Selective Sharpening

Sometimes we want to sharpen selected parts of an image, or just sharpen some parts more than others. The following describes how this can be done.

1) Create a background layer

2) Go up to Layers and select Add a layer mask - reveal all

3) Click on the layer thumbnail to select the image in the layer

4) Apply sharpening (unsharp mask) to the image in the background layer

5) Click on the white box in the background copy to select the layer mask in the background copy

6) Hit Control + Backspace to block the effect (fill with black)

7) Use a white brush to paint back in the sharpening in the appropriate areas.

Another note: It may be best to sharpen in lab color (the lightness or luminosity channel). Start with 125 amount, 1.5 radius and 0 threshold. Adjust threshold as needed.