How to - Selective Sharpening & Selective Skin Softening

[autofocus]

I commented with this technique on another thread here and I thought it would be worth sharing on a post of it's own. Here it is:

Here's how I use it: (for selctive sharpening)
1) Control J to make new layer
2) Go to Filter>Other>High Pass. The image will get all grey and funky looking. I set the radius between 6 and 25...it will vary with each image
3) In the layers palette change from Normal to Overlay
4) Hold the Alt key and click on the little mask icon on the bottom of the layers palette. The image will revert to it's previous setting
5) Select a soft white brush and paint over the area you want to sharpen. (like the eyes) Finish by adjusting the opacity slider for the amount you want
6) Flatten layer

For selective softening:
1) Follow step 1-3 above
2) Click Ctrl I to invert sharpening to blurring
3) Continue with steps 4-6 above


High Pass by vmontalbano, on Flickr

Hope this little tut helps
__________________

[zona5101]

I've picked up this tip from you before but have to note that this version/explanation is concise, easy to follow and illustrated! - Thanks!

[SusanH1970]

Excellent tutorial, Vinnie, thanks!

[autofocus]

Thanks Bruce and Susan. This is something I learned a few months back and find it very easy to use, and the process provides very good results. Obviously, there are many ways in photoshop to sharpen and soften (blur) but this is now my "go to" method.

[SusanH1970]

Vinnie - I just used this method today on a photograph of a cat I did for our town's Animal Center. I almost tossed the shot because the nose was in focus, but the eyes were quite soft. I gave this a shot and while the eyes obviously aren't in perfect focus, they're acceptably sharp for the purposes I need the photo for. Thanks again!

[cyber3d]

Great little tutorial! Love it.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Vinnie - I just used this method today on a photograph of a cat I did for our town's Animal Center. I almost tossed the shot because the nose was in focus, but the eyes were quite soft. I gave this a shot and while the eyes obviously aren't in perfect focus, they're acceptably sharp for the purposes I need the photo for. Thanks again!

You're welcome Susan...glad that it helped you out

[yulchick]

Great tutorial, so easy to follow! thanks a bunch

[Bruce A]

Thanks for this tute - very helpful - I've been doing these things the long way round and this way also has more control. TFS!

[autofocus]

Happy to help Julia and Bruce