Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

this is all greek to me:( the experts should really hold some photoshop seminars for newbs like me

Carlo,

I'm laughing here. A classic answer! :) Do you have Photoshop?

USM stand for Unsharp Mask.

I'll get Nino to PM you about Photoshop classes.

this is all greek to me:( the experts should really hold some photoshop seminars for newbs like me

i can see your reaction carlo. hehehe.

paging nino....:)

i thought you guys were talking about canon lenses here... till levi posted (and i realized that it's photoshop afterall)

time to fire up the program. thanks for sharing ^_^

Haha, I don't understand how to apply the second round of USM (after 18-40-0)? :)

Haha, I don't understand how to apply the second round of USM (after 18-40-0)? :)

Fidel,

after you sharpen once, hit Filter<Unsharp Mask< for a second time and apply the settings as suggested.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

Is this the simplest walkthrough, Nick? After 18-40-0, how do I apply next USM levels?

edit: I read your reply to Fidel, Nick. Why not just do it the first time? 150-.3-0 right away.

Haha, I don't understand how to apply the second round of USM (after 18-40-0)? :)

Just ok the USM then apply the filter again :)

Thank you very much Manny and Nick for Sharing it :)
I usually just do a high pass and softlight :Grin:

@Manny, How do you come up with those numbers?

i thought you guys were talking about canon lenses here... till levi posted (and i realized that it's photoshop afterall)

time to fire up the program. thanks for sharing ^_^

i thought so, too, at first...

USM!!! I learnt something new today...

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image
Similar to Luko's sharpening technique (http://www.treklens.com/members/rbsplaces/workshops/) which most Trek Lens members are using.

Thanks for the replies Marton and Nick. I did all the adjustments in the background layer only, that's correct right? Looks great. Sweet.

Thanks for sharing this Manny and Nick. :)

Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

nick...how do we fade the usm in darken mode...'cos i think di yan lalabas sa edit menu when you usm twice di ba? :Shock:

Actualy, we should call this Luko's Sharpening Technique. If you will track Manny's TrekEarth site, you'll see that this technique was suggested by Luko. This is popular to TrekEarth members. Manny's style somehow differs in the end part. :Grin:

This is a good technique, but be careful when using, noise tends to show up.

@ nick...
I misunderstood the instructions pala...I thought the darken was in the layers palette...thanks again for sharing

@ed
i tried manny's technique before. its quite simillar to that of Luko, but its just a matter of choice of making the correct adjustments in USM to suite your taste...

Carlo,

I'm laughing here. A classic answer! :) Do you have Photoshop?

USM stand for Unsharp Mask.

I'll get Nino to PM you about Photoshop classes.

nick, yeah i have cs2 and have ventured into this realm a couple of times. the most i could manage it the basic stuff. so daunting i feel like a lone seal in the vast big ocean of sharks.....

Nick,
Maybe to make it easier for everyone, you can create "Actions" section here, so we can just down load it, and apply it ala Fred Miranda. If you do not mind, send me the "Actions" described above nalang degamboa@pldtdsl.net Suggestion: why not make it an incentive for subscribers to access downloadable actions!!! eyi?? Then great "photoshopers" can drop off their landscape, B&W, portrait actions. BTW, great 4th issue!!
//Derick

Thanks for sharing this, Manny and Nick. Just recorded it as an action :)

Allow me:

1. Open your image you need to edit.
2. Edit it as you wish. Until that part where you finally sharpen the image and you are done.
3. Flatten image. (What follows next is the 'sharpen action')
4. In the layers palette, click and drag the Background image to the Create New Layer icon (left of the trash bin)
5. Make sure Background copy is the selected layer.
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 18, Radius 40, Threshold 0 -> OK
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK
7. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 100% and select Darken in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
8. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK (you can simply Apple-F (PC: Ctrl-F) or Filter > Unsharp Mask (the one on top))
9. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 50% and select Lighten in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
10. Flatten Image (Layers > Flatten image) likewise Apple-E (PC:Ctrl-E) also works.
11. Done!

It sharpens the image as well as giving it more contrast.

But as Nick said in the first post, you may need to tweak the values, depending on the size of the image you are sharpening. The amounts above seems ok for web images... i've not tried it for images destined to the printer.

Anyway, here is the action, just download it from my website (right click link and select Save As), here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!

thanks for sharing randy. you're waaaaay cool! :)

Allow me:

Anyway, here is the action, just download it from my website (right click link and select Save As), here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!

Bilis naman! Thank you! More More More!!!:Grin: :Grin:

Glad to see that this thread picked up a strong response. Let's try to break it down a bit with some explanations so that the less experienced can understand what is going on behind the scenes:

USM 18-40-0- This is what many would call a Local Contrast Adjustment. Its sharpening with a low amount and a wide radius. I call it the HAZE remover. Nino C. laughs when he sees it on my actions palette. If you try this all by itself, you will notice that your image all of a sudden looks clearer. Its quite amazing. Just be careful because on some images the wide radius halo becomes evident.

USM 150-3-0- A general sharpen move. But then you
Edit > Fade > 100%? Darken- This takes the sharpen move and restricts it to the Dark halo. Meaning, you will only see the dark halo and not the white halo. Its like burning just the edges of a photo.

USM 159-3-0- Again a general sharpen but when you
Edit > Fade > 50% > Lighten - You now control the white halo. Since this is fading to 50% there is a good chance that this halo will not be evident.

This is really a good technique and save as an action. Thanks Randy Tamayo for helping us out here.

Thanks Randy! That was a big help! :D

Glad to see that this thread picked up a strong response. Let's try to break it down a bit with some explanations so that the less experienced can understand what is going on behind the scenes:

USM 18-40-0- This is what many would call a Local Contrast Adjustment. Its sharpening with a low amount and a wide radius. I call it the HAZE remover. Nino C. laughs when he sees it on my actions palette. If you try this all by itself, you will notice that your image all of a sudden looks clearer. Its quite amazing. Just be careful because on some images the wide radius halo becomes evident.

USM 150-3-0- A general sharpen move. But then you
Edit > Fade > 100%? Darken- This takes the sharpen move and restricts it to the Dark halo. Meaning, you will only see the dark halo and not the white halo. Its like burning just the edges of a photo.

USM 159-3-0- Again a general sharpen but when you
Edit > Fade > 50% > Lighten - You now control the white halo. Since this is fading to 50% there is a good chance that this halo will not be evident.
Nick,

This is great - explaining what the numbers mean.

