INTRODUCTION – The Unsharp Mask is a reverse color image which is under the original.  The adjustment uses three variables: amount, threshold and radius.  A large radius and small amount will increase contrast between a large area of the picture and what is next to it, called local contrast.  A small radius and larger amount will increase the contrast of the edge giving the appearance of sharpness.  Amount controls the strength of the mask image that is blended with the image.  Radius determines the width of the area next to the edge that is affected by the mask.  Threshold determines the number of pixels that define an edge – if set low, small edges will be affected – if set too high, no edge will be affected.

OPEN PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS AND LOAD A PICTURE - Open Photoshop Elements in the Full Edit mode.  Hold the Ctrl key and tap the letter O key (Open) > navigate to a pictures folder and click a picture > click Open.

CREATE A DUPLICATE LAYER – On the Layers Palette, drag the picture to Create a new layer icon (upper left on the Layers Palette).  Keep this as the active layer.

ADJUST LOCAL CONTRAST – Click Enhance + Unsharp Mask > move the sliders and observe the effect on the picture by clicking and unclicking Preview > end with Radius = 40, Amount = 70 and Threshold = 0 > click and unclick Preview > press OK.

ADJUST SHARPNESS – Click Enhance + Unsharp Mask > select the Zoom Tool > draw a rectangle around an area that will show sharpness > set Radius = 2 > try different settings of Amount, toggling Preview to see sharpening effect > end with Amount = 40 > press OK.  Note that for images with fine detail, set Radius between 1.5 and 2.0.  Images with lower detail will use a Radius between 2.0 and 4.0.

FINAL ADJUSTMENT – At the top of the Layers palette, move the Opacity to somewhere between 70 and 100 to achieve the perfect contrast.  Note that by placing the mouse pointer on the word Opacity it becomes a hand with double horizontal arrows.   Click and drag left and right to easily make the adjustment.

CHECK BEFORE AND AFTER VIEWS – Hold the Alt key and click the visibility eye of the Background layer to see before and after views

CONCLUSION  - Now you know how to sharpen and another way to improve contrast of your prize winning photos.

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