Sharpening
Paul Malley • 18 April 2022
SHARPENING
A few Blog entries back, I submitted a short piece of work regarding my use of 'Auto-ISO' which, I'm pleased to say, generated some interest and subsequent discussion at the Clubhouse. In a bid to keep alternative thoughts and views going, this time I'm including a section on my preferred method of Sharpening images (lights blue touch-paper and steps back...), - please note I said "my preferred method" as, not only are there a number of ways of sharpening an image, but it is one of the most 'Subjective' issues when concluding a workflow process.
Many DSLR units are fitted with an anti-aliasing filter in the sensor path, which counter affects the moiré patterning, or coloured cross parallax of some light wavelengths. Anything placed in front of the sensor, can optically reduce the efficiency of the light path so, to overcome this, a degree of sharpening of an image is required, to reinstate any corrective action. Newer DSLR and Mirrorless units do not all have this anti-aliasing filter, but sharpening is still applied within the workflow.
Sharpening works by producing a better defined line (NOT the same as contrast) at boundary edges, (in the good old wet darkroom, this was termed Acutance). The degree and method of sharpening as stated, is hugely subjective as, applied to the wrong style of image, or at the wrong focal viewpoint, or in too greater strength can be detrimental. I have seen the evolving of sharpening within 'Photoshop Elements' since about 2008, where it was issued as a simple one-click function under the 'Enhance' Tab as 'auto-sharpen'. This was a quick one-stop pass that applied sharpening via an algorithm which, although hit and miss at times, gave a somewhat credible change. In subsequent versions, it became more refined, and sliders were introduced, offering control into variable levels of overall sharpness. About 10yrs ago, a huge step-change came in whereby the edge radius and strength could be altered to suit, offering 0.1 pixel units. Nowadays, sharpening can be done on separate layers, combined with clarity, contrast and split down within different layers, even identifying selective target areas to sharpen, before they are all merged down like layers in a sandwich.
For me, in my current Affinity Photo Software, I use a 3-stage sharpening process (Please note there are differences at the final stage for presentation in Print format, or display as a PDI). I conduct each stage in isolation, and it is done as the final part of my jpeg workflow process before I save the image.
Stage 1. This is a PRE-SHARPEN action, where the minimal radius and strength factor are applied to the overall image via the strangely termed 'Unsharp Mask' (each part of the image gets the same sharpening factor in one operation).
Stage 2. This is CREATIVE or SELECTIVE Sharpening, where I can select/identify what part of the image I wish to enhance beyond Stage 1. It may be the model's eyes, a tree in a landscape, or a head-on motorcycle fairing. In this stage, using a New Layer, selecting a brush, I work round the item and check it is bounded by the infamous 'marching ants'. Once identified a second pass is given using the same as in Stage 1. Once completed, a simple deselect of the marching ants shows the added 'pop' of the detail within the selected area. I then Merge/Flatten the Layers into one.
Stage 3. The final action is termed OUTPUT Sharpening. For me, working in PDI, I resize the document to the longest 1920 x 1200 format and apply a final overall sharpen in Unsharp Mask at a low output. This third and final stage can be dramatic as it is at the output for a good projected resolution.
If all has worked well, the image should have a nice, overall sharpness courtesy of stages 1 and 3 and the main point which the viewer may concentrate or gravitate to should have that extra pop, courtesy of Stage 2.
As a small aside, I remove my Noise during RAW conversion, as you don't want to be working on a noise image, either by creating Layers and putting Noise on top of Noise, or sharpening Noise at three separate stages. Noise can also have the effect of apparent sharpness reduction, - so get rid of it early.
Be wary of over sharpening, it can lead to artefacts, jagged edges or fringing, in worse cases it can also promote haloing or banding separation. Sometimes, less is more and I usually 'back-off a bit' on my final sharpening, rather than push a sharpening boundary.
Have a try with small amounts of sharpening, on different Layers (always on a working copy file, not the original primary jpeg) and pick something out that you want the viewer to look at. I have done my 3-Stage approach on this image of the Kingfisher, with selective sharpening applied to the head and leading edge of the wing.
