Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
focus by improving the edge contrast of objects in photos. Once again, an Auto button is at
your service; click it to get things started.
Figure 4-12
shows what you can expect.
Figure 4-12. Left: The original image. Like many digital photos, it could stand a little sharpening.
Middle: What you get by clicking the Sharpen section's Auto button. Right: The results of using the
Sharpen slider to apply stronger sharpening than Auto Sharpen does.
The sad truth is that there really isn't any way to improve the focus of a photo once you click
the shutter. Photo-editing programs like Elements sharpen by increasing the contrast where
they perceive edges of objects, which is why it's best to make sharpening your last editing
step. Sharpening
first
can have strange effects on other editing tools you apply afterward.
TIP
If you see funny halos around objects in your photos or strange flaky spots (making your
photo look like it has eczema), those are sure signs of oversharpening; reduce the Sharpen
setting until they go away. In fact, many modern cameras apply a pretty hefty dose of
sharpening right in the camera, so you may decide you like your photo best with no extra
sharpening at all.
