Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Step Two:
I recommend duplicating the Background layer at this point (by pressing
Command-J
[PC: Ctrl-J]
) and applying this extra level of sharpening to this duplicate layer. That way,
if you think the sharpening looks too intense, you can just lower the amount of it by lower-
ing the opacity of this layer. I also usually zoom in (by pressing
Command-+
[plus sign;
PC: Ctrl-+
]) on a detail area (like her eyes), so I can really see the effects of the sharpen-
ing clearly (another benefit of applying the sharpening to a duplicate layer is that you can
quickly see a before/after of all the sharpening by showing/hiding the layer).
Step Three:
Now, choose a medium-sized, soft-edged brush from the Brush Picker in the Options Bar,
andthensimplytaketheSharpentoolandpaintoverjusttheareasyouwanttoappearsharp
(this is really handy for portraits like this, because you can avoid areas you want to remain
soft, like skin, but then super-sharpen areas you want to be really nice and crisp, like her
irises and her necklace, like I'm doing here). Below is a before/after, after painting over
other areas that you'd normally sharpen, like her eyes, eyebrows, eyelashes, and lips, while
avoiding all areas of flesh tone. One more thing: This technique is definitely not just for
