The method i posted is a "cheap mans" version of photograv , kudos to Frank for formalizing it in an action.
Results using it are going to be variable as some of the steps I proposed will not work 100% on all pics , I have tried various images both ways and some are better with photograv and some better with the photoshop method.
Key to using any of these methods is the original artwork and what it looks like in greyscale after the colour has been removed. If the pic is insipid and does not have a big dynamic range , ie is mostly greyish , you aint gonna get great results.
At the end of it all , there are sooooo many variables that are going to determine your results , is the pic in focus , is it decent resolution , does it have defined edges , what laser power , what spot size , does it need contrast enhancement , does it need the unsharp mask , what materials , how deep must it be lasered and so forth.
Even photograv , albeit it does have variables you can set , is not always guaranteed to work either.
But at any rate , all thanks to Frank for his sterling efforts and for subscribing to the spirit of sharing that makes the internet great ............
Problem for a lot of us is that we dont have Photoshop , so I was fiddling in Corel for a similar type of "action/script" but havent had a lot of success but will continue working on it.
My problem is that we don't do a lot of giftwork , so transferring pics to items is not a priority , but we do however use these methods BIG time for vector clipart (avoids hiden lines , fade islands etc) and often use it for once off quick and dirty engravings of bitmap colour logos we get from various companys.
I have actually also been fiddling with my lasers inbuilt photo engraving thingy (Laserpro.Gcc) and to be "frank" , so to speak (sorry couldn't resist) its very very good (latest spirit driver)
Rodney Gold, Toker Bros trophies, Cape Town , South Africa :
Roland 2300 rotary . 3 x ISEL's ..1m x 500mm CnC .
Tekcel 1200x2400 router , 900 x 600 60w Shenui laser , 1200 x 800 80w Reci tube Shenhui Laser
6 x longtai lasers 400x600 60w , 1 x longtai 20w fiber
2x Gravo manual engravers , Roland 540 large format printer/cutter. CLTT setup
1600mm hot and cold laminator , 3x Dopag resin dispensers , sandblasting setup, acid etcher