LucisArt

TreesOfMyTime · #1 12-29-2007, 02:02 PM

I tried to post a reply to a thread with this subject, but it was old and the system preferred that I post a new thread.

This software has interested me for quite some time and I have yet to make the purchase. Now with the Intel Mac, it seems to be further from reach with the development of a new version of Pro and the question of the Mac base being so small, Running under Rosetta just limits things too much.

But I really would like to keep abreast of opportunities that I can take advantage of. I watch the LucisArt groups work on Flickr and I am enthralled by it.

I also have seen the work of a Portrait Photographer that uses LucisArt in his work. Obviously he uses very minimal amounts of certain features and it adds greatly to the outcome, Are there any tutorials around?

Does anyone here use it? The Flickr group is quite large.

Swampy · #2 12-29-2007, 02:40 PM

Don, lots of folks around here use Lucis. Like you, I've not purchased it yet although I don't have an intel Mac.

TreesOfMyTime · #3 12-30-2007, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swampy

Don, lots of folks around here use Lucis. Like you, I've not purchased it yet although I don't have an intel Mac.

What has kept you from making the move? Have you tried the download? (I sound like I have an interest in it, I don't). My understanding is that it was developed for scientific applications and photographers are a peripheral market.

Take a look at the Flick group site on LucisArt. I love the effects that they get.
My only worry is that, the images "may" not look as good as they do on the computer screen when they are blown up to the sizes you may prepare as Art pieces for sale.

Anyway, I would love to hear from anyone with experience with it.

Swampy · #4 12-30-2007, 06:43 AM

>>>What has kept you from making the move?

Saving my $$ for a new MacPro.

TreesOfMyTime · #5 12-30-2007, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swampy

>>>What has kept you from making the move?

Saving my $$ for a new MacPro.

Swampy:

Ahhh! Maybe you could get a deal from the %#&&** that stole my 17" MacBook Pro at a Photo Seminar in Woburn, MA in October. When I bought the new one to replace it, I went the extra $100 or so to buy Lojack. Now I almost wish someone would lift this one so I could see the expression on his/her face when they are apprehended.

Have you tried the LucisArt download? Do you have a Flickr account?

Swampy · #6 12-30-2007, 09:16 PM

Stole your MacBook Pro? OUCH!!

No, I don't have a flickr account, but I've seen the results of a lot of work done here in RetouchPRO to peak my interest in Lucis, I did try to install the demo, but it didn't work. It showed up in the filters, but everything was grayed out and I couldn't fiddle with it.

DannyRaphael · #7 12-30-2007, 09:31 PM

On the PC demo version, Lucisart plugin 'results' are only shown in the thumbnail window = it's real hard to make an informed assessment. Seems like it's real hit/miss. That's what I found before I sold the copy/transferred the license on the one I bought. Some people love this plugin; others who took the plunge gripe about cost/benefit.

I believe I read somewhere a new version of Lucisart is "in the works." Check the website for up-to-date details.

plugsnpixels · #8 12-31-2007, 12:28 AM

I'm one of those who has the full LucisArt (not LucisPro) and enjoys working with it (see some examples here and in my published work.

There will be some upgrade action this summer.

Also, professional photographers (which particular genre I'm not sure) tend to be the majority (90%) of LucisArt customers. Medical usage was Lucis' main roots (see the X-ray before-and-after on one of the links above), but it can be applied to a wide range of subjects from fine art to scenics to portraiture.

skydog · #9 12-31-2007, 05:49 AM

In the past, no one responded and said they had the Pro version. Does anyone out there own Pro. If so, what can the pro version provide that the basic version doesn't? Can you provide examples? Is it worth the significant upgrade cost?

TreesOfMyTime · #10 12-31-2007, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plugsnpixels

I'm one of those who has the full LucisArt (not LucisPro) and enjoys working with it (see some examples here and in my published work.

I've been in touch with Barbara from LucisArt and she indicates there will be some upgrade action this spring. I don't have additional details, but I expect more info when the time comes.

