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Thread: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

  1. #1

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    Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    I learned this while talking to a fellow photographer last week. It seems quite interesting and honestly didn't know you could go about it with this filter.

    I usually apply a very light unsharp mask to get a little more focus on most images.
    Amount: 40 to 100 (the higher value for files created with a digital camera the lower for scans of a negative)
    Radius: 1,0
    Threshold: 1

    With the same tool you can create a similar effect (makes me think of acutance). It actually creates a small amount of contrast in the edges (where shadows meet highlights)

    Amount: 15
    Radius: 40
    Threshold: 1

    I tried to show it in a before/after image but it is hardly noticeable. Many of you probably know about this already, I didn't

  2. #2

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    Not to be negative but Radius and Amount are very dependent on image size, subject matter, and opinion. One cannot just plug-in numbers and expect good results.

  3. #3
    bob carnie's Avatar
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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    thats what the opacity slider is for.. suit to taste.
    Quote Originally Posted by Old-N-Feeble View Post
    Not to be negative but Radius and Amount are very dependent on image size, subject matter, and opinion. One cannot just plug-in numbers and expect good results.

  4. #4

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    It's not just opacity. Heck... one can add a separate layer with differing opacity and mixing qualities. Radius and Amount are completely different. They really are.

  5. #5

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    I would never recommend a radius that high...

    It depend on your capture mechanism, digital camera, flatbed scanner or drum scanner. I often apply sharpness, using a radius of .2.

    Unsharp masking is one of the first things photographers should learn when they begin with PhotoShop. In addition, they should also learn about masking, so they can limit the effect to specific areas. I would never sharpen water, for example.

    Lenny
    EigerStudios
    Museum Quality Drum Scanning and Printing

  6. #6

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    ^^^ Right!!

  7. #7
    bob carnie's Avatar
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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    Then I certainly would not tell you both the radius I use when sharpening water and leaves.

  8. #8

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    * sigh *

  9. #9

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    I have never given any advice here but...

    View at 100% - radius low like Lenny says .2. Unless you like crunchy images

  10. #10

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    Re: Micro Contrast with Unsharp Mask in PS

    I think some of you may be missing the point. For regular sharpening - yes - small radius - but the OP was talking about micro contrast which does require less sharpening and more radius. I use this technique and it works well.

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