bleirer

Does pse have masking during sharpening with the alt key to reveal the mask?
Thinking that would be a non layer way to be selective.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I'm not sure whether you have to use the "expert" mode and layers or not (that's just how I've always done). This is the link I sent to tracey for anyone curious:
https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/making-selections.html

.

bleirer

The part I'm thinking if would be in the acr that loads when a raw file is first opened. I haven't used pse in a few years so i don't recall if sharpening had a masking slider. Also would there be an adjustment brush in the acr that would apply sharpening selectively?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Initial sharpening and noise reduction are under a different panel in PSE's ACR, with Adobe camera pre-sets applied. In fact, I'd forgotten that area existed until Chg_Canon pointed out when I did that PP Forum topic on when not to sharpen.

I believe in ACR you just have sliders for global adjustments. The primary sharpening tools (including "unsharp mask") are in the main section. From Adobe:
If you don’t plan to edit the image extensively in Photoshop Elements, use the camera raw Sharpness slider. If you do plan to edit the image extensively in Photoshop Elements, turn off camera raw sharpening. Then use the sharpening filters in Photoshop Elements as the last step after all other editing and resizing are complete."

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/processing-camera-raw-image-files.html

.

Mortsid

Photoshop has a tool called Sharpen and tool called
soften. I often shoot at high ISO (12,800) and sharpen only the important areas. If I over sharpen, I will use the Soften tool to repair. I do not overall sharpen, not even the default 25% sharpening in Camera Raw.
This enables me remove 95% of the noise with DeNoise, and without noticeable loss of detail. Try it, you will be surprised

spaceytracey Loc: East Glacier Park, MT

#2 is actually the selection tool.

bleirer

Yes, but one selects and masks, and masks are associated with a layer, at least in Photoshop. There is nothing to fear about layers or masks.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Please be re-assured - there is nothing difficult with using layers - for many it is fear of the unknown. The concept can be learnt in a few minutes. I would expect that the user manuals for your software would include an introduction to layers, with full explanations. Mine contains a step-by-step guide to using layers. Once created a layer (or even layers) can be switched on and off at will. Well worth exploring.
PS. Layers are not limited to RAW editing.

Steve758

Please, don't shy away from the greatest tool every created. There is nothing magic or mystical about
layers. They are simply another tool that makes photographic magic possible, along with the best attribute ever, total non-destructive editing. My best suggestion, watch a couple videos on YouTube and then play.
Enjoy.

Steve758

That depends on your version of Elements. I'm not a regular user of Elements. I have taught photo editing classes where the participants were using elements, the functionality is there, you just have to find it.

Steve758

[quote=larryepage]The example provided by Linda demonstrates the difficulty that arises when a "not sharp" photograph is sharpened. The graphics algorithms have to make decisions in the absence of real information, then generate revised information to produce a "sharpened" image. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not. That's why her advice to maximize the sharpening, then back up until everything looks correct is spot on.

In-camera sharpness adjustments do not work that way (at least in any of my cameras), so I find using those adjustments to be the optimal solution for the photography that I do.

Specifically, in all of my cameras (all made by Nikon), the "Sharpness" adjustment is really a desharpening adjustment. It can be beneficial tool when doing portrait photography or even when taking candid or casual photographs of people, since, as has been referenced already in this discussion, most of us aren't interested in being recorded with all of our flaws accented or even noted. In my experience, moving the in-camera slider all the way to the right does not overstate the sharpness of an image. It does not use an algorithm to create sharp edges where none exist. It simply captures and records the full clarity of the photographed image. In my experience, using this adjustment in this position does not create unnatural images or "false sharpness," but it does minimize or eliminate the need for artificial sharpness to be added later. And yes...there are some cases even beyond portraits in which it can be desirable to use less than full sharpness. That's why I have several image control options set up and available.

This approach yields immediately usable JPEGs and also provides much better starting points for raw processing in addition to eliminating the need for over sharpening.


Can you please clarify for me your last statement. I understand in-camera adjustment but I don't understand how those in any way effect a RAW image. I'm under the impression that RAW image data is delivered with NO adjustments made, no hue, no saturation, no luminence, no sharpening, no noise, no nothing.
Thanks

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Since you quoted me, I'll repeat what I wrote on page 2: I found the concept of layers and layer masks a tall mountain to climb, but am so glad I finally made it to the summit. The view is quite spectacular

I agree that the concept can be simple, but not for everyone. I was always bad at those "spatial perception" tests which may or may not relate, but just with the few times I attempted to teach software or browsing the internet to adults, including seniors, I found a wide variety of comprehension ease or confusion.

Steve758

You are absoutely correct, the ability to learn is very much an individual thing. I'm also glad that you took the journey.
I want everyone to take the journey and not shy away because they feel the journey is to long or to difficult.
Even the most basic steps in learning "Layers" is beneficial and the benefits, as you pointed out, in continuing to move forward far exceeds the effort expended during the journey.
Thanks.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

In general, once you have learned the essentials of composition, getting great images is a result of experimentation with the post processing controls you have available. I agree with Linda from Maine that the best way to learn the results of an effect is to max it out and backoff until the result is your vision. Remember, you were there, you conceived the image, and had, at least subconsciously, a vision of what you wanted. Make the image match your vision.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

The magic of photography is recording reality. Artist's licence belongs on an artist's paint brush.