Phil Marion
New member
I am new to digital RAW processing - finally gave up my film camera earlier this year. I did notice that shooting RAW puts weight on as I spend too much time on my computer. So less time spent trying to learn proper sharpening techniques is essential. Please help!
I've read Bruce Fraser's sharpening book and sadly I still am somewhat confused. It doesn't speak to my situation for I now use ACR 4.1 for initial capture sharpening and I don't print my photos, preferring to view them online at 1100 pixels (at it greatest length) on my NEC 20WMGX2 monitor (in case this is relevant).
My current workflow is a multiphase sharpening.
I use ACR to capture sharpen, using the methods described by Jeff Schewe in his Photoshopnews article. I use the sharpening mask and sliders.
My question is HOW to best sharpen the image after I have downsized it to a 1100 pixel length JPEG? Simple USM? Highpass sharpening? Smart sharpening? Recently I used high pass sharpening with a layer mask. This does require time to adjust the opacity slider and occasionally do localized adjustments with the mask. Time consuming but better results. I wonder if this is alot of work for nothing since the intended medium will be a Zenfolio web page rather than a print. Would using a USM PS action with predefined radius give quicker and indiscernibly similar results for a web based photo? If so what are good settings for the radius and threshold for a 1100 pixel length web based JPEG?
In case it is relevant, I shoot Canon 30D RAW files. I am a photo-enthusiast/hobbyist not turning out critical for client prints.
Thanks for your help.
I've read Bruce Fraser's sharpening book and sadly I still am somewhat confused. It doesn't speak to my situation for I now use ACR 4.1 for initial capture sharpening and I don't print my photos, preferring to view them online at 1100 pixels (at it greatest length) on my NEC 20WMGX2 monitor (in case this is relevant).
My current workflow is a multiphase sharpening.
I use ACR to capture sharpen, using the methods described by Jeff Schewe in his Photoshopnews article. I use the sharpening mask and sliders.
My question is HOW to best sharpen the image after I have downsized it to a 1100 pixel length JPEG? Simple USM? Highpass sharpening? Smart sharpening? Recently I used high pass sharpening with a layer mask. This does require time to adjust the opacity slider and occasionally do localized adjustments with the mask. Time consuming but better results. I wonder if this is alot of work for nothing since the intended medium will be a Zenfolio web page rather than a print. Would using a USM PS action with predefined radius give quicker and indiscernibly similar results for a web based photo? If so what are good settings for the radius and threshold for a 1100 pixel length web based JPEG?
In case it is relevant, I shoot Canon 30D RAW files. I am a photo-enthusiast/hobbyist not turning out critical for client prints.
Thanks for your help.