Cross Processing

Cross Processing is a process that was once completed in the traditional dark room. Basically the effect was achieved by using the wrong chemicals. I have always liked this look, and seem to see it quite often used in advertising.

I had seen tutorials for this using PhotoShop CS however, I can't afford it. So for ages and ages I was looking for a way to create the same effects using PhotoShop Elements, and at long last I found this:

This is how to do it using PhotoShop Elements:

1. Create new adjustment layer. - using levels, choose red from the channel drop down box, and select the following values:

from left to right: 22 0.32 213 into the input level boxes

Then choose green from the channel drop down box, and select the following values:

from left to right: 36 1.45 231

Finally select blue and enter:

from left to right: 0 0.62 234

2. OK this, then right click on the background layer and chose duplicate layer. Move this layer to the top of the stack and then adjust hue/saturation. Select Saturation and move to +60. OK this.

3. Set the blending mode for this layer to hard light.

4. Select New Adjustment Layer> Photo Filter. From the filter list choose Cyan and drag the intensity slider to 89% and uncheck preserve luminosity. Click OK.

5. Set the blending mode for this layer to colour.

That is the basic technique, but you can use the burn and sponge tools to create more intensity of the colours.