Positive Clarity v Negative Clarity

[AgBeard]

Here are 2 images of the same dandelion. The first has the Clarity (in LR2) set at +80, the second is set at -53. I was just amazed at the difference between the two images

[littleny]

i love the negative clarity in lightroom.i use it often. it adds a nice soft artistic glow

[fletch]

Clarity is a bit like sharpening, only different. You can use it for retouching portaits to save loads of time in Photoshop. Just use negative clarity to smooth skin and positive clarity to sharpen eyes etc.

[kirbinster]

Very interesting. I have never used negative clarity on an overall picture, although I do use it with the adjustment brush to smooth out skin blemishes.

[SusanH1970]

Methinks I need to get Lightroom.

[Jim Bryant]

no, you need adobe photoshop

[private]

jim, I have been teetreing btwn the two - is PhotoShop REALLY that much better?

[PrimeTime]

Photoshop clarity is more like a midrange contrast, than it is sharpening. Sharpening doesn't change color like that.

[fletch]

Originally Posted by private

jim, I have been teetreing btwn the two - is PhotoShop REALLY that much better?

Not better, different. Try the free trials.

I reckon you could get away with PSE for the things Lightroom could not do. Others say that since CS4 improved bridge and ACR so much you don't need lightroom anymore. Only you can judge.

I would try the lightroom trial for a month, then try the CS4 trial. If you miss lightroom get that, if you find yourself using loads of CS4 only goodness and tricks then get that. If you like both sell your car!

[Nathan deGargoyle]

Well I use GIMP and I'm sure I could get the same results from a RAW with different settings.

These are both great images that you should be proud of. Personally I prefer the first but maybe you should do a triptych with you LR settings at +80, 0, -53. It'll look great on your wall!