Question: Best way to Sharpen Large Images?

[zique]

I'm a noob :( when it comes to editing photographs using Adobe Photoshop. So hopefully some of you could point me in the right direction.

What is the best way to sharpen an image that is large? Like some of the pictures I took during the VR Star Model, imho is nice, but when viewed large, it's blurry, so I'd like to sharpen it. I've no problems doing it if the images are 640 x 480 kind of files, but I have problem when it's a large size. Anyone can help?

Please Teach Me!

[ckchowov]

I'm using Adobe Elements 3; There are 3 modes to view Jpeg: Fit on screen, actual size and print size. For me to check the sharpness, i will view jpeg under print size(300dpi or 180dpi). Of cos view under actual size provides largest image(72dpi) but also makes the photo looks 'less sharp' on monitor.

What i mean is when the jpeg photo looks sharp under print size, it is considered sharp for me at least.

[noruazumi]

i usually downsize the photo first before sharpening it because when we downsize it, it will become a bit sharper. and i don't want it to be super-sharp. if i find the downsize sharpness need more sharpening, then i sharpen it at large size then resize it to smaller size.

that was back then. now i don't want my photo to be sharp. haha. so weird eh! ;)
but again, it depends on the photo. some photos need sharpness, some does not.

have i directed you to the right direction? coz honestly, i can't really understand what are you trying to tell. hehe. sorry! :redface:

[zique]

LOL. OK... I explain in Point Form.

1. I have 5 pictures that I really like, but when view at 3456 x 2304, it's not as sharp as I wanted it to be.

2. I want to know if there's any way we can sharpen the image at it's original size using Photoshop CS3 (that's what I'm currently using).

3. If I were to shrink the image down to a 640x480 and sharpen it there, when I enlarge it back to 3456 x 2304, will the pixels be distorted?

I'm a noob when it comes to photoshopping photos so I want to know if theres any best way to do it.

[orionmystery]

LOL. OK... I explain in Point Form.

1. I have 5 pictures that I really like, but when view at 3456 x 2304, it's not as sharp as I wanted it to be.

2. I want to know if there's any way we can sharpen the image at it's original size using Photoshop CS3 (that's what I'm currently using).

3. If I were to shrink the image down to a 640x480 and sharpen it there, when I enlarge it back to 3456 x 2304, will the pixels be distorted?

I'm a noob when it comes to photoshopping photos so I want to know if theres any best way to do it.

Dude, your #3 is a bit confusing leh..when u say "shrink", do u mean actually changing the Image Szie or just zoom in/out to change display size? :D:?

[noruazumi]

1. I have 5 pictures that I really like, but when view at 3456 x 2304, it's not as sharp as I wanted it to be.
that's normal... hehe.

2. I want to know if there's any way we can sharpen the image at it's original size using Photoshop CS3 (that's what I'm currently using).
got! u can use all the sharpening tools according to your needs.
just go to filter tab and you'll see all the tools that u need.
let me know if u want more details on this because i assume u know the basics. ;)

3. If I were to shrink the image down to a 640x480 and sharpen it there, when I enlarge it back to 3456 x 2304, will the pixels be distorted?
aiyarkk.. don't do this! of course the pixels will "break".

[ckchowov]

LOL. OK... I explain in Point Form.

1. I have 5 pictures that I really like, but when view at 3456 x 2304, it's not as sharp as I wanted it to be.

2. I want to know if there's any way we can sharpen the image at it's original size using Photoshop CS3 (that's what I'm currently using).


3. If I were to shrink the image down to a 640x480 and sharpen it there, when I enlarge it back to 3456 x 2304, will the pixels be distorted?


I'm a noob when it comes to photoshopping photos so I want to know if theres any best way to do it.

1. The point is viewing Jpeg with actual size mode, it becomes 'less sharp' compared with 'print size' mode. So i guess u gonna print the jpeg under actual size mode? If yes i suggest u becareful cos all kinds of jaggies will appear as well.

2. U can try use the 'Sharpen tool'(a triangle sign in Adobe Elements3) to pin-point sharpening.

3. YES.
Lastly if the photo is blur due to handshake or subject movement, sharpening in PS can't really help much.:rasta:

[ShaolinTiger]

There's quite a number of ways to sharpen the image, I sharpen all my images at full res before down-sizing.

