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Photoshop Image Sharpening - What is the method you use?
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Nov 18, 2018 11:04:09   #
saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee
 
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chances are you see a need to add some sharpening to your images. Being a rather lazy guy, I have, until recently, simply used the sharpening slider in the ACR (adobe camera raw) module. I have used the unsharp mask filter in the past but moved away from that tool when I began shooting in RAW mode. I was aware there are other sharpening tools but did not take the time to learn how to use them. A few weeks ago I decided to learn how to use the high pass filter for sharpening. At first it seemed like a lot of steps. But like most things in Photoshop, after using it a few times it started to go pretty fast and I like the more subtle results it seems I can achieve. Now I plan to learn how to use the "smart sharpen" tool to see what that does for my images. All this has led me to wonder how others approach image sharpening. What tool(s) give you the best result and do you always sharpen as a last step in your workflow? No need to reply to this question if you don't sharpen your images. I really don't want to hear from you folks.

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Nov 18, 2018 11:08:23   #
artBob Loc: Near Chicago
 
I use what you use, in different sequences and places, depending on the shot. Plus, one very helpful addition. When using the sharpening slider in ACR, I hold down the option key (Mac) while sliding "Masking," to see exactly what will be sharpened.

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Nov 18, 2018 11:08:40   #
letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.
 
saxman71 wrote:
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chances are you see a need to add some sharpening to your images. Being a rather lazy guy, I have, until recently, simply used the sharpening slider in the ACR (adobe camera raw) module. I have used the unsharp mask filter in the past but moved away from that tool when I began shooting in RAW mode. I was aware there are other sharpening tools but did not take the time to learn how to use them. A few weeks ago I decided to learn how to use the high pass filter for sharpening. At first it seemed like a lot of steps. But like most things in Photoshop, after using it a few times it started to go pretty fast and I like the more subtle results it seems I can achieve. Now I plan to learn how to use the "smart sharpen" tool to see what that does for my images. All this has led me to wonder how others approach image sharpening. What tool(s) give you the best result and do you always sharpen as a last step in your workflow? No need to reply to this question if you don't sharpen your images. I really don't want to hear from you folks.
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chan... (show quote)




I use the clarity function in Camera Raw, and often times the haze filter also.

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Nov 18, 2018 11:16:16   #
jimbuckley Loc: Arizona
 
artBob wrote:
I use what you use, in different sequences and places, depending on the shot. Plus, one very helpful addition. When using the sharpening slider in ACR, I hold down the option key (Mac) while sliding "Masking," to see exactly what will be sharpened.

Yes...and on the PC, this would be the Alt key.

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Nov 18, 2018 11:18:51   #
saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee
 
Good tip. I'll try that.
jimbuckley wrote:
Yes...and on the PC, this would be the Alt key.

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Nov 18, 2018 11:28:48   #
jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska
 
saxman71 wrote:
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chances are you see a need to add some sharpening to your images. Being a rather lazy guy, I have, until recently, simply used the sharpening slider in the ACR (adobe camera raw) module. I have used the unsharp mask filter in the past but moved away from that tool when I began shooting in RAW mode. I was aware there are other sharpening tools but did not take the time to learn how to use them. A few weeks ago I decided to learn how to use the high pass filter for sharpening. At first it seemed like a lot of steps. But like most things in Photoshop, after using it a few times it started to go pretty fast and I like the more subtle results it seems I can achieve. Now I plan to learn how to use the "smart sharpen" tool to see what that does for my images. All this has led me to wonder how others approach image sharpening. What tool(s) give you the best result and do you always sharpen as a last step in your workflow? No need to reply to this question if you don't sharpen your images. I really don't want to hear from you folks.
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chan... (show quote)


My usual method is to use the ACR Sharpening with masking typically around 50-90%, Size 1.0 pixels, and Amount at around 50-75. This is AFTER adding Vivesa Structure around 50-60. I think the Vivesa Structure reduces the amount of sharpening needed quite a lot. Be sure to hold the Alt key (Mac equivalent ?) down while using the Masking slider to see what will be sharpened.

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Nov 18, 2018 12:05:21   #
PeterBergh
 
I use what I learned in a couple of places, notably a video class on Photoshop:

1. Make a copy of the background layer.
2. Convert the copy to a smart object.
3. Use a high-pass filter (Filters->Other->High pass) with a suitable radius; I use 2 as my "standard" value.
4. Edit the blending mode (right-click on the filter) of the filter to Overlay or any of the alternatives; I often use Vivid Light.

I find this to be quite simple and it works quite well. If you use too high of a radius, you will get all the classical symptoms of too much sharpening.