I would point out that various models/cameras deal with AA's differently. Thus, one needs to experiment to get the desired effect and not follow the formula strictly. One may wonder why he did not get the "Librodo" effect after applying the formula.

sir nick!

thanks for sharing this technique! gwabe, big help and great timing talaga. just when i thought my USMing skill is hopeless. :Grin:

thanks again!

-bry

I strictly followed these steps:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

Here are two photos (before and after).


Before

http://static.flickr.com/87/241046995_6652391b48_o.jpg


After

http://static.flickr.com/87/241046997_6cbe9302e2_o.jpg


We really should "mix and match" settings to get a desirable or acceptable effect on our photographs.

you're right dys, it works on some of my images and sometimes it doesn't. i noticed that it doesn't do a flattering job on people wanting to hide their pores and fine lines as the action exaggerates it, but i feel that it's a great script to highlight wrinkles and age.

you're right dys, it works on some of my images and sometimes it doesn't. i noticed that it doesn't do a flattering job on people wanting to hide their pores and fine lines as the action exaggerates it, but i feel that it's a great script to highlight wrinkles and age.

I agree. There are photos that need to be sharpened and photos that need to be softened (and photos that should stay untouched). :D

Thanks Nick for helping me do my "paying forward". The sharpening is a must for me. My last step in post-pocessing actually.

Yes, I picked up the sharpening from luko, a trekearth/treklens friend. He said though that he picked it up from someone else. We never know who started it but what I know is that it improves my photographs extensively (if properly used). Here's the picture which actually started it:

http://www.trekearth.com/workshops/61240/photo13258.htm

If you click on the ensuing exchange of communications between me and Luko (and others), the "hows" and "whys" are addressed.

Have fun. And as Nick said: EXPERIMENT.

By the way, to compare the three versions, my image with my sharpening, my image with Luko's sharpening, and the original image, here's the link. Just click on each image to make it big.

http://www.trekearth.com/workshops/61240/

Coolness! Thanks for making the method much clearer Randy. I tried downloading your action but got a txt file. No matter, I just saved the steps as an action. :)

thanks manny. i have had the chance to read it this in trekearth a few months back.

(http://www.trekearth.com/members/manny/)

Allow me:

1. Open your image you need to edit.
2. Edit it as you wish. Until that part where you finally sharpen the image and you are done.
3. Flatten image. (What follows next is the 'sharpen action')
4. In the layers palette, click and drag the Background image to the Create New Layer icon (left of the trash bin)
5. Make sure Background copy is the selected layer.
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 18, Radius 40, Threshold 0 -> OK
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK
7. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 100% and select Darken in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
8. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK (you can simply Apple-F (PC: Ctrl-F) or Filter > Unsharp Mask (the one on top))
9. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 50% and select Lighten in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
10. Flatten Image (Layers > Flatten image) likewise Apple-E (PC:Ctrl-E) also works.
11. Done!

It sharpens the image as well as giving it more contrast.

But as Nick said in the first post, you may need to tweak the values, depending on the size of the image you are sharpening. The amounts above seems ok for web images... i've not tried it for images destined to the printer.

Anyway, here is the action, just download it from my website (right click link and select Save As), here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!

will this action work on macs?

Apparently not, based on the extension. I just followed the steps and recorded it as an action as what TJ did.

I think it's one of the first actions that i've ever recorded a few months back. but as some posters have said, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And I have to thank that thread from Treklens where Manny and Luko were discussing it.

Here's a personal realization for me though. A bit of duh to most, probably but I'll share it anyway. Nothing beats getting your shooting technique down pat. If you're able to get razor sharp images right off the cam, a few flicks from the USM slider (radius and amount) will give out that extra pop (especially when the conditions are right to use the actions mentioned by Manny et al). Amazingly though, this technique can sometimes "save" slightly fuzzy photos. But as everyone else has said, it's not a panacea to fuzzy photos.

The more I shoot, the more I realize how important shooting techinque is so that I have to do less PS down the road. Because I suck at PS :)

Great thread, Nick. Many thanks to Manny for this sharpening action as well. It's what started me off on the right track towards sharpening.

Nap and Mark, it works on a mac. I have used it on my iBook. Just remove the .txt extension and keep the .atn and you guys should be okay. :)

.TXT

that is weird, the action was recorded on PSCS2 on an Apple Powerbook G4 so i can assure you it works on a Mac.

If you hover the mouse over the link, it says http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn so i wonder where that .TXT extension is coming from.

Anyway, if you cant D/L it, record it, you might just learn a trick or 2... hehe
From the steps i mentioned, you start recording at #4 and stop at #10... you can also opt not to record #10 by the way... :)

Randy

Many Thanks for sharing..

A question for the masters here. Isn't it right to correct an over sharpened or a noisy photo because of sharpening is to add a layer, place them in the middle and add blurring effect using gaussian blur?

Hope you can enlighten me here.

Cheers!
Square

BTW, to the admins, maybe you can change my name now. I really use Square instead of Eddie. Cheers again! :P

ei,, i know this thread is kinda old,, but thanks anyways sir nick and sir manny,, starting to learn PS,, this thread willl be very useful

thanks to randy too for translating the instruction in layman's term

good day

ei,, i know this thread is kinda old,, but thanks anyways sir nick and sir manny,, starting to learn PS,, this thread willl be very useful

thanks to randy too for translating the instruction in layman's term

good day

Darryl, thanks for bringing this thread back up. It sure helped with my recent photos. Thanks also to manny, randy, nick, et al.

Darryl, thanks for bringing this thread back up. It sure helped with my recent photos. Thanks also to manny, randy, nick, et al.

check the other stuff in the photoshop forum,, fourth page down,, there are other stuff there that are good ( i'm expecting to learn/apply these things today),, dpp residents are truly generous with their knowledge :D

agree. keep em' coming pls!

one stupid question: how do you record an action?

one stupid question: how do you record an action?

I think, there's a record button that you press before any function is recorded........label the action or series of actions........

funny, sometimes when i have done this, i forget to some how save it, and have to do the darn thing all over again......that i do not mind........to recall how to do the functions becomes the problem....:Grin:

I think, there's a record button that you press before any function is recorded........label the action or series of actions........

funny, sometimes when i have done this, i forget to some how save it, and have to do the darn thing all over again......that i do not mind........to recall how to do the functions becomes the problem....:Grin:

yup,, it' beside the play button:)

here's a site regarding that

http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.asp?p=434249&seqNum=3&rl=1

hope this helps

one stupid question: how do you record an action?

Ma'm Dindin... Action in Photoshop is very similar to recording a macro in MS-Word, we just call it action in Photoshop. As far as I can recall... while in Adobe-PS, make sure your actions pallette is on (click Windows on menu bar, then select Actions). Open a photo that you can use as a sample for an action file that you wish to record.