Louth Photographic Society
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held our monthly Print competition, Circles and Open judged by John Whaler, there was a very good attendance and entry with some high-quality photographs. The results are on our website, but congratulations go to Robin Begley for his superb photograph of Point La Achenal-Mount Blanc in the Open section and Dave Turner's excellent photograph of the London Eye in the Circles competition. Both photographs are on our blog page. This week, Wednesday 29th April, we are having something that we have not tried before, a charity night in aid of cancer research, two of our members passed away quite recently and it is a way of remembering Paul Gray and Paul Malley and raising some money so please bring money with you. There is a print competition where we need you to bring along just one print, one of your favourites, age of print doesn't matter nor whether it has won many competitions already. There will also be a quoits competition, a Raffle, a quiz and cakes to have with a cuppa. One other thing, St James Church are holding a friendship festival where we have put on an exhibition previous years, it is next weekend and they thought we were going to take part again. If anyone wants to volunteer to man a stand, otherwise we won't be able to take part this year, very late notice but myself and Derek were unaware they were expecting us. The following week is our AGM Regards Graham
Last night, we held our monthly print competition with the categories of "Circles" and "Open". Our judge for the evening was John Whaler, who judged the prints in his usual detailed laid back considered style. The "Circles" category was an especially difficult subject to photograph, and it was amazing to see some of the interpretations of this subject. It was an interesting evening, and the Competition page of the website has been updated with the final results, and images from the top three placed images in each category. Congratulations to Robin Begley placed first in the Open category with his "Pointe La Achenal - Mont Blanc, and Dave Turner with his view of the London Eye, first place in the Circles category. Thanks to John Whaler for judging the prints, and Dave Mann for preparing the refreshments.
Good Morning All I took a photo of the Morris Minor steering wheel in The Great British Car Journey Museum in Derbyshire; it would have fitted this week's competition if I had thought to print it. Last week at the club Derek organised a studio evening for us all. It was a very good evening with two models for us to photograph. A lot of members don't do studio photography very often, so it was a chance to learn lighting techniques and poses. Thank you Derek for letting the members use your studio equipment and organising the evening for us. There is a blog on our website. Last Friday evening was our open night at Louth museum for the societies 70th Anniversary, we had a good turnout with quite a few members and guests including the mayor of Louth. Thank you again to all involved setting up the exhibition, particularly Harry Kerman and Chris Birchmore who did a lot of the setting up, as well as Simon Millson, Derek Smith and Richard Hildred who helped with the boards and mounting the prints. Harry and Karen Kerman provided an excellent buffet as well as wine etc. It was the first time I had seen the exhibition and I was very impressed; there is plenty of time still to visit the museum and see it for yourself. You will have to pay the museum admission charge. There is a report on our blog page. This week, Wednesday 22nd April, we will hold a print competition, with the categories of "Circles" and "Open", John Whaler of Lincoln will judge the competiton. The entries are in and score sheets have been sent out. The following week we are holding a charity night in aid of Cancer Research, The society recently lost two very valued members to cancer, many members have lost loved ones to the disease. We are having various activities to take part in and spend your money. Harry is running a raffle, any members who would like to donate a prize please bring it along this week or next and hand it to Harry. Paul Towmey is bringing his Quoits game in. Dave Turner is running a very simple Print competition, bring along your favourite print or one that has done well for you in the past either this week or on the night, there is a £1 entry fee, any subject, we will ask a guest to judge the competition. I will be running a quiz and there will be cakes available to have with your tea and coffee, at a cost of course, we want to raise some money, there will be no charge on the door though. If you can't make the evening, you could always give Harry some money for raffle tickets this week. If you intend to go to our annual dinner on 29th May (Friday) please let me know by next Wednesday as I have to give the Splash the final numbers, so far 19 are going but mid twenties would be better. Think that's it, Regards Graham
Yesterday evening the 17th April 2026 was the opening night for the Louth Photographic Society’s 70 Year Celebration Exhibition at the Louth Museum. The Mayor of Louth, Darren Hobson attended and was very impressed with the exhibition, who by the way is interested in photography. Some relatives of previous members, who are no longer with us, also came along. Julie Gough (Milli) and Bob Maddams represented the Museum. From the club we had 10 members, some with their partners. In all 20 people attended. A buffet and drinks were provided by the club which were prepared by Harry and his wife Karen for the night. Graham Harrison the President of the club gave the opening speech followed by Chris Birchmore, who was the member who first put the idea together. Members mingled, discussed the photographs and generally had a good time. Many thanks for all who attended and made it a night to remember.
Two female models were booked for our "Studio Night", which was held last night, and members were able to practice photographing the models in various poses, on the portrait set, or the fashion set. Our models Ginny, and Dina were very different in character, and appearance, but both were excellent models, and they posed easily in front of the cameras. The portrait set was lit with a flash speed light in a soft box, the fashion set was lit with constant LED lighting, the models changed outfits, and sets during the break. Both models are pictured here on the fashion set, Ginny in the red top, and large Doc Martin boots, and Dina in a softer fashion outfit. Members seemed to enjoy the evening, and for some glamour photography was outside their comfort zone, but it does give the opportunity to try something different.