Also, she's told me in the past that professional photographers (which particular genre I'm not sure) tend to be the majority of her customers. Medical usage was Lucis' main roots (see the X-ray before-and-after on one of the links above), but it can be applied to a wide range of subjects from fine art to scenics to portraiture.

I would love to get LucisArt because I have downloaded the trial and I like the affects. However I have the Intel Mac and read from the website that they may not cover mac on the new full version because the user base is so small. At least that is what I think based on what I have read. I have sent an email to them a few years ago and again a few days ago, but have not got any response. Of course, I live about 15 minutes from Franklin, MA and I think that is where they are.

plugsnpixels · #11 01-01-2008, 04:11 AM

Don, I'm not seeing anything on the website about the upcoming Pro version not running on Macs. Instead, I read: "The Macintosh LucisArt Pro will work natively in Photoshop CS3 on the new Intel Macintosh computers."

You seem to have read, "It is also unlikely that LucisArt 2.1 will work in Photoshop Elements 5 on the Intel Macintosh computers when it is released unless you run Rosetta" and confused the existing 2.1 with the yet-to-be-released version of LucisArt Pro. I think this statement refers to Photoshop Elements "when it is released".

What remains to be seen is if there will be a lower price-point version for both Windows and Mac. I'll have to get clarification on that.

TreesOfMyTime · #12 01-01-2008, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plugsnpixels

Don, I'm not seeing anything on the website about the upcoming Pro version not running on Macs. Instead, I read: "The Macintosh LucisArt Pro will work natively in Photoshop CS3 on the new Intel Macintosh computers."

You seem to have read, "It is also unlikely that LucisArt 2.1 will work in Photoshop Elements 5 on the Intel Macintosh computers when it is released unless you run Rosetta" and confused the existing 2.1 with the yet-to-be-released version of LucisArt Pro. I think this statement refers to Photoshop Elements "when it is released".

What remains to be seen is if there will be a lower price-point version for both Windows and Mac. I'll have to get clarification on that.

I do want to get the Pro version, but the names are just a little confusing. I think I read that if I had a PC rather than an Intel Mac, I could buy the Pro version now and get the the Intel Mac version at no cost when it is issued.

If I get the LucisArt (limited) version now, I could get a $70 credit when the Intel version comes out. My only concern is that the company seems to be "not too customer friendly", but I may be wrong. It is Just an impression that I get reading between the lines, but then I am suspicious of many Corporations.

Having said all this, I do want it!

plugsnpixels · #13 01-01-2008, 12:06 PM

I'm awaiting some clarification (though it's a holiday today), but I wouldn't say ICT is "not too customer friendly"--but rather professional and no-nonsense ;-). Their policies are laid out plainly and LucisArt pirates get what they deserve, and then some (at least on Windows)! The owner, Barbara, encourages customers and website visitors to call her with questions during her business hours (508-346-3491 [US toll free 866-714-4236] or by e-mailing sales@imagecontent.com).

I'll post more info as I'm able, both here and on my website/ezine. In the meantime, we can read what's available on the LucisArt website and make our conclusions:

"It is important to back up the LucisArt demo software as old LucisArt demo software will not be posted once the new LucisArt Pro software is released" seems to mean the product line is going to be simplified upon the release of the new LucisArt Pro, though the current two products are pretty straightforward (other software developers tend to have a whole line of products I can never keep straight!).

However, the old versions of LucisArt should keep working, of course, just as they do now, provided you keep a safe copy. The only bugaboo is Photoshop CS3 and a change of processor platform on the Mac (PPC to Intel), which complicated a lot of plug-in and other software use anyway, and even that has a simple workaround which I have confirmed (Rosetta).

TreesOfMyTime · #14 01-01-2008, 01:01 PM

Thank you. Anything you can add will help greatly. I guess I just need an intelligent path forward from where I am. I have the trial of LucisArt downloaded, I use an Intel Mac and I want to get the Native operating Pro product when it comes out.

And I prefer not to waste more $$$ than I have to . . . . or should. Your coupon offering certainly lessens the "sting".

Best of the New Year to you and Yours!