Sharpen a nature photo with the Unsharp Mask filter - Photoshop Tutorial

Mr. Camera Tutorials - Photoshop Tips & Tricks
29 Jan 202405:01
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis tutorial demonstrates how to sharpen a photo in Photoshop using the Unsharp Mask filter. It begins by explaining how to view the photo at 100% for optimal editing. Next, it shows how to convert the image layer to a Smart Object to allow non-destructive editing. The recommended Unsharp Mask settings of Amount 250, Radius 0.9, and Threshold 8 are provided. The effect is previewed by toggling the filter on and off. Finally, it explains how to save the sharpened image as a JPEG with your name for assignments or sharing online.

Takeaways
  • 👁‍🗨 The goal is to sharpen a photo of a bird eating a fish using an unsharp mask in Photoshop
  • 🖼️ Start by converting the image layer to a Smart Object for non-destructive editing
  • 🔎 View the image at 100% zoom to see it clearly for sharpening
  • ⛓️ Go to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask to access the tool
  • ➕ Set Amount to 250, Radius to 0.9, and Threshold to 8 for this image
  • 🔨 This will sharpen the appearance of edges and details in the photo
  • ⏪ You can toggle the sharpening on/off to preview before/after
  • 💾 Save a copy as PSD to retain layers or JPEG to share online
  • 🏷️ Name files appropriately when saving to stay organized
  • 📐 Adjust Unsharp Mask settings as needed per image for optimal results
Q & A
  • What is the first step to sharpen an image in Photoshop?

    -The first step is to convert the image layer to a Smart Object by going to Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.

  • What settings are used for the Unsharp Mask filter to sharpen the image?

    -The settings used are: Amount - 250, Radius - 0.9, Threshold - 8.

  • Why convert the image layer to a Smart Object before sharpening?

    -Converting to a Smart Object allows you to go back and edit the sharpening settings later without losing image quality.

  • What keyboard shortcuts can be used to view the image at 100% and fit it to the screen?

    -On Mac, Command+1 views the image at 100% and Command+0 fits it to the screen. On Windows, it's Ctrl+1 and Ctrl+0.

  • When would you want to soften an image rather than sharpen it?

    -You may want to subtly soften an image to give it a more cinematic look, especially for video where overly sharp images can look unnatural.

  • How can you toggle the sharpening effect on and off to compare?

    -You can click the eye icon next to the Smart Filter to toggle the sharpening effect on and off.

  • What file format should you save in for online use vs. print use?

    -Save as JPEG for online use since it produces smaller files. For print or reuse in Photoshop, save as PSD to retain layers and adjustments.

  • Why save a copy rather than overwriting the original file?

    -Saving a copy allows you to preserve the unsharpened original image in case you want to go back and make changes later.

  • What's the benefit of using Smart Objects for adjustments like sharpening?

    -Smart Objects keep the image data separate from adjustments, allowing you to go back and tweak or remove adjustments later without damaging the original image.

  • How can the amount of sharpening be customized for different images?

    -The sharpening amount will need to be adjusted based on the content of each unique image. More or less sharpening may be required.

Outlines
00:00
📹 Introducing the tutorial and image

The instructor introduces themselves and the tutorial, which will show how to sharpen an image of a bird eating a fish using an unsharpen mask in Photoshop. They note that the image is not very large so they will fill the screen for the tutorial. They also mention their personal dislike for fish.

🖼️ Converting the layer to a smart object

The instructor explains that first a new layer should be created and converted to a smart object, which allows non-destructive editing. They demonstrate going to Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object to do this.

🔎 Adding the unsharp mask

The instructor then shows how to add the unsharp mask filter by going to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask. They recommend settings of Amount 250, Radius 0.9, and Threshold 8 for this particular image. This sharpens up the image nicely.

👁️‍🗨️ Viewing the effect and saving

To view the effect, the instructor clicks the eye icon next to the smart filter to toggle it on and off. They then explain saving as a Photoshop file to retain layers, or JPEG to share online. They recommend putting your name in the file name and saving in an organized spot.

🏁 Conclusion

The instructor concludes that this demonstrates how to sharpen an image using an unsharp mask filter in Photoshop.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡unsharp mask
An unsharp mask is a sharpening filter in Photoshop used to make images look sharper. In the video, the narrator uses an unsharp mask to sharpen the image of the bird eating a fish which was looking soft. The specific settings used are amount 250, radius 0.9 and threshold 8.
💡layers
Layers in Photoshop allow non-destructive editing by applying adjustments and effects to separate layers on top of the image. The narrator converts the image to a Smart Object layer before applying the unsharp mask so adjustments remain editable.
💡sharpen
Sharpening an image enhances edges and fine details to make it look less blurry and more crisp. The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate sharpening the soft bird image using the unsharp mask filter.
💡save
The narrator shows how to properly save the sharpened image - as a Photoshop file to retain layers or JPEG to share online or submit for an assignment, reminding to add your name.
💡filter
Filters in Photoshop apply effects like sharpening, blurring, distortions etc. The unsharp mask is accessed through Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask and applied to the smart object layer.
💡radius
The radius along with amount and threshold controls the intensity of sharpening in the unsharp mask filter. A lower radius of 0.9 pixels is ideal for sharpening detail.
💡threshold
The threshold setting determines how different pixels need to be before the filter sharpens edges. A lower value sharpens more while a higher value avoids sharpening noise.
💡view
The view menu controls image preview size in Photoshop. The narrator shows how to view actual pixels at 100% for sharpening assessment vs fitting the image to full screen.
💡smart object
Converting the layer to a smart object allows non-destructive editing by applying filters like unsharp mask as a separate layer that can be adjusted later.
💡amount
Amount along with radius and threshold controls intensity of sharpening in unsharp mask. A higher amount like 250% amplifies edge contrast more strongly.
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Transcripts
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