Most commonly used is Unsharp mask try 150 - 0.3 - 0 once or twice to sharpen a large image.

Smart Sharpen is good for lens blur and slightly out of focus images, just experiment with the settings with preview turned on and check out 100% to make sure you don't over sharpen.

The 3rd main method is high pass sharpening which is a bit more advanced but gives less chance of halo's.

[zique]

TQ for the tip, will give them a try

[qqmeng]

for me high pass with softlight sometimes vivid.

[macnpalm]

for me high pass with softlight sometimes vivid.

i'm using high pass too bu with overlay... will try the softlight next time...

[Peisqo]

There's quite a number of ways to sharpen the image, I sharpen all my images at full res before down-sizing.

Most commonly used is Unsharp mask try 150 - 0.3 - 0 once or twice to sharpen a large image.

Smart Sharpen is good for lens blur and slightly out of focus images, just experiment with the settings with preview turned on and check out 100% to make sure you don't over sharpen.

The 3rd main method is high pass sharpening which is a bit more advanced but gives less chance of halo's.

Hi ST .. i've seen u use the word OVER-SHARPEN quite a few time in your comments .. How do you actually see the "over-sharpen" :? Coz when i look at it .. it all looks the same to me :P

And as you said for the Unsharp Mask 150-0.3-0 ... may i know what does the treshold do ? I tried changing the value and i dun see any difference ... photoxels (http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_sharpen_display.html) recommended 200-1.2-4 ... wouldn't that be over-sharpen like you said ? =/

Hope you can enlighten me on this hehe thnx

[Mavik]

There's quite a number of ways to sharpen the image, I sharpen all my images at full res before down-sizing.

Most commonly used is Unsharp mask try 150 - 0.3 - 0 once or twice to sharpen a large image.

Smart Sharpen is good for lens blur and slightly out of focus images, just experiment with the settings with preview turned on and check out 100% to make sure you don't over sharpen.

The 3rd main method is high pass sharpening which is a bit more advanced but gives less chance of halo's.

Do you normally sharpen them in RAW or after when it has been converted into JPEG?

[ShaolinTiger]

Hi ST .. i've seen u use the word OVER-SHARPEN quite a few time in your comments .. How do you actually see the "over-sharpen" :? Coz when i look at it .. it all looks the same to me :P

And as you said for the Unsharp Mask 150-0.3-0 ... may i know what does the treshold do ? I tried changing the value and i dun see any difference ... photoxels (http://www.photoxels.com/tutorial_sharpen_display.html) recommended 200-1.2-4 ... wouldn't that be over-sharpen like you said ? =/

Hope you can enlighten me on this hehe thnx

Actually there's a lot of different settings depending on the picture, amount of detail, lens blur or movement blur, light and shadow, contrast and so on.

Oversharpening is quite easy to spot when you have played with the sharpening tools, it gives too much texture and halo - both which make it look rather unnatural.

I recommend you read Understanding USM (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-usm.shtml).

Do you normally sharpen them in RAW or after when it has been converted into JPEG?

In RAW before saving to Jpeg. I do it Photoshop tho not in ACR.

I usually apply multi pass sharpening depending on the subject, I have made actions with my preferred settings to make it easier.

[Peisqo]

Actually there's a lot of different settings depending on the picture, amount of detail, lens blur or movement blur, light and shadow, contrast and so on.

Oversharpening is quite easy to spot when you have played with the sharpening tools, it gives too much texture and halo - both which make it look rather unnatural.

I recommend you read Understanding USM (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-usm.shtml).



In RAW before saving to Jpeg. I do it Photoshop tho not in ACR.

I usually apply multi pass sharpening depending on the subject, I have made actions with my preferred settings to make it easier.

So MOST of the time u're using the same parameters for the USM ? Which is 150-0.3-0 eh ? and thnx for the understanding USM link .. will have a look

[ShaolinTiger]

So MOST of the time u're using the same parameters for the USM ? Which is 150-0.3-0 eh ? and thnx for the understanding USM link .. will have a look

Like I said depends on resolution and subject, best you experiment yourself and find what you like.