Increase Blur to Sharpen Better? - Photoshop Trick

PiXimperfect
6 Sept 202109:03

TLDRThis tutorial introduces a unique Photoshop sharpening technique that paradoxically uses blurring to enhance image clarity. The method involves duplicating the background layer, applying a vivid light blend mode, inverting it, and then using Gaussian blur to sharpen edges. The video compares this 'vivid light' technique with the traditional high pass method, demonstrating that vivid light can provide more consistent detail enhancement. A free action is provided for ease of use, and the tutorial encourages experimentation with both methods to determine which works best for different images.

Takeaways

  • 😲 The video introduces a unique Photoshop technique where blurring an image can actually make it appear sharper.
  • 🕒 The video is set to be released by 8:30 PM on the same day it was recorded.
  • 🎨 The presenter is from 'Unmashed' and the channel is called 'Picks and Perfect'.
  • 🔍 The technique involves making two copies of the background layer and applying different blend modes to them.
  • 🔄 The 'Vivid Light' blend mode is used in conjunction with inverting the layer to create a sharpening effect.
  • 🌟 A Gaussian Blur is applied to the top layer to define edges, with the value being adjustable for different images.
  • 📈 The edges become more pronounced as the blur increases, but care must be taken to avoid overly thick edges that can create halos.
  • 💡 The 'Overlay' blend mode is particularly effective with gray, hiding it and enhancing contrast in darker and lighter areas.
  • 🛠️ The video provides a free action for Photoshop that automates the sharpening process.
  • 🆚 A comparison is made between the 'Vivid Light' method and the traditional 'High Pass' sharpening method, showing differences in detail preservation.
  • 🎭 The action allows for user input to adjust the Gaussian Blur value, making it versatile for various images.
  • 🖌️ It's possible to fine-tune the sharpening by using layer masks to selectively apply the effect to certain areas of the image.

Q & A

  • What is the main technique discussed in the video?

    -The main technique discussed in the video is a Photoshop trick where blurring an image can actually make it appear sharper.

  • What is the name of the channel presenting the video?

    -The channel presenting the video is called 'unmashed from picks and perfect'.

  • What blend modes are mentioned in the video that are used for contrast?

    -The blend modes mentioned in the video for contrast are Overlay, Soft Light, and Vivid Light.

  • How does inverting a layer affect the image in the context of this technique?

    -Inverting a layer in this technique changes the contrast, making it possible to sharpen details when using certain blend modes and blurring.

  • What is the purpose of converting the layer to 'Smart Filters' before applying Gaussian Blur?

    -Converting the layer to 'Smart Filters' allows for the blur values to be adjusted later if needed, providing flexibility in the editing process.

  • What is the recommended initial value for the Gaussian Blur when applying this technique?

    -The recommended initial value for the Gaussian Blur is four, although it can be adjusted depending on the specific image and desired effect.

  • How does changing the blend mode to Overlay affect the sharpening process?

    -Changing the blend mode to Overlay helps in sharpening the image by hiding the gray areas and enhancing the edges, which become more pronounced as the blur increases.

  • What is the name given to this sharpening technique demonstrated in the video?

    -The sharpening technique is referred to as 'Lab Sharpening' in the video.

  • How does the 'Vivid Light' method compare to the 'High Pass' method in terms of detail preservation?

    -The 'Vivid Light' method tends to preserve more details within the image compared to the 'High Pass' method, which sometimes ignores certain areas.

  • What is the free action provided in the video, and how can it be used?

    -The free action provided is called 'Sharpen' and it automates the steps of the 'Vivid Light' sharpening technique, allowing users to input their desired blur value and apply the effect with a single click.

  • How can unwanted sharpening effects be controlled or reduced in the 'Vivid Light' method?

    -Unwanted sharpening effects can be controlled by creating a mask and painting over the areas where less sharpening is desired with a soft round brush.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Creative Sharpening Technique

The script introduces a unique image sharpening technique that paradoxically sharpens an image as it is blurred. The presenter, from Unmashed, shares their excitement about this method and promises to release a video tutorial by 8:30 PM. The technique involves making two copies of the background layer, setting one to 'Vivid Light' blend mode and inverting it, then blurring it to enhance edge definition. The presenter explains how 'Overlay' blend modes work with gray and how this knowledge can be applied to sharpen images. They also provide a free action for this technique and encourage viewers to download sample images for practice. The method is compared to the 'High Pass' sharpening technique, showing a significant difference in the level of detail preserved, particularly in areas like the inside of the eye.

