Hello everyone,
I've recently been studying sharpening "more" just as a means of refining my technique when it comes to sharpening. I'm only discussing capture and creative sharpening at this point, since I use Lr for output and so far I have been pleased with the results it produces using its built-in output sharpening. I've read different books (including Schewe's) and countless forum threads here and elsewhere.
Specifically, I've been exploring the difference and techniques that differentiate capture and creative sharpening. In a nutshell I'm trying to refine my technique for using sharpening (or lack of it in some cases) to enhance and draw interest to certain parts of the image. Some of the material I've ready suggests leaving things relatively soft at the capture sharpening step, whereas before I would adjust till I was happy with the detail and crispness of an image. I suppose the theory is to leave yourself some room for selectively sharpening certain elements more thereby drawing attention or making those elements stand out more. Some of what I've seen looks TOO soft however, at least to my eyes.
I'm attaching some images because I'd like to get opinions, ideas, or suggestions and also to understand if I'm on the right path here? I realize this is largely subjective but I still find other's perspective valuable. This shot was made using Canon 5DIV and a Zeiss Distagon 35/2 lens. I've attached a comparison between default, capture, and creative sharpening as well a small portion of the image as a 100% crop to easier see the sharpening effect.
As for now I do almost everything in Lr, and only rarely step out to Ps for image editing. That could change but I avoid that whenever possible.
The "default" sharpening is Amount: 25 Radius .80 Detail: 25 Masking and Noise: 0
Capture sharpening is Amount: 40 Radius: .80 Detail: 50 Masking: 30ish and Noise: 10
Creative sharpening: I added some additional sharpening to the foreground works leading at an angle from the bottom left of the image toward the center (additional sharpening using adjustment brush at +15) . I also soften the larger rock face (not the edges) in the bottom left above the corner (adjustment brush -10). I added a small amount of sharpening to the boats and masts across the water. I also soften the water a little (adjustment brush -10 sharpening and additional noise of 10).
*** One question I have regarding the adjustment brush in Lr. I know the "sharpness" is based on settings in the detail panel but is it less or more sharpening AT a detail of 50 and radius of .80 or does the sharpness graduate those values as well?
To my eyes the effect is noticeable but subtle when viewing the entire image. Obviously I can see the difference in sharpening in 100% crops.
So what is your opinion on the sharpening? Too much? Too little? Is there a better way? (in Lr) Would it be truly be a noticeable difference if I took it to Ps? I know the shot isn't that great but it serves to illustrate what I'm trying to get better at, or at least understand more.
Thank you!