Simple Cross Process Using Adjustment Layers

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I have seen many ways to cross process a digital image, some better than others, but this is my version which I think accurately replicates a cross processed film image. Cross processing is the method in which photographic film is intentionally processed in a chemical solution intended for a different type of film. There are many different effects of cross processing and the effects of this technique will differ from image to image.

This tutorial is intended as a guide and minor changes will be needed for different types of images. I have purposefully used a high colour, high contrast image for this guide to best show the effects of this technique.

1. Open your desired image in Photoshop. I am using CS5 so if the screens you see are different to the ones below, please get in touch and I will provide the method for early version of photoshop.
2. Create a new adjustment layer. Click Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves. Name the layer (E.g. X Process) and click OK.
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4. We now need to adjust the contrast of each of the Red, Green and Blue layers in turn. Click the RGB drop-down and select the Red layer.
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6. Using the mouse, click onto the red line and create a curve as seen in the diagram above. What this dies is lowers the red channel in the highlights of the image (the bottom left of the line are shadows and the upper right of the line are highlights). This will allow the other channels to power through.
7. Now select the Green channel.
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9. Only a small but important change is required on this channel. Click on the middle of the line and drag it upwards. This will put a very small increase into the mid-tones of the green channel. 
10. Now select the Blue channel.
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12. Two adjustments are needed to this channel, pull the upper mid-tones down while keeping the  mid-tones locked on the curve line. Notice how the shadows are slightly boosted by this action. 
13. Finally we need to increase the overall contract of the image. Select the RGB channel from the drop down.
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15. What we do here is apply what is called an "S" curve. This increases the depth of the shadows and the richness of the highlights, which is the same as increasing the contrast. 
16. Your image should now be almost complete. Slight adjustments to each channel may be required to suit the image and your tastes.