... One of the issues with PP, is how to get good sharpness in an image, without introducing halo's, or noise.

I have been using a few techniques and, today, I thought I would consolidate those into a PhotoShop action. Parts of the technique are adapted from my, and also other folk's technique.

My aim, with sharpening, is to increase apparent sharpness (using contrast), limit halo effect and also, add no noise.

Fairly simply, I edit my image (to taste) and then apply my action.
/Note : I do this before re-sizing./

If you use PhotoShop (probably other editors also), you can create the action, and adapt to suit, or just follow the steps.
(My script is at bottom of page)

The action does the following :
* NR (noise reduction) at Strength 8 and Color 30% (no sharpening or detail preservation)
* Makes a new layer
* Applies USM (35,35)
* Applies USM (150,3)
* Fades USM selection at 100% and in 'Darken' style
* Applies USM (150, 3)
* Fades USM selection at 50% and in 'Lighten' style
* Despeckles image
* Flattens image

Here is an image as shot.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSCF5874a_3040_Lo.jpg




After the action applied.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSCF5874a_DLSharp_3040_Lo.jpg




Comparison.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DLSharp%204.jpg





Three comparisons of image areas. (*Images are being viewed as if 30 x 40"*)

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DLSharp%201.jpg




http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DLSharp%202.jpg




http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DLSharp%203.jpg




Second example.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSCF9594a_14195_0709_Lo.jpg




http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSCF9594a_14195_0709_DLSharp_Lo.jpg




Third example.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSC03095b_7975_0609_Lo.jpg




http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/DSC03095b_7975_0609_DLSharp.jpg




The script.

http://www.pixplanet.biz/Posting%20Pix/DLSharp/SharpDL_Script.jpg






/Cautionary Note : The USM step of 35, 35 applies some contrast to the image, so it is wise to do this before you apply any other 'contrast' technique. Otherwise, you may blow highlights and block shadows more than you wish./

Hope you find it helpful.



Rgds, Dave.
Have fun - take lotsa pix.

My RedBubble Site - http://www.redbubble.com/people/pixplanet