Grahame Loc: Fiji

One of the things I find with Topaz De Noise is that I need to spend some time deciding which option gives the best results (for me). This most likely due to a lack of use of it with consistent examples.

I had a go with the image and found using Topaz Denoise, 'Clear' option, 'Med' noise removal, 'High' sharpen but neither of it post processing options gave this result. Some localised contrast enhancement in PS was given to the head.

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rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

Here's a really quick pass through ON1 - only.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

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Jrhoffman75 Loc: Conway, New Hampshire

There are several noise processing tools other than Topaz - DxO Pure RAW, On1 No Noise are two other AI powered tools that offer free trials.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Just a thought. There is just too much going on in the background. It is a common mistake by amateur photographers. Next time get down low to take the image, that way your subject will have more separation from the background. And always check your settings like ISO before you start shooting. Your high iso gave you way too much depth of focus. Plan your work and then work your plan is an old boy scout motto.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

Topaz Denoise AI is good and you may want to also check out DX0 PureRaw as well. For very noisy images I've also used both on the same image. The attached picture was taken at ISO 10,000 in a very dark parking lot as I was leaving after shooting sunsets.

I think there are free trials available for both.

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BurghByrd Loc: Pittsburgh

You can do so within the better editing packages (i.e. Lightroom, photoshop etc.) but there are also dedicated applications that are supposed to be better. Here are a couple of links to reviews on some options:

https://photographylife.com/reviews/dxo-pureraw-2

https://fstoppers.com/originals/image-noise-reduction-challenge-we-compare-best-noise-reduction-software-493510

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

How about this?
Topaz DeNoise & PhotoScape X
Best Wishes,
JimmyT Sends

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charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Well done. This is a big improvement

Thanks
Chuck

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

This is wildly over sharpened. The OP’s original is far better.

slcarn Loc: Draper, Utah USA

I used Lightroom and toned down the background then isolated the subject with minor adjustments. Also removed highlight on beak. No other programs used.
Steve

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rlv567 Loc: Baguio City, Philippines

As you should know, I could have done it with less sharpening, but that's the way I like it - not the dull, foggy version!!! I do understand that some prefer it that way, but not I. I have seen that view expressed here a number of times previously by others, but I prefer sharp, vivid pictures unless blur and fogginess are called for by the nature of the shot, or that which the photographer wishes to convey.

Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

I use the Topaz products, but without seeing the original, I doubt that I would have used them for this image. I would have just used the native tools in PS (or LR or PSE). As you know, denoising an image is a two step process. The first being denoising, which often softens an image, followed up by sharpening your key areas of interest.

Here's the workflow I would use for this image.

1) Using PS or PSE, I would create 2 layers, labeled 'denoise' and 'sharpen'. Then turn the sharpen layer off.

2) For the denoise layer, apply the built-in denoise filter until your satisfied with the amount of ISO noise reduction. This will soften the image slightly, so be careful not to go too far with it.

3) For the sharpen layer, turn it on. Sharpen using any of the built-in sharpening filters. The unsharp mask is an old standby, but I like the high-pass filter. But either will work. Sharpen the image, concentrating on the eyes and face. Don't worry about the rest of the bird. Once you've sharpened the face to your satisfaction, create a black mask for that layer. Using a soft white brush with flow set to about 10-20%, brush the 'sharpen' bird layer into your 'denoise' layer. I would concentrate my efforts on the face and head, only add sharpening to the other parts of the bird as necessary, such as some of the feather detail. Don't sharpen any other part of the image. You should see a nice image with a sharp bird and a soft background without a lot of noise.

If I were using Topaz, I would only use Denoise and follow this same work flow to avoid the artifacts added to the soft background one sees in the softer parts of your image. Those distortions are Topaz (denoise or sharpen) trying to overly sharpen a soft out of focus area which, in reality, doesn't need sharpening.

I would have tried this on your image, but the one you posted was already distorted from the over sharpening artifacts that Denoise or Sharpen creates when trying to sharpen out-of-focus images.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Thanks Salvagediver

Chuck

Badgertale Loc: Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

This is the best one of the bunch. It looks marvelous!

profbowman Loc: Harrisonburg, VA, USA

Charlie, I thought I would have some fun working with your image with simple tools available in IrfanView. I got rid of noise with a "Blur" and "Median filter," increased the contrast, and "sharpened" the final image and at a few points in between. I kept it a bit larger than most of the other trials if that is important to you.

I loved the photo. Thanks for the fun. --Richard