When should I sharpen my images?

 

Sharpening is a nuanced part of image editing, and timing is key. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation. Here's a breakdown of when you should sharpen your images, with considerations for different stages of the editing process:

The General Rule: Sharpen Last

• In most cases, sharpening should be one of the final steps in your editing workflow. This is because:
  • Other adjustments (like color correction, exposure adjustments, and noise reduction) can affect the perceived sharpness of an image.
  • Sharpening can sometimes amplify unwanted artifacts, so it's best to apply it after you've cleaned up any other issues.
  • Sharpening requirements change based on the final output of the image.

A More Detailed Sharpening Workflow:

Some professionals advocate for a multi-stage sharpening approach:

• Capture Sharpening:
  • This is the initial sharpening that corrects for the inherent softness of digital images.
  • It's often done early in the workflow, but still after basic corrections.
  • This stage aims to restore the detail lost during the camera's image processing.
• Creative Sharpening:
  • This involves selectively sharpening specific areas of your image to draw attention to certain details or create a desired effect.
  • This can be done at various points in the workflow, depending on your creative vision.
  • This is the stage where you might sharpen only the eyes of a portrait, or the foreground of a landscape.
• Output Sharpening:
  • This is the final sharpening that's tailored to the specific output of your image (e.g., screen, print, web).
  • Different output methods require different levels of sharpening.
  • For example, images intended for print often require more sharpening than those for web display.
  • This is the very last step. After the image is resized to its final output size.

Key Considerations:

• Noise Reduction:
  • If you're applying noise reduction, do it before sharpening. Sharpening can amplify noise, so it's best to address it first.
• Resizing:
  • If you're resizing your image, do it before output sharpening. Resizing can affect sharpness, so it's important to apply final sharpening after the image has been sized for its intended output.
• Output Medium:
  • The amount of sharpening you apply will depend on how your image will be used.
  • Images for web display typically require less sharpening than images for high-resolution printing.
• Viewing at 100%:
  • When sharpening, always zoom in to 100% to accurately assess the effect. This will help you avoid over-sharpening.

In Summary:

While the "sharpen last" rule is a good general guideline, understanding the nuances of a multi-stage sharpening workflow can help you achieve optimal results. Always consider the specific characteristics of your image and its intended output when deciding when and how much to sharpen.