To start recording, click that small right arrow on the upper right side of the actions pallette, click New Action..., give a name for the action that you're recording and click OK.

While in the recording mode... everything that you do in PS will be recorded (even the mistakes and undo commands , so you might as well plan ahead and list the commands that you wish to execute for a particular action).

To end recording, click that small right arrow on the upper right side of the actions pallette again, click Stop Recording.

The action file that you have just recorded can be executed on an individual photo, or you can also use it in batch-processing a set of photos in a folder.... action batch processing would entail another explanation though. :D

Cheers!

Tried googling manny librodo sharpening and it pointed me here. thanks to the people and sir manny for sharing this. thanks

Did some testing lastnight, and I noticed that this technique is more effective when you bring down the size of the image to around 1024x768. It has minimal effect on my 10.2mp images... Will do some experimentation to see the optimal values when used in large images.
Despite this, its still now a permanent part of my actions window. :)

Yes, I agree with Peter. Most of my flickr shots are resized to 1024 or 800 px sizes and this technique pops details out (although I tinkered with the values a little) really well.

thanks everyone. i forgot to check this thread out after reading it last week. i figured it out... press the record button... heeheehee...

thanks, thanks, thanks!!!

hey guys, this is a cool thread since i'm into photoshop too! talking about photoshop actions, this is a cool site that offers some free actions -> www.panosfx.com (http://www.panosfx.com)

One of the free actions he offers is the high-pass sharpening -> http://www.panosfx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid=27

just download it and then import the action from your photoshop actions palette. enjoy!

hey guys, this is a cool thread since i'm into photoshop too! talking about photoshop actions, this is a cool site that offers some free actions -> www.panosfx.com (http://www.panosfx.com)

One of the free actions he offers is the high-pass sharpening -> http://www.panosfx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid=27

just download it and then import the action from your photoshop actions palette. enjoy!

Cool link dude! thanks for sharing.

High-pass sharpening layer on top of Manny's sharpening technique. This works for me... :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/141/359510274_7cc9cb0768.jpg

Ooohh this is nice! So do you use hi-pass first before manny's action? Or you can do it either way?

noob (to photoshop) question here:

i've tried the steps here on my photoshop (limited to v6), and am curious if it works better on some images (given specific characteristics they have) compared to others.

Allow me:

1. Open your image you need to edit.
2. Edit it as you wish. Until that part where you finally sharpen the image and you are done.
3. Flatten image. (What follows next is the 'sharpen action')
4. In the layers palette, click and drag the Background image to the Create New Layer icon (left of the trash bin)
5. Make sure Background copy is the selected layer.
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 18, Radius 40, Threshold 0 -> OK
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK
7. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 100% and select Darken in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
8. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK (you can simply Apple-F (PC: Ctrl-F) or Filter > Unsharp Mask (the one on top))
9. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 50% and select Lighten in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
10. Flatten Image (Layers > Flatten image) likewise Apple-E (PC:Ctrl-E) also works.
11. Done!

It sharpens the image as well as giving it more contrast.

But as Nick said in the first post, you may need to tweak the values, depending on the size of the image you are sharpening. The amounts above seems ok for web images... i've not tried it for images destined to the printer.

Anyway, here is the action, just download it from my website (right click link and select Save As), here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!

Question, how do you open the action file? sorry for the stupid question, i cna't open it with my mac :D

I think it will accentuated noise on a noisy image. so you might want to do some workaround first before appying it to such. :D

Thanks! Great technique! Will be posting the results after tinkering with some images :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2329/1548579274_6b9529dfff.jpg

I used sir Manny's sharpening then I duplicated the layer, (the one on top in soft light and blurred the one below to get the dreamy/diffused effect).

Question, how do you open the action file? sorry for the stupid question, i cna't open it with my mac :D

sir.. just click and drag it to your photoshop.

but tou have to edit the name first.. remove the " .txt ".

Guys,
I'm not really familiar with PHOTOSHOP. Just got a pirated PS CS3 2 weeks ago, and problem is.. I really dont know how to use it.. was using google picassa before.. anyone care to share a link wherein i can study it process by process?!


Thanks in advance!

Guys,
I'm not really familiar with PHOTOSHOP. Just got a pirated PS CS3 2 weeks ago, and problem is.. I really dont know how to use it.. was using google picassa before.. anyone care to share a link wherein i can study it process by process?!


Thanks in advance!

Tsk tsk. Pirated!

Tsk tsk. Pirated!

:D:D:D:D:D

Hi guys,

I'm new here. Anyway just to share some, why not just fade to luminosity instead of doing two USM processes. The first step can also be achieve using layer blending modes - that is "contrast mode" - overlay, hard light and soft light, then control the opacity or even use masking. My suggestion is good for those who wanted to doodle in their PS.

Would you believe guys that sharpening has three stages? First is sharpening the capture, second is sharpening the image or creative sharpening, the last one is sharpening for the printer.

Sharpening technique of Mr. Manny works for me

Before:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e263/bosconian/original.jpg

After
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e263/bosconian/sharpenimage.jpg

Allow me:

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!


newbie here, how to load and use an action file?

newbie here, how to load and use an action file?

Go to File/Automate/Batch/ and select the Set name and Action file name under Play in the Batch dialog box.

Wow just came across this! Thanks for sharing!

Before

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2381/2124087044_fd24de980e.jpg

After

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2124208558_1746a6785c.jpg

Hi guys,

I'm new here. Anyway just to share some, why not just fade to luminosity instead of doing two USM processes. The first step can also be achieve using layer blending modes - that is "contrast mode" - overlay, hard light and soft light, then control the opacity or even use masking. My suggestion is good for those who wanted to doodle in their PS.

Would you believe guys that sharpening has three stages? First is sharpening the capture, second is sharpening the image or creative sharpening, the last one is sharpening for the printer.

hi! care to expound on this?

about contrast mode, will i need to use 3 layers using the aforementioned blending modes?

yep. sharpening, as advocated by the late bruce fraser, is a 3 step process. the last step can be more appropriately described as "sharpening for output."

hi! care to expound on this?

about contrast mode, will i need to use 3 layers using the aforementioned blending modes?

yep. sharpening, as advocated by the late bruce fraser, is a 3 step process. the last step can be more appropriately described as "sharpening for output."


overlay, hard light and soft light are blending modes that increase/enhance contrast (so it was called "contrast mode"). One can use any of the three or any combination. Instead of duplicating a background layer, use Curves adjustment layer then apply any of the three blending mode that satisfies one's taste, opacity can be adjusted, and above all it was a Curves.

