When to sharpen - does it make a difference?

Jonthepom

• November 27, 2013 02:09

Rightly or wrongly I've always assumed the order of task is the same as the order of the tools but does it make a difference when sharpening the image?
For example. I have a wine bottle where I have sharpened the image prior to masking the bottle from the background and then burning the out the background so the bottle is 'floating'. Is this the order or would I be better just sharpening the bottle (rather than everything) after the masking stage? If so ,why? Is a sharpened image better to mask?
Thanks

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  Drew Altdo

  • November 27, 2013 09:00

  [quote="NNN635131817527775136" wrote:
  Is a sharpened image better to mask?

  
  
  It's certainly easier... but whether it's "better" is a subjective opinion.
  
  The way sharpening fits into your workflow should ultimately be defined by your final output. If you're final output is for the web, and you decide to edit further beyond Capture One then I would suggest you sharpen at the final stage of editing. If Capture One is all you need then I would suggest sharpening towards the end of the workflow, after contrast, clarity and curves are finalized. At that point it's also important to take into account scaling in regard to sharpening.
  If your final output is an analog print, then you should save sharpening until the absolute end, sharpening for the specific capabilities of the printer and nothing else.
  
  Of course those quickly condensed suggestions are just that, suggestions... they can be argued as "right" or "wrong" depending on your workflow and artistic perspective.

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