Comments on: Photoshop: Smarter sharpening with the High Pass filter

By: Danny Childs

Danny Childs — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:04:29 +0000

Good technique rather than the usual photoshop sharpening. I also use Photokit sharpener with some excellent results.

By: The Naked Photographer

The Naked Photographer — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:21:35 +0000

I agree with Reynolds Web Design, a sharp image comes from knowing how to use your camera not software. Your trying to compare apples to oranges with this technique against Unsharp Mask. Yes the old timers know what this filter (unsharp mask) is used for and its not a sharpening tool or trick, its a filter and it has its place. When used correctly it has great results. Depending on what your doing using your trick has its place but its not better than Unsharp Mask because its not the same affect…. So what your really doing is using the high pass filter to simulate sharpness… this works but there are lots of ways to sharpen an image that are better in my opion.

By: Reynolds Web Design

Reynolds Web Design — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:33:21 +0000

I think the technique is good but I always think the lenses should be top quality rather than make up for it in photoshop.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:03:35 +0000

Excellent article! I don’t normally sharpen at all. I’ve always hated the halo effect I got with sharpening filters, but this way you have so much control you can just inch it along to the point where it looks ideal. Thanks!

By: Web Design Kent

Web Design Kent — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:32:54 +0000

Ive used this technique for some years. My rule of thumb is not to let the colour come through in the Overlay Blend to avoid over sharpening.

By: Doree

Doree — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:44:47 +0000

Just want to thank the author for the nice tutorial as well as all the commentators for the great tips. Very useful. I have recently discovered the power of the “blend-if” sliders and am looking forward to trying it out on some of my sharpening jobs.

By: Gustaf

Gustaf — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:29:32 +0000

When I use this technique I always use the blend mode “Linear light” and that’s the way I’ve been taught. I don’t know how different it is but I’m really pleased with the results.

By: Nicholas Down

Nicholas Down — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:18:00 +0000

A useful addition to this technique, courtesy of Martin Evening and Jeff Schewe is to use the Blend IF sliders in the sharpening layer if you want to only sharpen the mid-tones. For instance, set the Blend IF to sliders to split at about 75-125 and 165-210 (aproximate values).
This technique is discussed in their book entitled Adobe CS4: The Ultimate Workshop( 2009)

By: Sam Logan

Sam Logan — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:43:12 +0000

Thanks for the tutorial, I love this technique, it’s works a lot better than the traditional sharpening tool.

By: nina_s

nina_s — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:28:00 +0000

thanks for the tutorial.. me too have been wondering how to use the high pass filter for sharpening purposes.. it’s been a great help! have a nice day!