With regards with USM, using it as "contrast enhancer", there is no absolute value that will fit all photos. USM works as "contrast enhancer" when one use a high Radius and small Amount.

Here is another tip for sharpening using USM, duplicate a background layer then choose luminosity blending mode for the duplicate layer. Apply USM, I had a feeling that 150, 0.3, 0 is too small for large photo. With this technique, one can boost more the amount and the radius, then increase threshold if unwanted noise appears. Also with this technique, opacity can controlled.

i thought you guys were talking about canon lenses here... till levi posted (and i realized that it's photoshop afterall)

time to fire up the program. thanks for sharing ^_^

I have the same dilemma with Carlo I am a newbie too and same thing I thought this were lenses :) I have photoshop but all I do is Auto Level, Auto Contrast and Auto Color :) Need to attend some photoshop workshop as well.

thanks for the teknik!

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g200/earldean2020/librodoeffectsmall.jpg

Thank you for sharing Guys,

Nice technique

TFS just used it :)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/FrenzyBanana/Before.jpghttp://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h122/FrenzyBanana/after.jpg

Here is another tip for sharpening using USM, duplicate a background layer then choose luminosity blending mode for the duplicate layer. Apply USM, I had a feeling that 150, 0.3, 0 is too small for large photo. With this technique, one can boost more the amount and the radius, then increase threshold if unwanted noise appears. Also with this technique, opacity can controlled.

if i get it right, what you're suggesting is just a one-step sharpening?pls help clarify.

thanks.

Another option to make your photos more vivid.

To transform your image into more vivid color you can use the filter "high pass". To do this, duplicate the layer and go to FILTER > OTHER > HIGH PASS menu of Photoshop then adjust to your preference value. Then on the blending option there is BLEND MODE box and change it to OVERLAY then click OK button. Viola! your image will now more vivid. All you need to do is to FLATTEN the image to merge.

sample pix

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4824/beforeah2.jpg (http://nofalter.multiply.com/)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/283/afterht9.jpg (http://nofalter.multiply.com/)

newbie question: guys how do you flatten the image?

newbie question: guys how do you flatten the image?
Layers> flatten image

Cmd-Sft-Alt-E I guess... :D

@sherwin
go to layers click flatten image...

nice tip...will try it next time.thanks for sharing sirs.

@KENJI

bro salamat Godbless!!!

guys... quick question about this... what are the ideal values supposing you're applying the above technique on a 10mp image... I assume you need to tweak the values in the USM. What do you guys suggest?:)

Guys,

Help... I was following the instructions posted by nick... I'm a dum dum in PS... how do i flatten? I was doing fine withe USM instructions but the last instruction, which is "FLATTEN"... I don't know how?

Guys,

Help... I was following the instructions posted by nick... I'm a dum dum in PS... how do i flatten? I was doing fine withe USM instructions but the last instruction, which is "FLATTEN"... I don't know how?
Hit the Alt+L+F :):):)

here's my try
Before
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh290/alpo430/flower/fatherandson.jpg

After
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh290/alpo430/flower/clear.jpg

thanks for sharing

Does anyone knows the equivalent setting for this sharpening techniques if I use the GIMP software... I am using GIMP for obvious reason....(it is free)

I tried applying the setting as in the discussed technique but the GIMP have a max of 10 on Amount and 120 on Radius. The settings in the technique discussed here are Amount = 150 max and Radius = 18 max.

Here's an image i got from the net and applied manny's sharpening technique.

before
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2904/imgp0480ahu6.jpg

after
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6407/imgp0480a2iu8.jpg

it really became sharper but a little bit grainier.

thank you so much for sharing!
i created my own action file and its saving me a lot of time for editing pics!
thanks again.. im loving it! i love this technique =)

Funny when i get to the "Edit>Fade..." part, i noticed that the Fade function is disabled. Am using a primitive PS7. Is it the version of my Photoshop or have i been missing something? U think i should use a newer version of the software? :Grin:Help guys.. thanks a mucho! :)

These Sharpening Technique was awesome! :)

On the contrary, too many use of USM.

Nick has his own way of sharpening too...when it comes to prints, Nick tha Man knows his sh1t. When you are the CEO & Publisher/Editor/Mr. Suave of GOLF PUNK, you know he knows sh1t.

Bella Luce Rocks!!!!

richard... i believe this action is designed with Photoshop CS2 above in mind. hehehe... i suggest upgrading to (at least) CS2. :)


thanks wacky :) will use CS2 then.

thank you so much for sharing!
i created my own action file and its saving me a lot of time for editing pics!
thanks again.. im loving it! i love this technique =)

lol, same here. totally loving this technique. many thanks to manny librodo and the one who shared this.

i've browzed your panox site,,,,,but the question is what to do with a zip file???thank you...........in advance .

i've browzed your panox site,,,,,but the question is what to do with a zip file???thank you...........in advance .

zip file? extract it :)

Just discovered this thread now. Thanks Manny, Nick and Randy and to all those who tried to make the steps/action easier to understand :)

I have tried the work flow but it did'nt work well with my experiment. I myt have missed something. anyway, let me share to you my workflow, to me it is easier and less time consuming. here it is:

1. create background copy.
2. Image: Mode: Lab color, Dont flatten image so you could see the difference with the original layer
3. Go to channels pallet,
4. click lightness,
5. Filter: Sharpen: Unsharp Mask: (Amount: 150, Radius: 15, Threshold: 1)
6. Image: Mode: RGB color, again dont flatten the image so you could turn on or off the layer to see the difference. you can flatten image later if you are satisfied with the outcome, you can still go over the USM and adjust the setting you desire.

I hope I have shared another sharpening work flow that you might enjoy.
By the way, CS2 and CS3 extended is the software I have used. I dont know if it works well with the earlier version

I have tried the work flow but it did'nt work well with my experiment. I myt have missed something. anyway, let me share to you my workflow, to me it is easier and less time consuming. here it is:

1. create background copy.
2. Image: Mode: Lab color, Dont flatten image so you could see the difference with the original layer
3. Go to channels pallet,
4. click lightness,
5. Filter: Sharpen: Unsharp Mask: (Amount: 150, Radius: 15, Threshold: 1)
6. Image: Mode: RGB color, again dont flatten the image so you could turn on or off the layer to see the difference. you can flatten image later if you are satisfied with the outcome, you can still go over the USM and adjust the setting you desire.

