 Amy H. Maple |
Using unsharp mask: do you select what to sharpen When editing a photo, do you ever "select" what to sharpen instead of sharpening the entire image? For example, if you have an image that was taken w/ a wide apeture (blurry background, but focused subject), would you want to select the subject and only sharpen the subject or sharpen the entire image?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Dreaded Critic |
without a doubt, especially the eyes.
|
|
|
|
||
- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
It's all personal taste Amy. Try it out and see if you like it. When doing your own shots, anything goes.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy H. Maple |
It would make sense to only sharpen that which you would want to really "pop." I really appreciate your comments. And I like the idea of "when doing my own shots, anything goes." :) Thanks again guys.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy H. Maple |
Dreaded, would you mind telling me how you go about making the selection? Which selection tool do you use? I have the overall idea, but need a little help actually doing it. Thanks in advance. PS...i use corel paintshop pro, not that it really matters, but in case you wanted to know.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Karma Wilson |
When I sharpen I rarely even use Unsharp mask. I use the "high pass" method. Don't know what is the same in PSP for you, but here are my steps. Duplicate layer on top layer perform these steps: /filter/other/highpass at level 14/blend mode set to overlay Photo will usually be WAY TOO SHARP. But you just slide your layer opacity and the sharpening will decrease. Find what works best for the photo. If you want to selectively sharpen put on a layer mask and brush back only the areas you want sharp--for instance the eyes. K...
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy H. Maple |
Thanks so much Karma. I love getting ideas from wonderful photographers. Why do you use high pass rather than unsharp mask? Is there a particular reason? I have never tried to use high pass, so I will give it a try and see if I like the results any better. Thanks for the step-by-step procedure.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Jenny D |
Hi Amy, I also use the high pass filter, usually around 6 or 7 and then erase everything that I don't want sharpened, like the bg or the sky. Have fun! JD~
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy H. Maple |
Thanks JD. I know most of you use Photoshop, but I use paintshop pro XI...when using the high pass filter there are 3 things I am able to manipulate: Radius, strength, and blend mode. The numbers you guys have been giving me must be the radius number. Does photoshop have the strenght option? If so, what # do u use there? And Blend Mode?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Pete H |
Amy, You might also consider sharpening the (blue) channel only, as this is where noise is primarily found. Pete
|
|
|
|
||
|
Sharon Day |
Amy, I often use USM and history brush it off areas I don't need it. My method is using USM in PS is Amount 20; Radius 50 to 60 and Threshold 0. This makes a photo "pop" without artifacts from oversharpening. If Corel has USM try this method as well.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Amy H. Maple |
thanks Pete and Sharon. I will be working on this today.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Robyn Gwilt |
Karma, I tried your method, but it didin't seem to do much - I tried going through the 'blends' - maybe I've not followed your instructions properly. I\ve often wondered what hi-pass is for (I'm working with PSE4) Sharon what is USM??
|
|
|
|
||
|
Sharon Day |
Robyn, USM is unsharp mask. Whatever program you're using it should have USM.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Karma Wilson |
Robyn, if you aren't seeing much of a change you must be missing a step. Here is a link to a very clear tutorial: http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/high-pass-sharpening-photoshop.html High pass sharpening is used by a lot professionals because it doesn't create as many artifacts as methods like USM (Unsharp Mask). I have used it for quite some time now, and I'm sold on the method. For me it's become second nature. K...
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||