How to add "hi-pass" sharpening to a photo ("unsharp mask") with Photoshop

Scanned "photo" images are often rather "flat" in appearance. This is a "recipe" to gently boost the contrast. The result is more refined than using the "unsharp" mask filter. Images printed on matte watercolor paper will appear crisper and brighter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Any version of Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements

1. A too flat "low-contrast" picture WHY SHARPEN?
   Scanned images of flowers may appear rather "flat" (low in contrast)and they may also have a slight greenish cast. Scanning software often allows for a "sharpening" effect, but it's too easy to over sharpen because the preview image you are using as a guide may not be accurate. Epson scanners have decent sharpening options, while other brands (such as HP) or an old or cheap scanner- the preview image is just way too small and inaccurate to control this modification. An scanned image (negative or transparency) that is over sharpened cannot be undone. I recommend that the sharpening option be restricted to "low" or "off" on an Epson scanner and not activated on any other brand of scanner. All modifications are best accomplished in Photoshop.
2. Activate layer palette. Duplicate the background layer. WHEN TO USE SHARPENING...
   "Most" high resolution scanned images benefit from "moderate" sharpening. Images to be printed on matte papers, especially toothy or textured watercolor paper definately require the boost in contrast. When photos are printed on glossy paper the sharpening should be minimal. When sharpening images for browser display, sharpening is optional, and should be applied to correct low contrast. Novice and inexperienced photographers often have a difficut time recognising image flaws and can't "see" the difference between the source image and the sharpened image. To these individuals I advise to not sharpen at all until you have "trained your eye" and have used Photoshop on a regular basis for a year or more and have printed many of your images. A good website to begin editing skills is the luminouslandscape.com
3. Visit: Filter...Other...Hi-Pass. 3.0 pixels here, but this isn't enough... HOW DOES SHARPENING WORK?
   Sharpening is NOT used to "sharpen" a blurry photo! You can't "sharpen" an out of focus picture. A "soft", "low contrast" image is the type of image that benefits from this modification. What this "filter" does is to create MORE CONTRAST, particularly to the edges of individual objects within an image. This gives the "appearance" of a "sharper" image. The "unsharp mask" filter in Photoshop is accomplished to the image layer itsself, while the "hi-pass" modification is accomplished to an adjustable duplicate layer floating on top of the source image. If I've lost you at this point, then you'll need to work more with Photoshop to grasp the jargon.
4. Here we are at way too many pixels, nearly 35! THE RECIPE
   (I'm assuming that you are familiar with Photoshop.)
   Sharpening should be the LAST adjustment.
   For the novice: if the scanned image is "too green" try "auto color" to correct this problem. If it lacks a black and white reference point, try "auto levels". Experienced photo-artists: make all of your adjustments, then make a separate flattened dupe. (Save a separate unsharpened image.)
5. 6.3 selects the DUPLICATE THE LAYER
6. Next change the layer mode to The sharpening is added to the top layer only, so visit: Filter...Other...Hi Pass
7. For additional control, decrease the sharpened layer's opacity (may or may not be necessary). You'll see a single slider for "Radius"[ ]pixels. Navigate to view details that need sharpening, the entire "grayed out" image in the workspace will be displayed behind the hi pass window. On a high resolution image of 300 dpi/ppi set the slider at 6 to 10 pixels. The idea is to include only enough pixels to "outline" the individual elements in the image. It will appear gray with a thin, whiteish outline. Remember- we only need to "sharpen" the very edges!
8. Detail. Note the magnification of dust motes and lint! Sharpen after retouching. Click on OK. And return to the workspace. This layer is all gray with a lighter outlined image kind of like a pencil drawing in reverse. Now, change the LAYER MODE from "Normal" to "Overlay" or "Soft Light" (Soft Light gives a less contrasty, softer effect. By lowering the opacity of the sharpened layer you can easily adjust the effect according to the paper you are printing on or according to use.
9. CREATIVE USES OF SHARPENING
   I've just told you to go easy on the sharpening, but many "fun" effects can be created by deliberately over-sharpening or applying the mask creatively. Many of the filter effects in Photoshop can be combined with the Unsharp Mask to create drawing and painted effects. The image can be blurred with the Gaussian Blur filter. Remember, the entire image doesn't have to be included...you can use a selection tool to include only one area within an image or one color (for example, black) or color range (for example only blue and green shades).
10. The black outlines are created with excessive sharpening. Here is an example of something I did before I had a firm grasp on Photoshop modifications. I used the Unsharp Mask and multiple "paint" effects with super saturated hues. Completely self-taught, I poured over several different third-party manuals by Photoshop guru Scott Kelby and others, and just had a lot of fun experimenting. The "third-party" publications are more helpful than the dry, 'official" Adobe manual(s)