I hope I have shared another sharpening work flow that you might enjoy.
By the way, CS2 and CS3 extended is the software I have used. I dont know if it works well with the earlier version

uy, thanks for this sir Jon, another sharpening workflow to experiment on...;-)

tried using manny librodo's technique. here's my result..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2510144557_8dec2271db.jpg

a friend and guru of mine taught me the Librodo technique a few months back, it really works wonders! thanks to Manny and all the PS gods that we have in DPP!
Just to share: I usually run the Librodo action the moment I open my image in PS and do high pass sharpening action on the final image (after the post processing). :). cheers!

hi guys. i tried to sharpen allan apungan's "before" sample and i'm comparing it with his "after" output.

allan apungan's output using the MLST:
http://nofalter.multiply.com/http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/283/afterht9.jpg


my sharpening sample:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2530138489_ed9d7d74c4_o.jpg

let me know guys what your comments are.

great thread here ... i have tried applying the workflow and the result became sharper but noticed a bit of noise/grain on the photo. how do i avoid the unwanted grain ? (sorry, new to photoshop) :)

yes its great thread indeed, i've used the technique alot of times already and never failed me..

Hats off to Sir Nick & Mr. Manny for sharing this sharpening technique.
One question though, How to flatten the image? I tried all the steps but right after the Edit>fade>50%>Lighten>Ok, the Layer>Fletten Image is grayed out. I'm using PS CS version8. Many thanks.

BEFORE

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227.jpg




AFTER
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227flattened2.jpg

BEFORE

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227.jpg

AFTER
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227flattened2.jpg

Really a big difference! This technique is astounding...this thread is very informative...

Hi to all,:Grin:

I want to post a survey regarding the photo editing software I hope you entertain me guys

1. when we you say photo edting software what brand first come to your mind?:Thinking:

2. what factors do you consider in choosing a phot editing software ? :Thinking:

2.1. price ?
2.2. useability ?
2.3. interface ?
2.4. compatibility ?
2.5. brand ?
2.6. industry standard?

3. what brnad of Photo editing software do you use ? :Thinking:

3.1. will you consider swithching from your current photo editng software ?:Thinking:



4. what are you comments regarding other photo editing brands listed Below::Thinking:


4.1. ADOBE Photoshop ?

4.2. Corel Paint shop Pro ?

4.3. others ( please specify )


I hope to hear from you soon

thank you,


regards,

winston_binauhan, you might wanna start a new thread instead of highjacking this one :)

hehehe sorry :D, just want to have a fisrt hand info from the proffesional and and the user hehehe sorry to hijacking :Grin:.....

i love this thread... big thanks to Nick and Mr.Manny Librodo for sharing... been using it ever since hehehe

BEFORE:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/marcryan27/sneakerheads/IMG_0537.jpg

AFTER:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/marcryan27/sneakerheads/shoe6.jpg

Big, Big thanks to Mr. Nick and Mr. Manny Librodo for this technicque. More power !:)

Thanks to Sir Nick and Mr. Manny Librodo for the technique....

here's my share of before and after....


BEFORE


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2553350660_4ec1dd85c9.jpg



AFTER : using Manny Librodos technique



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/2552529879_569b323c10.jpg

Hello guys,

Can somebody teach me using this technique on Gimp? :D

sad photoshop elements user here--- couldn't afford PS so settled for PS Elements a couple of days back...

then I see this thread....

sniff...i understand your pain Winston, ehehe

anybody willing to give the steps to make this work on Photshop elements 6.0?

I'll put in a good word to Santa for anybody who can..hehe

hi. i've tried this workflow and its awesome! thanks for sharing.:):):)
anyway here's my end result.

after:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2681131403_d32a9e5405.jpg

before:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2673851491_085cd577d0.jpg

This is great technique! thanks for sharing. I was amazed with the result!

Thanks for sharing! What an improvement on photos.. nifty trick there :)

sa lahat ng involved, thanks for sharing. galing!:)

Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

this is a great tip! thanks for the post.

Guys,

Please help I need the librodo_luko.atn action file. I can not find were to download.

Many thanks!

just follow the step above while recording it as an action. voila! you now have the sharpening action.

contact DPP member and contributor Randy Tamayo for the action.

^ Whoops, sorry! I was unable to copy the action to the new server hosting my website. Get the action here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

this is a very useful technique!

Thanks Nick and Manny for the technique, I really love this one. Very simple yet it gives realistic and more dramatic effect in our photos.

Thank you for sharing!

Wow, I learned something new today! Thanks for sharing, sir! ;)

Thank you very much for sharing this!

Just bump to this thread while looking for google... this thread is very helpful... thanks for sharing... :)

this is a nice sharpening technique here. thanks guys. but IMHO, I don't think it's a good idea to save this as an action. as with most sharpening techniques, settings will depend on the photo you are trying to sharpen to get good results. :)

thank you for sharing... it works perfectly. :)

Very helpful..good thing that great photographers shares his/her secrets!!
super asteg!!

wow nice! it works!

thank you very much guys.....

Kudos to all

kudos to all contributors...thanks thanks!!!:)

thanks for sharing sir :Grin:

is ML's sharpening technique also good for landscape? many thanks

any updates or remodification on this technique?i found this also helpful.

Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

Thank you Nick for the Post.

i've tried the technique,,and it works so well with my samples..thanks for sharing...:Grin:

Thanks for this nice info...

more power to TS:)

Sir Nick and everyone who contributed to this thread explaining everything, thank you very much for sharing!
I've been trying it out and it works!

More power!

It really does, in some rare cases though, it doesn't seem so obvious on some photos so you might want to experiment on the adjustment levels.. same process..

I've been using this technique ever since I came across with this and it's really a good one. It works for almost all of the images that I work on. :D

thanks for sharing.. will try this out.

olats talaga ako pagdating sa sharpening e hehe:D

It is frustrating that despite the Librodo or Luko technique, we still don't get the sharpening effect we want when we post the final photo on the net. It gets contrastier or bland, noisier or murky, etc. The fantastic photo we thought we had just produced from our PP with PS just isn't the same photo when it popped-out on our photobucket, flicker, multiply sites or even direct on this thread. Sometimes, we are lucky that we get what we want...but not all the time. It's a hit-or-miss thing. Did you experience that? I did.

Can anyone tell what is wrong?

Logic tells me that, perhaps on certain photos, the sharpening tool should be used EXCLUSIVELY only for a certain channel or two - not all of the RGB channels - as the sharpening tool notoriously exacerbates more noise on a certain color channel than others. Am studying that now, but I don't know if I am wasting my time researching on that.

