SHARPENING AN IMAGE USING UNSHARPEN MASK

Here are some guidelines to sharpen an image without using a layer. I still like using UnSharp Mask, so go to :

Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask, and make the sharpening settings appropriate for your image. The table below is for guidance.

SHARPENING GUIDELINES

SUBJECT

Amount Radius Threshold

GENERAL SHARPENING

125 1 2

FEMALE PORTRAIT

100 0.6 8

MALE PORTRAIT

125 1 4

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE / DETAILED

140 1.3 2

DREAMY LANDSCAPE SHOT

100 0.8 4

ACTION / SPORTS

150 1.3 1

TIP:

Never boost your RADIUS higher than 2.0, if you do you will begin to see halos around he edges of the subjects in you photos. A good rule is to begin at .01 and increase your radius gradually. A little bit goes a long way when using radius.

Source: Adorama