Output sharpening.

[miken]

I am currently trying to get my head round Lightroom 3 and I think I'm getting there. I have read that many folk like to finally sharpen their images by using a layer mask and I would like to give it a go. As far as I can make out this facility isn't available on LR3. What is the best way to get round this? Do I need to buy another program?
Many thanks, Mike.

 

[u8myufo]

Well Mike people do use different methods it seems. Myself after resizing I just give it a full sharpen in PS.
Forgot to add that I would think it depends on what the picture is of as well, most of mine are bird shots so the method I use seems to be ok, however if you took something like a macro shot or something like a solid object with a lot of detail then this method might well show up as being overdone.

 

[Chappers]

Mike

If you go to the print module you'll find you have the option of 3 levels of sharpening, ( Low , Medium and High). To be honest I've found the Medium to be more than satisfactory for prints up to A3+.

 

[swanseamale47]

Lightroom doesn't support layers by itself, there is a plug-in available but it's cheaper to buy elements if you go down that route.
Personally LR should be able to do a pretty good job on it's own, as well as the normal sharpening theres extra sharpening in the print modual and at the export stage if your not printing directly from LR.

 

[platty]

Nik Software have a sharpening tool plugin you can try its called Sharpener Pro 3.0 , its excellent , download the trial

 

[miken]

Many thanks gents.
I'm really after being a bit selective with what I sharpen (birds) rather than bird + background. I have previously sharpened in USM elements using several passes at low settings.
I will have a look at the print options in LR3 this evening.
Mike.