It is frustrating that despite the Librodo or Luko technique, we still don't get the sharpening effect we want when we post the final photo on the net. It gets contrastier or bland, noisier or murky, etc. The fantastic photo we thought we had just produced from our PP with PS just isn't the same photo when it popped-out on our photobucket, flicker, multiply sites or even direct on this thread. Sometimes, we are lucky that we get what we want...but not all the time. It's a hit-or-miss thing. Did you experience that? I did.

Can anyone tell what is wrong?

Logic tells me that, perhaps on certain photos, the sharpening tool should be used EXCLUSIVELY only for a certain channel or two - not all of the RGB channels - as the sharpening tool notoriously exacerbates more noise on a certain color channel than others. Am studying that now, but I don't know if I am wasting my time researching on that.

happened to me. thought i had great images, but when i linked from photobucket...aww the blues were banded and parts were showing pixels! Whats worse is that all my hardwork on sharpening the images didnt show. I think its because these sites have their own algorithm for compressing images if you upload large files so theres nothing much we can do about that.

Probably to minimize the effect is to optimize the file size right there in photoshop for web sharing so these sites wont have to apply compression algorithms to our uploaded images. So far this has worked for me. I usually upload at 72dpi, 640x480. Thats good enough for web viewing. Also, I found flickr to have the best compression processing.

Nice share, thank you sir Nick!

Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image


hi.
newbie question... 18-40-0 means Amount of 18, radius 40, threshold of 0?

correct me pls...

thanks

happened to me. thought i had great images, but when i linked from photobucket...aww the blues were banded and parts were showing pixels! Whats worse is that all my hardwork on sharpening the images didnt show. I think its because these sites have their own algorithm for compressing images if you upload large files so theres nothing much we can do about that.

Probably to minimize the effect is to optimize the file size right there in photoshop for web sharing so these sites wont have to apply compression algorithms to our uploaded images. So far this has worked for me. I usually upload at 72dpi, 640x480. Thats good enough for web viewing. Also, I found flickr to have the best compression processing.

same here.. it looked great on the PC but when viewed via photobucket, sharpness is lost .

christian, ferj, sam <-- Maybe you set your pc/photoshop editing on LAB mode, CMYK or other modes. Try RGB.

roy <-- yes.

christian, ferj, sam <-- Maybe you set your pc/photoshop editing on LAB mode, CMYK or other modes. Try RGB.

roy <-- yes.

made me check my PS settings hehe :D Thanks sir Lei. yes im working on RGB mode.


Im now uploading photobucket compatible sizes (640x480) to ensure that sharpness is not lost. and its been ok since then :D

just want to share this pic using "The Manny Librodo Sharpening Technique" c/o danielleistudio.com (http://www.danielleistudio.com/)


http://i669.photobucket.com/albums/vv59/reinjacela/ebeprenup.jpg
(http://www.danielleistudio.com/)

Superb! Thanks! :Grin:

I'll try to use the "Manny Librodo Sharpening Technique" for my next PP, I'm currently using the Photoshop High Pass Filter for sharpening images. Anyway, thanks for sharing the technique...

My try.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt299/Butchoi/IMG_6604.jpg

guys im currently trying this effect, but why does my fade function unclickable?

If you clicked on any other button, menu item, layer, etc after the applied filter, the fade command no longer is available.

If you clicked on any other button, menu item, layer, etc after the applied filter, the fade command no longer is available.

sir thats the thing.. i cant choose fade from the edit menu even after the darken mode or before..

Hello, maybe this is a newbie question but I use Lightroom as a primary means for post-processing my pictures.

I recently stumbled across this Sharpening technique and I am wondering if I should apply this before or after editing my pictures in Lightroom. Just want to get a feel of what the normal workflow is for people who use this technique in PS and LR as well.

my try on this effect

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3814145970_1a488e5e26.jpg

Hello, maybe this is a newbie question but I use Lightroom as a primary means for post-processing my pictures.

I recently stumbled across this Sharpening technique and I am wondering if I should apply this before or after editing my pictures in Lightroom. Just want to get a feel of what the normal workflow is for people who use this technique in PS and LR as well.

Hi I think you can do this effect better in PS because I am a LR user as well but when it comes to this effect I only use PS.

You guys are OT already. Please stick to the topic, thanks.

this is cool! thanks masters!

im also looking forward to this.. need to enhance my PS technique as well. thanks sir David! :)

How about the values for large images (3k x 2k pixels)?

Thanks for sharing this tip. I'll try this over the weekend. :Grin:

Thanks for sharing...it really works.

My Attempt (I made sure to do this on myself first) :)



Before:
http://i47.tinypic.com/2dv535e.jpg (http://i47.tinypic.com/2dv535e.jpg)


After:
http://i45.tinypic.com/118q51z.jpg (http://i45.tinypic.com/118q51z.jpg)

Thanks for sharing Appreciate it!

wahhh. evrything is new to me.. i dont even understand any of the steps.. huhuhu...

BEFORE

http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227.jpg




AFTER
http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll170/cristeenquezon/IMG_9227flattened2.jpg


WOW! Chris King Hubs!

very helpful technique.. 2 thumbs up!! learned something new!!:Grin: i hope more tutorials will come.. :D USM=unsharp mask.. i usually use smart filter + smart blur.. now i can add this to my actions too..

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/imdnme/USM2.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/imdnme/USM1.jpg

nice crucial .. its sharp....

very nice. thanks for sharing.

since i saw this post, i have been using it most of the time for sharpening images.. really works for me!

TFS! works for me... added as actions.. hehe

Thanks, great tip.

thanks for sharing this. i've done it.

sir can anybody help me, how do i save this action so i can apply it to the next image? sorry but i don't know yet how to save actions in cs..thanks!

sir can anybody help me, how do i save this action so i can apply it to the next image? sorry but i don't know yet how to save actions in cs..thanks!

Just double-click the file in Windows Explorer and it should be added to your list of actions on Photoshop.

really nice technique. perfect timing for my first photobook :)

This is just nice, thanks for sharing!!

wohooo! thanks for sharing guys! i love it! :D

Cool Technique po Sir Nick, I tried it and give my photos a sharpening edge that I am looking for....

I hope someone can post a Jill Greenberg Effects......

I love this technique. My kitlens shots were transformed to L quality of sharpness.

Great tip, thanks for sharing :D

Thank you for sharing this great tip. very effective indeed!

thanks for sharing! i heard this was originate from a photographer in france name LUKO

Thanks ... great tip indeed...

Works like a charm, thank you for sharing. I made a few revisions here and there depending on the quality of my shot. I find that it's better to adjust the colors before sharpening and flattening the final product.

