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ctfchallenge | all galleries >> Challenge 78: Think Inside The Box >> Challenge 78: Exhibition > Holding the Future *
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June 16, 2004 Mary Anne

Holding the Future *


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Guest 11-Apr-2005 18:52
Well, the tip I had in mind, is only possible in the full version of Photoshop - I think - I'm not absolutely sure about this. It's about selective editing (there-among sharpening) and the use of "masks". I don't think PSE supports masks, does it? Anyway, there are always a number of different ways of doing basically the same thing. Instead of using masks, I guess one could do the following to sharpen selectively [assuming a one-layer (flat) image]: Copy the background layer using Cmd-J or Ctrl-J on a PC. Apply your sharpening to this new layer. Then use the eraser tool in soft brush mode (possible in PSE?) to erase from the sharpened layer the parts that you don't want to be sharpened. If you went a little overboard on the sharpening, you could adjust it by lowering the opacity of the sharpened layer. Masks are more versatile and easier to change your mind with - for example, it is kind of hard to paint back something you've erased, but with masks that wouldn't be a problem.
ctfchallenge11-Apr-2005 16:24
Olaf, I use PSE 2, and I'm open to any help you can offer. I'm still learning how to use it, and as with most new "toys," (well, not all that new actually) my enthusiasm for it sometimes gets in the way of seeing clearly. I think it's a matter of practice and of learning to see when there is just enough sharpening. If you can help me with that, I'd be most appreciative.

Mary Anne
Guest 11-Apr-2005 04:58
Mary Anne, not here to criticize, I guess your magnet is not working on me. Do you use Elements or full version Photoshop? If the latter, I have a good tip to share. --Olaf.dk
ctfchallenge11-Apr-2005 01:35
Thanks for the suggestion, Rod. I'm just learning to use the lasso tool. Maybe next time. I'm too tired of all the sharpening/saturation/shadows comments on this and the barn image to attempt any further changes. I'll never please everyone anyhow, but I feel as if I'm wearing a criticism magnet this time around. ;-)

Mary Anne
Rod 10-Apr-2005 02:28
After viewing both images I imagine you could please everyone by only selective sharpening. I think this shot would have been better by using the lasso tool & selecting just the dirt & fag butts & then just sharpening those. This would also make the contents of the bucket the only thing for the eyes to look at............sort of, know wot I mean then:-)
ctfchallenge09-Apr-2005 02:13
Here's the original image with no additional sharpening. It seems a little fuzzy to me.

http://www.pbase.com/maryanne16/image/41810476

Mary Anne
ctfchallenge09-Apr-2005 02:03
LOL. You can't please everyone! I find my G3 often does not focus as well as I would like. When I don't sharpen, someone is sure to say, "Nice image, but it could stand some additional sharpening." I guess it's a matter of striking the correct balance. I agree that I may sometimes oversharpen, but with this image I think the hard edges are appropriate for the harsh subject. (Can you tell that I hate smoking?) I appreciate your comments and will keep them in mind.

Mary Anne
ctfchallenge08-Apr-2005 13:26
Mary Anne: Generally, I do like your pictures. But here as so often with your work (and as well with your «Barn» in the Eligible Gallery), I find your images *much* too sharpened by post-processing. Therefore, they do not look natural to me; there is something artificial to them, in my view! Do you use Photoshop's USM? Or maybe a less subtle tool?? And: Could we, please, see a version of this very same photo with less sharpening applied...??? — db.