Sharpening

[Mitch]

What are the best options for sharpening?  Under what circumstances would you choose one technique over another, and why?

Thanks!

Mitch

[mikemeister_admin]

Hi Mitch,
have a look at http://www.broadhurst-family.co.uk/lefteye/MainPages/sharpening.htm which I did some time back and make up your own mind!
Good luck
Zog

[Mitch]

Hi Zog,

I'm fairly new to this hobby and am reaching out to those who have a more experienced eye for these things.

I'm wondering if certain sharpening techniques work better than others in certain situation, and if so, what are they and when should they be used.

Thanks!

Mitch

[mikemeister_admin]

Sorry Mitch, but I have not found any 'rules'
I just always use FocusMagic at the start of pp-ing
I then prefer Local-Auto Level Contrast to the more normal sharpening techniques
Remember that it does depend on how the photo is going to be viewed - screen (and re-sized) or print.  There are just too many variables and it is a personal judgement call.
I think the only way to learn is to try different ways and see which one appeals to you
I think photography is becoming more and more an art form, rather than a rendition of the actual scene - so anything goes!
Zog

[Mitch]

Thanks for your help Zog!

Mitch

[Mitch]

What is "pp-ing"?

[imported_ganna]

Chris, sad thing for me is that Focus Magic only works in 32bit. I'm using Topaz Focus on my 64 bit PC, but ists not as good as FMagic.  Problem with my 32 bit PC is that I constantly run out of memmory.

[mikemeister_admin]

pp-ing is post-processing

[ggroess]

Mitch,
Sharpening is not a one size fits all process there are different techniques for different needs.

I have 3 Primary techniques I use:

1) High Pass Filter - usually effective for outdoors scenery, landscapes and vistas.  Not so good for People or items with smooth rounded surfaces with little or not transition edges.

2) Unsharp Mask - Similar to Highpass in usage and I usually do a visual compare at 100% to see whic of the two does a better job on my specific image.

3) Smart Sharpen - I have been using this filter in photoshop to sharpen people.  It does a reasonably good job on most portraits.

Things I would add to everything else here...Always sharpen on a Layer and Always at 100%.

Greg

[Mitch]

Thanks Greg!