For contrast masking in PS, check here (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2147).

Duplicate layer.
Desaturate: Colors>colorize>Hue, 0; Saturation, 0
Invert: Colors>Negative image
Gaussian blur: Effects>Blur>Gaussian (r>5)
Set blend mode to overlay
Reduce opacity of layer if necessary

Changing the blend mode to overlay before blurring allows you to see the effect of changing the radius.

OoOOoOoooo.... Very nicely said! And nifty effect too...
I always wondered what masking a layer did ;)

Many thanks BigAl......fantastic tip! Just tried it and loved it.

Have a good day.

:thumbsup:

Glad you found it useful (and I'm happy to see folks still look thru the old threads :))