05:01

🔍 Comparing Vivid Light and High Pass Sharpening

In the second paragraph, the script discusses a comparison between the 'Vivid Light' and 'High Pass' sharpening methods. The presenter uses an action to demonstrate the 'Vivid Light' method, which prompts the user to input the desired blur value, adjustable for each image. The action is part of a free download available to viewers. The comparison highlights that while 'High Pass' may sometimes ignore certain areas and create a more 'natural' result, 'Vivid Light' consistently provides more detail. The presenter suggests that the choice between the two methods depends on the desired outcome, whether more detail or a more natural look is preferred. They also mention that the 'Vivid Light' method used in the demonstration was mild due to a 62% opacity setting, and they proceed to increase the opacity for a more pronounced effect. The paragraph concludes with an encouragement for viewers to experiment with both methods and decide which works best for them, and a reminder to like, subscribe, and support the channel on Patreon.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Blur

Blur in the context of the video refers to the process of making an image or its parts less sharp or clear, typically using a Gaussian Blur filter in Photoshop. The script describes a technique where increasing the amount of blur paradoxically results in a sharper image, which is counterintuitive but effective for enhancing image details.

💡Sharpen

Sharpen is the process of making an image or its parts more distinct and clear. In the video, sharpening is achieved through a unique method involving blurring and blend modes, which is a creative approach to enhancing the definition of edges and details within an image.

💡High Pass

High Pass is a technique used in Photoshop for sharpening images, where a duplicate layer is desaturated and a high pass filter is applied to bring out the edges and details. The video compares this traditional method with the presented 'Vivid Light' method, showing differences in the way each technique handles sharpening.

💡Vivid Light Blend Mode

Vivid Light is one of the contrast blend modes in Photoshop that can be used to enhance the contrast of an image. In the video, it is used in combination with inverting a layer and blurring to create a sharpening effect. The blend mode interacts with the colors in the image to either darken or lighten them, contributing to the sharpening process.

💡Overlay Blend Mode

Overlay is another blend mode mentioned in the video that hides everything that is gray and enhances colors that are darker or lighter than gray. It is used in conjunction with the Vivid Light method to finalize the sharpening effect by combining the blurred, inverted layer with the original image.

💡Smart Filters

Smart Filters in Photoshop allow for non-destructive editing, meaning that the original image remains untouched while filters can be applied and adjusted later. The video script mentions converting a layer to a Smart Object before applying Gaussian Blur, which allows for easy modification of the blur effect.

💡Gaussian Blur

Gaussian Blur is a filter in Photoshop used to reduce image noise and detail, creating a blur effect. In the video, it is a key step in the sharpening technique where the degree of blur is adjusted to enhance the edges and details of the image.

💡Opacity

Opacity in Photoshop refers to the transparency level of a layer or an effect. The script explains how adjusting the opacity of the sharpening effect can control the intensity of the sharpening, allowing for a more subtle or pronounced result.

💡Action

An Action in Photoshop is a recorded set of commands that can be played back to apply a series of steps to an image automatically. The video offers a free action to perform the sharpening technique, which simplifies the process and ensures consistency across different images.

💡Mask

A Mask in Photoshop is used to selectively apply effects to certain areas of an image while protecting others. The script describes using a mask to selectively sharpen specific parts of an image, such as the eyebrows or eyes, by painting with white on the mask to reveal the sharpening effect.

Highlights

A special Photoshop technique is introduced where blurring an image can make it sharper.

The technique is compared with the high pass method, showing it can be more effective in certain cases.

A free action is offered to apply the technique.

The process begins by making two copies of the background layer and adjusting blend modes.

Inverting a layer can lead to sharpening effects when using specific blend modes.

The 'Vivid Light' blend mode is used to enhance contrast and sharpness.

Applying a Gaussian blur to the inverted layer can define edges and sharpen the image.

A recommended Gaussian blur value of four is suggested for demonstration purposes.

Grouping and changing blend modes to 'Overlay' results in overall image sharpening.

A comparison between 'Vivid Light' and 'High Pass' methods shows differences in detail preservation.

The 'High Pass' method sometimes overlooks certain areas, unlike 'Vivid Light'.

An action is provided to automate the 'Vivid Light' sharpening process.

The action allows customization of the Gaussian blur value for different images.

Masking can be used to selectively apply sharpening to specific areas of the image.

A side-by-side comparison of 'Vivid Light' and 'High Pass' is demonstrated with different images.

The importance of considering both methods for different scenarios is emphasized.

Support for the Pixel Perfect project on Patreon is acknowledged.

A call to action for viewers to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more content is made.