Help Sharpening a Copy Printout

[kbeatrice]

I'm working on a small (2x2.5") copy print of a picture from the 1930's. The client would like a 4x6 or 5x7 print but the I'm not happy with the faces at those sizes. I've worked on removing the color cast and evening out the tone, but I'd like to try to get the faces sharper. I've tried Neatimage but if someone has some setttings to use to get a better result I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks,

Karen

[W. Rose]

Hi Karen,
Have you tried just selecting the faces and using, USM. I tried it on your picture and it seemed to work ok. You will just have to set the slider where it looks good to you. I know this is not much but maybe it will help you with another option. I'm sure someone better then i am will jump in here soon.
Good luck

[Gary Richardson]

Hi Karen, I had a go, and have attatched a file for your perusal.
Here's what I did.
1. Copy image to a new layer.
2. Apply Find Edges filter.
3. Invert.
4. Apply Gaussian Blur (1 pix)
5. Select all and copy.
6. Create new channel.
7. Copy to channel.
8. Change channel to selection.
9. Delete copied Background layer.
10. Switch to Background layer and apply Unsharp mask at (1, 150, 0)

To see effect better when judging amount of sharpening, hide selection using Cnt H.

The faces were still not as sharp as I wanted, so I selected the eyes, nose and mouth on the figures ( including Teddy) and sharpened again using USM.
(don't forget to deselect previous selection which is hidden before trying to select faces).

Hope this helps.

[gmitchel]

Karen:

NeatImage is not a sharpening tool. It is a noise removal tool.

If you want an automated took, try Focal Blade. It's an inexpensive add-in for PS, and it works great.

I have a tutorial on sharpening and an action set. In fact, I just added support today for monochrome images.

http://www.thelightsright.com/Digita...ningSkills.pdf

http://www.thelightsright.com/Digita...ingToolkit.htm

Cheers,

Mitch

Originally Posted by kbeatrice

I'm working on a small (2x2.5") copy print of a picture from the 1930's. The client would like a 4x6 or 5x7 print but the I'm not happy with the faces at those sizes. I've worked on removing the color cast and evening out the tone, but I'd like to try to get the faces sharper. I've tried Neatimage but if someone has some setttings to use to get a better result I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks,

Karen

[kbeatrice]

Thanks everyone. I tried the edge mask and it seemed to help. I'm showing it to the client tomorrow so I'll see what she thinks. I'm probably being harder on myself in my quest for perfection

Karen

[Xaran]

Or try this:

Duplicate layer
Run Filter-Other-High pass
Change blending mode to overlay.

Christine

[gmitchel]

Originally Posted by Xaran

Or try this:

Duplicate layer
Run Filter-Other-High pass
Change blending mode to overlay.

Christine

You should do a little more than just Highpass Filter.

You should use a mask to limit the sharpening to edges. You should also use Blend If settings on the layer style palette to limit the sharpening to the middle tones and the one-quarter and three-quarter tones. Keep it away from the shadows and highlights.

Also, you can try A Soft Light or Hard Light blend. They will give you somewhat less/more effect than Overlay mode.

Cheers,

Mitch

[Xaran]

I beg to differ but as the high pass layer is basically neutral grey the only areas affected are where the edges are anyway.

Below is a copy of the picture before and after just using high pass in overlay mode.

The first image is the after high pass one.

Christine

[gmitchel]

Originally Posted by Xaran

I beg to differ but as the high pass layer is basically neutral grey the only areas affected are where the edges are anyway.

Below is a copy of the picture before and after just using high pass in overlay mode.

The first image is the after high pass one.

Christine

Feel free to differ. There's room for multiple opinions around here.

I suggest you consider what others recommend and try it for yourself.

Bruce Fraser recommends a layer mask with edge sharpening for capture sharpening. So does my tutorial. I can tell you that it's my experience that using an edge mask helps, especially if you intend to sharpen in two or three passes, as most pros now recommend.

http://www.thelightsright.com/Digita...ningSkills.pdf

Your mileage will vary, depending on the specifics of the image. But it is worth trying.

I have an action set, too, that makes it easy to sharpen with edge masks.

http://www.thelightsright.com/Digita...ingToolkit.htm


Cheers,

Mitch