Thank you for sharing this.

thanks Sir Nick!

TFS sir! :)

thanks for sharing :) just want to add 2 more things after sharpening, hopefully this will a help to some.

after sharpening, i still do 2 things...

1. adjust shadows and highlights
2. use of S curves to add or reduce contrast.

cheers :)

Thanks to this thread I've been using this workflow on almost all of my photos!

thanks :D basically i apply this after the colors, brightness, contrast etc adjusting are done.. i don't make the flatten image in my actions, in order for me to adjust the opacity level, if it is too sharp.. :)

nice!!! thanks!!!

noob question: can this be made into a sort of a...script or preset in PS? I'd really like to know how. TIA. :)

noob question: can this be made into a sort of a...script or preset in PS? I'd really like to know how. TIA. :)

You mean actions? There's a way to create an action on Photoshop CS.

You mean actions? There's a way to create an action on Photoshop CS.

yes, i believe that's it sir. how would I do that exactly if you don't mind me asking. TIA. :)

Noob Lightroom question, can this also be done using Lightroom?

Noob Lightroom question, can this also be done using Lightroom?
hmmm... that's a nice one idol... but i don't have any exact values in LR... all i can do in LR is high pass sharpening & some trial & error adjustments on Amount, Radius, Detail, & Masking under Sharpening of LR... :(

Noob Lightroom question, can this also be done using Lightroom?

I'm also thinking of this.

No, several (most) steps are unavailable in LR.

yes, i believe that's it sir. how would I do that exactly if you don't mind me asking. TIA. :)


Read HERE (http://blog.epicedits.com/2008/03/07/how-to-create-photoshop-actions/)
:Grin:

I need your help guys, I'm using adobe photoshop elements 7.0, i can't see the edit>fade function. where can i find this option? thanks in advance.

Hi guys,
Im new here. Im Noel currently residing in Wellington NZ. Im very much into photography and post processing at that.
Ive heard about this sharpening technique and Im also aware that this setting is very much applicable only to a certain resolution. May I know what image resolution this is applicable to?

Thanks

Cool link dude! thanks for sharing.
danilo valino?!ikaw ere?

I'm using Elements 7 too and cant find the fade part either. Please somebody who has elements 7 has to know how to do this. It looks like it makes such a great difference in pics I really want to try it.

thanks! just tried it!! =)

Hi guys!

Bumped in to this old thread while reading this one http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?t=37907.

Anyway, this original post seems to be lacking in info:

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

The two layers in Darken Mode and Lighten Mode, you play with their Opacities to get rid of the halos especially the Lighten Mode. There are numerous steps prior to this as this is the last step in Edge Sharpening. I don't know if it was mentioned here before.

This by the way was not originally developed by Manny as some might think. Maybe at some point he used this but I once attended his workshop (2009) and he used a Plug-in to sharpen his image.

Goodluck! :-)

Another option to make your photos more vivid.

To transform your image into more vivid color you can use the filter "high pass". To do this, duplicate the layer and go to FILTER > OTHER > HIGH PASS menu of Photoshop then adjust to your preference value. Then on the blending option there is BLEND MODE box and change it to OVERLAY then click OK button. Viola! your image will now more vivid. All you need to do is to FLATTEN the image to merge.

sample pix

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/4824/beforeah2.jpg (http://nofalter.multiply.com/)

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/283/afterht9.jpg (http://nofalter.multiply.com/)


Good one sir, easy to follow
Thanks

very helpful sharpening technique..tnx

thanks for posting this.

Allow me:

1. Open your image you need to edit.
2. Edit it as you wish. Until that part where you finally sharpen the image and you are done.
3. Flatten image. (What follows next is the 'sharpen action')
4. In the layers palette, click and drag the Background image to the Create New Layer icon (left of the trash bin)
5. Make sure Background copy is the selected layer.
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 18, Radius 40, Threshold 0 -> OK
6. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK
7. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 100% and select Darken in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
8. Unsharp Mask ( Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask...) and enter Amount 150, Radius 0.3, Threshold 0 -> OK (you can simply Apple-F (PC: Ctrl-F) or Filter > Unsharp Mask (the one on top))
9. Edit > Fade Unsharp Mask: Opacity 50% and select Lighten in the Mode dropdown list -> OK
10. Flatten Image (Layers > Flatten image) likewise Apple-E (PC:Ctrl-E) also works.
11. Done!

It sharpens the image as well as giving it more contrast.

But as Nick said in the first post, you may need to tweak the values, depending on the size of the image you are sharpening. The amounts above seems ok for web images... i've not tried it for images destined to the printer.

Anyway, here is the action, just download it from my website (right click link and select Save As), here (http://www.randytamayo.com/dpp/Librodo_Luko.atn).

You know how to load an action into PS and use it too right? :D

Enjoy!



this is way too much informative. many thanks, solved my one my probs :) God bless

Thanks for this tip! :)

Carlo,

I'm laughing here. A classic answer! :) Do you have Photoshop?

USM stand for Unsharp Mask.

I'll get Nino to PM you about Photoshop classes.

haha UltraSonic Motor. haha just joking. ;), now i know. the term of usm in photoshop lingo

Guys I want to share with you Manny Librodo's Sharpening moves. He has shared this with others and has mentioned that this is his way of "paying it forward". I suggest you give it a try and you will be surpised with the quality. One caveat, there really is no one set formula for sharpening so you may want to experiment with different amounts for different images.

Now if you have any questions about the moves and what they achieve, please ask and the photoshop experts on our forum will answer.

So to Mr. Manny Librodo, a big thanks.

Here it is:

Background copy
USM 18-40-0
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 100% in Darken Mode
USM 150-.3-0
Edit>Fade USM 50% in Lighten Mode
Flatten image

this formula is not applicable for different kind of image, maybe you can experiment the numbers when using those filters in photoshop

this formula is not applicable for different kind of image, maybe you can experiment the numbers when using those filters in photoshop

It was mentioned in the past posts in the thread that the numbers can be tweaked to suit the file size or any other variables depending on the captured image.

haha UltraSonic Motor. haha just joking. ;), now i know. the term of usm in photoshop lingo

Well Sigma has it... Hyper sonic motor... Wish nikon will adopt the USM... the SWM sounds baduy hehehehe...

Anyways I tried doing this technigue...Im not sure if Im succesful, It seem no difference with the original shot...or is it just my eye which is not yet trained to see the librodized style...

Below is the link to the samples... The first link is the orig shot, the second link is edited one...