It was a disappointing afternoon for Louth during Sunday's Fosters Challenge. One by one our submitted prints were dismissed, Graham Harrison's "Hairy Shield Bug", was too dark, "Trusthorpe Outfall" by Tony Gaskins had wind turbines on the horizon, and Tony's other print "Dawn Light Outfall Hornsea" was dismissed as the outfall was too close to the bottom of the frame. "Rudbeckia" by Harry Kerman fell as the judge felt that the third flower in the background was unnecessary. "Morning Sun Whitby" by Dave Turner was dismissed as the rising sun "caught his eye". Oh well, there's always next year. The winning print was a stunning portrait, "Maria" from Scunthorpe, which I felt had vibes of the Vogue magazine.
Good Morning All We had a really good week away last week in the Peak District, the good weather helped and we visited many places including Salford Quays and climbed to the top of Kinder Scout and Mam Tor. Last week at the club it looks like you were treated to some excellent coastal photography from member Tony Gaskins, Tony does a lot of long exposure photography producing stunning photographs. There is a report on our blog page with photographs from the evening. This week, Wednesday 15th April, is Derek's studio evening where we are invited to come along with our cameras, there is a £5 charge on the night to help pay towards the two models. The following week is a print competition, with the categories of "Circles" and "Open", you can send Dave Turner a list of your entries and bring your prints in next week. Today is the Foster Challenge at Nettleham village Hall, 1.30pm for 2pm, Louth has entered the competition as usual so it would be good to see a few members attending. Regards Graham
Our speaker last night was our very own member Tony Gaskins, who gave an excellent presentation "Coast 3" with some stunning visual images. Tony specialises in capturing long exposure coastal scenes, he related how beginning several years ago with a long exposure view of Whitby Pier he got the "bug" for long exposure photography. Much of his photography takes place along the Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire east coast, often arising in the early hours to catch a sunrise. Weather conditions dictate a lot of how the final image looks, and the long exposure style often creates a sense of calmness, and serenity, with pastel coloured skies, and milky seas. When the weather turns wild, the long exposure image presents a very dramatic scene with foreboding clouds. He recently travelled to Lewis & Harris island in the Outer Hebrides and took many images there, sometimes at sunny white sand beaches, and at other times moody bleak images as the weather closed in. Tony's technique requires a lot of patience, often spending hours at a location, with the camera mounted on a study tripod, and the ND filters on the camera permitting an exposure time of several minutes. Many thanks Tony for a very informative talk, well presented, and with some beautiful imagery.
Good Morning All Last week at the club we held a Local Nature and Open PDI competition, members Dave Turner and Steve Chapman kindly offered to judge the competition, thank you to you both, it was a good night and the entries were of a high standard giving you both quite a task. The results are on our website, but the two winners on the night were, Local Nature Tony Gaskins and Open Harry Kerman. This week, Wednesday 8th April, Tony Gaskins, one of our members is showing us Coast 3, a PDI presentation. Tony is an excellent photographer and spends many hours photographing our coastline. Aprils Print competition, Circles and Open is fast approaching, you can send your titles to Dave Turner when your ready and bring your prints in the week before the competition. Regards Graham
It was no April fools, when we held our PDI (Projected Digital Image) competition last night. The images submitted into this competition were off the highest quality. Dave Turner judged the Open category, which I think is always one of the hardest categories to judge, pitting landscapes, against nature, and still life, but Dave did a magnificent job, offering well founded critique of the images submitted. After the break, Steve Chapman judged the Local Nature category, (nature images taken within a 25 mile radius of St. James' church, Louth) Steve "held back" 10 out of the 18 submitted images, and gave those 10 images very careful consideration until he finally arrived at the 3 highest placed images. Steve commented that the submitted images were indeed of high quality, and he took his time to evaluate the submitted images and offered useful critique on each one. The competition made for a very interesting evening, and all members deserve praise for the quality of the submitted images. The website Competition page has been updated with the full results, and the top three images from each category. On this post is 1st placed Sedge Warbler, Cleethorpes by Tony Gaskins, in the Local Nature category, and 1st placed Hudson Bay Wolf, (Lincoln Zoo) by Harry Kerman, in the Open category.
