisArt because I really like what it does ;-).

I spoke with the developer about my concerns over the new LucisArt Pro pricing scheme (which is not actually entirely new, because Lucis Pro has cost nearly as much all these years–$495, IIRC), and between her needing to recoup steep development costs and considering her professional/commercial target audience who consider Lucis effects a valuable selling tool, the price is what it is.

LucisArt Pro will be the first time this level of technology has been included in a plug-in version. The Windows-only Lucis Pro had advanced specs but was standalone-only. LucisArt and its presets/buttons was derived from Lucis Pro (a "lite" version if you will). LucisArt Pro also introduces a 16-bit workflow, Windows Vista, Intel Mac and cross-platform Photoshop CS3 support, a larger preview (etc.), all for the first time, so I would call it "improved technology".

The upcoming challenge I described elsewhere (pitting LucisArt Pro against Photoshop and other third-party plug-ins) is intended to help determine whether the cost is justified, so it should be an interesting exercise.

Many users develop a usable formula that really helps sell more portraits and other images. But since there are no clear cut published suggestions for use, it is generally a time consuming process.

Once those formulas are achieved, there is a natural resistance to "hang on" and not share since it was "hard earned. That really goes aginst the spirit of these kinds of sites, but like LucisArt, "it is what it is"!

If it sells well in its new form, perhaps a small group like this can start out sharing 1 to 1 and then spread knowledge to the greater community as trust is built that "many minds trump an individual one".

I bet the price drops when no one buys it or piracy gets a hold of it.

How many Medical imagers are there out there anyway?

Don, my goal is to fill the void and get some Lucis Pro tutorials going once I get ahold of the final release. Perhaps some artists in the past have wished to keep their LucisArt technique secret to protect print sales, but that's their decision. We don't need to maintain that approach here.

smak, details are forthcoming, but piracy is going to be made quite a bit harder... And it's not the medical imagers who are the main audience (though Lucis is great for revealing detail in X-rays), but portrait/wedding studios. And fine artists, I would think.

I received this email today...just thought I'd pass it on....


Well I am back. This is the first Image Content Technology (ICT) News Email. You have been sent this email because you either asked to join the ICT Email list or you bought ICT software. Please accept my apologies if you do not wish to receive ICT news. There are links at the end of this email to remove your name from the distribution list so you will not be bothered again.

This e-mail will be short. More news will be e-mailed later this week.

Thank you:
ICT has been in business over 11.5 years. I started by selling the Windows Lucis software. The I sold LucisArt for over 7.5 years. Most of you are ICT customers. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you. My installed base of customers is not large. So I have spoken with many of you and had some great conversations. Your support has not only kept me in business, it has made me very happy in my work. I especially love seeing the great art that you create using LucisArt. You inspire me. Thank you.

I apologize for these frustrating times.
I have stopped selling LucisArt yet I have not started selling the new software yet. So this is a difficult and frustrating time. Everything is taking me so much longer than I had originally planned. The new web pages are not up yet. I know you have a lot of questions. The new software is very powerful so I am developing a lot of web content- processed images and usage tips. I am making this new web site as easy to navigate as possible. Given my workload it is hard for me to respond to phone calls and emails with questions about the new software. So I am asking for your help. Please wait a little longer for the new web site. It will answer all your questions. Plus now that I have this email service I will communicate with you more.


Name change for the new plug-in software.
I am not going to be calling the new Adobe Photoshop Plug-in software LucisArt Pro. I will be calling it Lucis Pro 6.0. The new plug-in software fully implements the Lucis algorithm. Therefore it is more similar to Lucis Pro 5.0 than it is to LucisArt. LucisArt was implemented with just a handful of presets developed from Lucis Pro 5.0. You will be surprised to see how much more Lucis Pro 6.0 can do than LucisArt. Plus Lucis Pro 6.0 will be as easy to use as LucisArt. (I find Lucis Pro 6.0 to be easier to use than LucisArt. But you have to get used to the new user interface. I will post a User's Guide that shows you how to get the old LucisArt effects using the new Lucis Pro 6.0.)

Schedule so far:
- Post new www.lucispro.com web site and e-commerce site by 8/1/2008.
- Beta Lucis Pro 6.0 software will be available the last week of July.
- Hold a Pre-release sale of Lucis Pro 6.0 from 8/11 to 8/17. $50 savings if you buy Lucis Pro 6.0 that week.
- Start shipping Lucis Pro 6.0 software 8/18.

I will email you if there are changes to this schedule.

Lucis Pro 6.0 computer requirements:

Macintosh: An Intel Macintosh computer with Adobe Photoshop CS3 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.

Windows: A Windows XP or Vista computer with Adobe Photoshop CS3 or Adobe Photoshop Elements 6. However the Windows version may work on earlier versions of Photoshop and Elements. That remains to be tested.

Cross platform: Lucis Pro 6.0 will run on both an Intel Macintosh computer or a Windows XP or Vista computer so you will be able to switch platforms as you need to.

That is all for now. I will send another news update later this week.

Barbara is good people. And she works hard to ensure a quality product that gets good results. Its a shame that she is solo with this (aside from the engineers of course) but she has ensured that the plugin has gotten excellent accolades because of all her hard work. I wish the newer version a lot of success. If it is anything like the previous pro version, that will only be the case despite the high price tag.

Chris