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Nov 18, 2018 19:11:44   #
saxman71 Loc: Wenatchee
 
Yes, that's what I've been doing lately as well. And you're right, it is pretty simple. Have you tried "smart sharpen"?
PeterBergh wrote:
I use what I learned in a couple of places, notably a video class on Photoshop:

1. Make a copy of the background layer.
2. Convert the copy to a smart object.
3. Use a high-pass filter (Filters->Other->High pass) with a suitable radius; I use 2 as my "standard" value.
4. Edit the blending mode (right-click on the filter) of the filter to Overlay or any of the alternatives; I often use Vivid Light.

I find this to be quite simple and it works quite well. If you use too high of a radius, you will get all the classical symptoms of too much sharpening.
I use what I learned in a couple of places, notabl... (show quote)

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Nov 18, 2018 21:36:24   #
PeterBergh
 
saxman71 wrote:
Yes, that's what I've been doing lately as well. And you're right, it is pretty simple. Have you tried "smart sharpen"?


No, I haven't. I am a total newbie in regard to Photoshop; I need to get my head around layers before I will start playing with Photoshop. Besides, Lightroom does practically all I need.

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Nov 19, 2018 05:29:11   #
Hammer Loc: London UK
 
I use to only use Lightroom but have completely altered my approach after watching Steve Perry's course . This has really worked for me and given me a definite process to follow .

Most of SP's sharpening takes place in Lightroom but he shows a technique in Photoshop that deals with high noise photos very effectively .

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Nov 19, 2018 07:57:33   #
mborn Loc: Massachusetts
 
Hammer wrote:
I use to only use Lightroom but have completely altered my approach after watching Steve Perry's course . This has really worked for me and given me a definite process to follow .

Most of SP's sharpening takes place in Lightroom but he shows a technique in Photoshop that deals with high noise photos very effectively .


Me also and Steve’s course is inexpensive

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Nov 19, 2018 08:01:17   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
For several months I have been using Affinity Photo as my main editor and its sharpening machine keeps me amazed. I use the unsharp mask when I am more interested in sharpening the small details and for that I select a small ratio. At other times I go with the high pass filter for a more global sharpening.
Both methods are very effective with Affinity Photo. The clarity filter also works very well and I add it as the initial step to all my files. I set it at about 20% for a slight effect since in my humble opinion the software applies on its own some sharpness to the RAW files.
It is said that the files should be sharpened as the final step during editing but I do not do that and I sharpen the files once the usual adjustments to the image are done. I have not noticed any loss of sharpness upon resizing the file. Affinity Photo makes an excellent job and just a small amount of sharpening is required.
My cameras do not have a low pass filter so I cannot tell how important sharpening is when using those cameras without the filter.

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Nov 19, 2018 08:13:04   #
In-lightened Loc: Kansas City
 
I use Topaz AI clear. Sharpens things that arent. The denoise is also awesome. Functions as a plug in for Adobe. Super simple. Maybe someday I will figure out the layers in PS.

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Nov 19, 2018 08:29:05   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
I also use the sharpening function in ACR. That coupled with shooting exclusively in RAW. Not too much, just a little. It's sort of like adding spice in cooking. If you can see the sharpening, it's too much.
--Bob
saxman71 wrote:
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chances are you see a need to add some sharpening to your images. Being a rather lazy guy, I have, until recently, simply used the sharpening slider in the ACR (adobe camera raw) module. I have used the unsharp mask filter in the past but moved away from that tool when I began shooting in RAW mode. I was aware there are other sharpening tools but did not take the time to learn how to use them. A few weeks ago I decided to learn how to use the high pass filter for sharpening. At first it seemed like a lot of steps. But like most things in Photoshop, after using it a few times it started to go pretty fast and I like the more subtle results it seems I can achieve. Now I plan to learn how to use the "smart sharpen" tool to see what that does for my images. All this has led me to wonder how others approach image sharpening. What tool(s) give you the best result and do you always sharpen as a last step in your workflow? No need to reply to this question if you don't sharpen your images. I really don't want to hear from you folks.
If you use Photoshop CC and shoot in RAW mode chan... (show quote)

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Nov 19, 2018 09:21:07   #
NCMtnMan Loc: N. Fork New River, Ashe Co., NC
 
Since sharpening and noise kind of go hand in hand, I would recommend that you go the Steve Perry's website and purchase his new video series on noise reduction and sharpening. It's only $14.95 and you just download it and watch as time permits. It covers both Lightroom and Photoshop and is more of a real world presentation where he walks you through what he does and explains how these things work and how they work together to help you have the best finished product. I learned more watching just part of the series so far than I have learned watching hours of other instruction mainly because he gives more explanation of what is going on so you can understand what is happening.

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