Increase Blur to Sharpen Better? - Photoshop Trick
TLDRIn this video, Unmashed from Picks and Perfect shares a unique Photoshop trick that sharpens an image by increasing blur. The technique involves making two copies of the image layer, setting one to 'Vivid Light' blend mode and inverting it, while the other remains at 'Normal' blend mode. By applying Gaussian blur to the 'Vivid Light' layer and then changing its blend mode to 'Overlay', the image edges become more defined. The process is compared with the traditional 'High Pass' method, highlighting that the 'Vivid Light' technique preserves more details in areas such as the eyes. An action is provided for convenience, allowing users to input their desired blur value for customization. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering both methods for different scenarios and encourages viewers to experiment to find the best approach for their images.
Takeaways
- 🎨 **Photoshop Trick:** The video introduces a Photoshop technique where blurring an image can make it appear sharper.
- 🔍 **Vivid Light Blend Mode:** The technique involves using the vivid light blend mode and inverting a layer to create a sharpening effect.
- ⚙️ **Smart Filters:** Converting the layer to a smart filter allows for adjustable Gaussian blur values later on.
- 📉 **Contrast Blend Modes:** Blend modes like overlay, soft light, and vivid light are used because they are contrast blend modes that can enhance image details.
- 🔧 **Layer Inversion:** Inverting the vivid light layer can potentially sharpen the image, depending on the blend mode used afterward.
- 📌 **Edge Sharpness:** The more the image is blurred, the more pronounced the edges become, but care must be taken to avoid overly thick edges that create halos.
- 🔢 **Blur Value:** A lower Gaussian blur value (e.g., 4) is suggested for a more subtle effect, which can be adjusted according to the image.
- 🌟 **Overlay Blend Mode:** Using the overlay blend mode after grouping layers can result in overall image sharpening.
- ➖ **Opacity Control:** The amount of sharpening can be controlled by adjusting the opacity of the layer.
- 🆚 **High Pass Comparison:** The vivid light method is compared to the high pass method, showing that vivid light can provide more detail in certain areas.
- 🎭 **Masking Option:** It's possible to create a mask to selectively apply the sharpening effect to specific parts of the image.
- 🔄 **Action Recording:** An action is provided to automate the process, allowing users to input their desired blur value for a personalized effect.
Q & A
What is the main technique discussed in the video?
-The main technique discussed is a Photoshop trick where blurring an image can make it appear sharper.
What blend modes are mentioned in the video?
-The blend modes mentioned are Overlay, Soft Light, and Vivid Light.
How does the technique differ from the high pass method?
-The technique provides more details in certain areas, such as inside the eyes, which the high pass method might ignore.
What is the purpose of inverting a layer in this technique?
-Inverting a layer changes the contrast, which can potentially sharpen details when combined with certain blend modes and blurring.
How can the user control the amount of sharpening in the technique?
-The user can control the amount of sharpening by adjusting the opacity of the blurred layer.
What is the recommended value for Gaussian blur in the video?
-The recommended value for Gaussian blur is four, although this can be adjusted based on the specific image.
How can the user apply the sharpening technique to an image?
-The user can apply the technique manually by following the steps in the video or by using a provided action in Photoshop.
What is the name of the action provided for this sharpening technique?
-The action is called 'Pixel Perfect Vivid Light Sharpening'.
How does the action assist the user in applying the technique?
-The action automates the steps of the technique and prompts the user to input the desired Gaussian blur value.
What can the user do if they want to avoid sharpening certain areas of the image?
-The user can create a layer mask and paint over the areas they want to sharpen with a white brush.
Why is the Vivid Light method considered milder in the video?
-The Vivid Light method is considered milder because it was recorded with a 62% opacity.
How can the user compare the results of the Vivid Light and High Pass methods?
-The user can save each method as a history state in Photoshop and toggle between them to compare the effects.
Outlines
🔍 Unveiling the Blur and Sharpen Technique
The speaker is excited to share a unique image editing technique that paradoxically sharpens an image as it is blurred. The method involves using blend modes such as Overlay and Vivid Light, which are contrast blend modes. By inverting a layer and applying a Gaussian blur, the edges of the image become more pronounced. The speaker emphasizes that the blend mode Overlay works well with gray tones, hiding gray and enhancing contrast. The technique is demonstrated by creating two copies of a layer, applying the blend modes, inverting, and blurring to achieve a sharpening effect. The result is a clearer, more defined image, which the speaker names 'lab sharpening.' The process is compared to the high pass method, showing that the vivid light technique can provide better results in certain cases, particularly in preserving details within the image.
🎨 Applying the Vivid Light Sharpening with an Action
The second paragraph introduces an action that automates the vivid light sharpening technique. The action is available for download and can be accessed through the Actions panel in Photoshop. When played, the action prompts the user to input the desired value for the Gaussian blur, which can vary from image to image. The speaker demonstrates the action on a second example image, showing the before and after effects. The action also allows for selective sharpening by creating a layer mask, which can be painted over areas that need more detail. The speaker then compares the vivid light method with the high pass method, noting that the vivid light technique retains more detail in areas such as the eyes. The speaker concludes by advising viewers to experiment with both methods to determine which works best for their specific needs and thanks the supporters on Patreon for their contributions.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Blur
💡Sharpen
💡Blend Modes
💡Vivid Light
💡High Pass
💡Smart Filters
💡Opacity
💡Action
💡Mask
💡Sample Images
💡Patreon
Highlights
A special Photoshop technique is shared where blurring an image can make it appear sharper.
The technique involves using vivid light blend mode and inverting layers to enhance image edges.
High pass sharpening is compared to vivid light sharpening, showing vivid light can provide more detailed results.
A free action is provided to automate the vivid light sharpening process.
The action allows users to input their desired Gaussian blur value for customization.
Masking can be used to selectively apply the sharpening effect to certain areas of the image.
The vivid light method is shown to be superior in some cases, particularly for preserving details within the image.
The video provides a step-by-step demonstration of how to apply the vivid light sharpening technique.
The importance of choosing the right blend mode and layer inversion for effective sharpening is explained.
A comparison is made between the vivid light and high pass methods, highlighting the differences in detail preservation.
The video emphasizes the need to experiment with different opacity levels to control the intensity of the sharpening effect.
The use of smart filters is discussed to allow for non-destructive editing and easy adjustment of blur values.
The video offers a historical comparison of the vivid light method to traditional high pass sharpening.
Different scenarios where one method might be preferred over the other are discussed.
The presenter encourages viewers to try both methods to determine which works best for their specific needs.
The video concludes with a reminder to keep creating and a thank you to supporters on Patreon.