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=141807205836042&aid=64768#!/photo.php?fbid=214092491940846&set=a.210819702268125.64768.141807205836042&theater (https://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=141807205836042&aid=64768#%21/photo.php?fbid=214092491940846&set=a.210819702268125.64768.141807205836042&theater)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=214092458607516&set=a.210819702268125.64768.141807205836042&theater&pid=979423&id=141807205836042#!/photo.php?fbid=214092368607525&set=a.210819702268125.64768.141807205836042&theater&pid=979418&id=141807205836042

@DoiVillanueva
It's hard to fully tell the difference when the host is facebook because of the compression it does to the images. Details did come out of the darker areas. that I can see.

I was surprised that the steps warmed the tone of the original image. Could it be the adjustments that Lightroom did and then the transfer to PS? Try to do the process entirely on Photoshop then the ML sharpening done only after you've finished tweaking WB, exposure, contrast and all. :)

@DoiVillanueva
It's hard to fully tell the difference when the host is facebook because of the compression it does to the images. Details did come out of the darker areas. that I can see.

I was surprised that the steps warmed the tone of the original image. Could it be the adjustments that Lightroom did and then the transfer to PS? Try to do the process entirely on Photoshop then the ML sharpening done only after you've finished tweaking WB, exposure, contrast and all. :)

Well Oliver, I got some feedback already from my fb pals...the verdict...Epic fail! hahaha its oki... I just tried it lang naman hehehe Though not inly in fb... I also notice here in DPP some times when I upload pics it seems that resolutions change...crap...the down side of technology...

Doi, there's a sharpening and resizing brew for FB. I noticed mine get's compressed badly when I upload at FB when I don't resize. My Flikr ones retain the sharpness I'm happy with. By the way when uploading pics, is your color scheme at SRGB?

Try this. After the ML steps, resize to 1000 pix or 900 pix and try to apply one pass of sharpening before uploading to FB. :)

i heard this was originate from a photographer in france name LUKO
I don't know what's the real deal on this one. Perhaps or "Maybe" Mr. Librodo get this technique from LUKO or Vise Versa or maybe another photographer thought this to both of them. I am not against Mr. Librodo or Luko, and I think it's unfair to judge which of them should get the credit for this technique without knowing the truth.

I saw this thread that was dated May 2006: http://www.trekearth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231964

and this site, dated Jan 2006: http://www.treklens.com/read.php?f=2&t=21374&m=27517

hmmm... very similar indeed...

I don't know what's the real deal on this one. Perhaps or "Maybe" Mr. Librodo get this technique from LUKO or Vise Versa or maybe another photographer thought this to both of them. I am not against Mr. Librodo or Luko, and I think it's unfair to judge which of them should get the credit for this technique without knowing the truth.

I saw this thread that was dated May 2006: http://www.trekearth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=231964

and this site, dated Jan 2006: http://www.treklens.com/read.php?f=2&t=21374&m=27517

hmmm... very similar indeed...

ML did mention it on his workshop that he got it from Luko

Yup Manny said his sharpening technique did come from Luko.

I haven't used it in a while but did for this latest shoot of Lovi and Solenn and boy I forgot what I was missing. All you need to do is tweak the settings to your liking. My preference is to go with the recommended settings and just play with the opacity of the layer. Works like a charm.

simple technique yet stunning results :)

Just found this technique and gave it a try...

Before:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5181/5672374692_6d30626f55_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47007666@N08/5672374692/)

After:
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5267/5671810779_763bf8bda3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/47007666@N08/5671810779/)

Thanks for the tip... I'll try this once I get home.

And thanks Sir Manny Librodo... i always wanted to learn how you sharpen your images... :) :) :)

stunning effect! thanks man!

I tried it and it sharpens the image but in a subtle way, maybe I was wrong on some of the actions, do I have to highlight the whole picture?? ctrl-a?

please help because I am new at Photoshop.....know just the basic stuff...

:)

I tried it and it sharpens the image but in a subtle way, maybe I was wrong on some of the actions, do I have to highlight the whole picture?? ctrl-a?

please help because I am new at Photoshop.....know just the basic stuff...

:)

It sharpens very subtly IMO Sir Dennis. No, you don't need to highlight the whole picture. :)

It sharpens very subtly IMO Sir Dennis. No, you don't need to highlight the whole picture. :)

Thanks sir, have tried it and it works in certain pictures though I use HIGH PASS more but still does this from time to time...

Thanks again sir Jashen!!!

:Grin:

this technique really does pop-out the subject. it's great!!

hi,

aside from Manny Librodo's sharpening technique, i am eager to know workflow to achieve images like these. he's so talented and a master of his craft. his photos for me are jaw-dropping and i would like try his style. His workshop is quite expensive for a hobbyist like me. i understand correct lighting is a great factor and of course talent (which i dont have ). would anyone be kind enough to share a simple workflow to achieve these?
http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae323/lans_velarde/mannylibrodo3.jpg

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae323/lans_velarde/mannylibrodo.jpg

been using this tool for most of my shots...some of the photo hobbyist don't have any idea how to apply this on their photos...i'd even get an photography event for 2days worth 100k...this is a great tool...:Grin:

do you have tutorial bro? please share...

do you have tutorial bro? please share...

backread bro...everything is stated there...it's very very easy....

why is it when im using this technique, i dont see any changes. help me guys.

why is it when im using this technique, i dont see any changes. help me guys.

I think the effect is really subtle but it does sharpen.....maybe you done something wrong along the way..

:)

This Technique is very effective and time saving, It gives subtle effect but has an impact on photos, just be careful with the noise coming out so maximize the opacity sliders before flattening the images. I tried to combine this technique with High Pass Sharpening and it gives me better results.

here's my trial with this sharpening technique:

BEFORE
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6718222589_eba31c47a5_o_d.jpg

AFTER
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6718222601_fcec70f4d4_o_d.jpg

BEFORE:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6718222637_cf6746a77a_o_d.jpg

AFTER:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6718222647_5c81724b0d_o_d.jpg

why is it when im using this technique, i dont see any changes. help me guys. the values provided by this sharpening technique is just a guide you may need to adjust it accordingly to your photo

Like all workflows, one will still have to do some tweaks so the output is to your liking.

Does anyone have the action (.atn) file for this technique created on PSE 7? The first few steps works for me but it would prompt an error "no fade" towards the end. Is there any way of getting around with it? TIA

I'm using Elements 7 too and cant find the fade part either. Please somebody who has elements 7 has to know how to do this. It looks like it makes such a great difference in pics I really want to try it.
anybody can help us out here please? or should i just go and upgrade to CS5? :)