Download this filter and unzip it into your plugin directory in a new folder called AAA.



This filter applies a custom convolution filter to your image. And it allows numerous adjustments to your convolution. The possibilities are unlimited. Here are some tips for using the filter.

1. Convolutions work on edges. They can blur, sharpen, enhance, and emboss. The 12 buttons on the right apply some preset formulas. Notice that when you click one of these buttons, the numbers in the 11 boxes change.

2. Click on Sharpen. Is the effect too strong? Click on the Reduce Effect button at the top of the filter. Click again. You can get very subtle image sharpening this way. If you want exaggerated sharpening, click on High Pass.

3. The Negative Effect button is the opposite of Reduce Effect. It adds the strength back to a sharpen or blur filter. Notice that each of these buttons changes the number in the center box (the Kernel) marked K and in the Divisor. Reduce Effect ADDS 4 to these two boxes. Negative Effect SUBTRACTS 4 from each. For even more subtle effects, you can add just 1 or 2 by typing in the boxes yourself.

4. Select the Kirsch convolution. Now click the Rotate button. Notice that the outside numbers in the box rotate clockwise. Watch the preview image as you do this. It rotates too. Rotate works best on embossing effects, but give it a try anytime the numbers that surround the kernel (these are called the neighbors) are asymmetrical. You may like the effect best, as I do, when the negative numbers are centered in the NW box.

5. Use the RANDOM button to check out other effects. This is a roll of the dice. If you like an effect, write it down for future use. You can enter any numbers you like in the boxes to come up with your own favorites. You could also click the Save button, which saves one effect for you. Click Load to use it later.

6. In the lower right corner of the filter you will find many ways to apply the filter. You can run it on all three channels -- red, green, and blue. Or you can turn one or two channels off.

7. Try out the filters with the alternate modes as well. Click on Difference and then try the buttons. Do the same with Lighten and Darken. The changes these modes make are enormous.

8. Check Invert to get the negative of what's in the preview. When you do this, you should remember that the operation of the adjustment sliders are inverted as well, so that adding Saturation on the slider actually reduces it.

9. Play with the adjustment sliders. They can change the effects tremendously. I especially like Saturation and Gamma, though Brightness and Contrast can help too.

10. Don't forget the Opacity slider. This will fade your effect by blending it with the unfiltered image. I never click OK until I see if reducing the Opacity improves the look.

11. The final button to consider is Reset, which returns the filter to default -- no convolution, normal mode, RGB checked, Invert unchecked, Saturation and Opacity at 100% and all other sliders at zero.

12. If you really feel like experimenting, change some of the numbers in the convolution boxes. Varying the kernel, the neighbors, or the divisor (Photoshop calls this the Scale) can bring about big changes in the result. The Offset controls brightness and is useful for some effects. Let me know if you come up with some exciting effects. I might want to add them to future versions of this filter.

13. Finally, I should mention that you can use this filter purely for adjustments. You don't need to apply a convolution at all. You can use the adjustment and opacity sliders, alone or in combination with a sharpen or blur convolution, to optimize your digital photos.