LR and PS Sharpening Workflow

[alaska_av8r]

I am getting back into photography after many years away. I have LR Classic CC and PS CC along with the paid version of the NIK Collection which I have used some, I also have ON1 and haven't had time to dig into that.

I have been reading Real World Image Sharpening by Schewe and Fraser.

Here is my question, since I haven't had time to really dig into either of the add-on programs above (NIK and ON1) are there sharpening features in there that I could be using that would save me time and make the process easier?

Or am I better off learning how to sharpen using the 3 step process mentioned by Schewe? I have already read the book and have a basic understanding, but before i really dive in to study it in depth I don't want to find out....hey dummy you could have just used "insert program name here"......haha

Or is there a program that you do recommend?

thanks

Tim

 

[Darryl Brooks]

I don't want to muddy the water, but the new Texture slider in LR is now part of my pre-sharpening routine, and often makes it unnecessary.

 

[Richard James]

I have been reading Real World Image Sharpening by Schewe and Fraser.

Their software, PKSharpener is now freeware...

I've been using it for many years. Esp the "Offset" stings as I publish a camera club magazine (yes, we still print it, and its free).

Richard

 

[mclewis]

I am getting back into photography after many years away. I have LR Classic CC and PS CC along with the paid version of the NIK Collection which I have used some, I also have ON1 and haven't had time to dig into that.

I have been reading Real World Image Sharpening by Schewe and Fraser.

Here is my question, since I haven't had time to really dig into either of the add-on programs above (NIK and ON1) are there sharpening features in there that I could be using that would save me time and make the process easier?

Or am I better off learning how to sharpen using the 3 step process mentioned by Schewe? I have already read the book and have a basic understanding, but before i really dive in to study it in depth I don't want to find out....hey dummy you could have just used "insert program name here"......haha

thanks

Tim

Schewe's sharpening methods have been built into the LR sharpening algorithms. Just try out the LR sharpening first.

 

[Ernie Misner]

Since you mentioned that you do have PS, there some excellent articles on sharpening here at Photoshop Essentials. Much what he says applies to other software as well. I subscribed to his email list and a new article shows up every couple of weeks. You can spend some time just exploring his past articles on this web page as well:

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www.photoshopessentials.com

 

[Zeee]

I have no affiliation with this site. It is $15 but very good. It may not have the structure adjustment as it is fairly new.

https://backcountrygallery.com/noise-reduction-using-lightroom-and-photoshop-video-workshop/

 

[alaska_av8r]

Thanks for all the info, looks like I will be able to keep it simple and just use LR most of the time. I really didn’t want to add mor3 plugins and spend time learning them.

tim

 

[Sailor Blue]

I find Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw do all the sharpening I need.

Here is one additional reference to go with what you get from Real World Image Sharpening by Schewe and Fraser. This is a post by one of our resident editing gurus, Sabrina.

DPReveiw - Sharpening Technique by sabrina81

 

[Zeee]

Thanks for all the info, looks like I will be able to keep it simple and just use LR most of the time. I really didn’t want to add mor3 plugins and spend time learning them.

tim

I'm not big plug-in user either. Occasionally I get a little board, read about new things that come out and waste another $70 on something that I wind up using very little.

There is good stuff out there but if you take the time to master the Detail panel LR is more than capable of producing excellent results.

 

[alaska_av8r]

You guys are providing great input, now if only I could find the time to do it. This work stuff gets in the way, except for this weekend, it got me to Yosemite.

tim

 

[Royi Avital]

I find the best way to sharpen is using Multi Scale Approach.

When I say sharpening I don't mean restoring details (Capture Sharpening) but sharpening to enhance details and contrast (Like USM).

All the tools you mentioned use single scale methods which are limited.

There are many Plug In's out there (Topaz Detail, WOW Frequency Equalizer, Fixel Detailizer, etc...) which are using Multi Scale approach (And Halo Free Sharpening).

The others usually use single scale methods which are classic many decades ago methods. There are better tools.

 

[Krav Maga]

I'm about to present what is probably an unpopular opinion among some. Image sharpening has been presented to be unnecessarily complicated; especially if you have LR, PS, and shoot images that are in proper focus.

My workflow mirrors that of a local fashion photographer who has done work for various publications from Vogue to Elle, to promotional shots for national music acts. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me. My workflow always means making global adjustments in LR CC and then sending over to PS for everything else; including output to whatever I need/want. LR CC's default global sharpening is almost always just fine. Beyond that I might fiddle with the noise reduction sliders if the image can use it, but usually not.

When in PS, selective sharpening using Smart Sharpen on a Luminosity mask works great for output sharpening (for what I do).

It's simple and effective.

 

[Zeee]

Actually if you are using PS PK Sharpener is now free for as long as it works. Similar to LR's export sharpening algorithms with more options. Plus there is capture and creative sharpening.

PixelGenius, Photoshop Plug-in Developer, Developer of PhotoKit plug-ins, PhotoKit, PhotoKit Sharpener, PhotoKit Color, PhotoKit-EL