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Smart sharpening

A sharpening technique superior to Unsharp mask. In fact, it makes your digital photos look like you used a better lens!

My action has two settings: One method involves sharpening just the edges, and the other will sharpen the entire image ("holistically"). Each method will produce different results, so it is your preference which is better suited for the source image. Below are two examples that demonstrate the need for holistic or edge sharpening.

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Works with any version of Photoshop, PC or Macintosh.
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Example 1: Edge sharpening may be better

Original photo
Original photo
After the whole image has been sharpened
The entire image has been sharpened (holistically). Notice the shadows are now "edgier".
After the edges have been sharpened
Edge sharpening only. Notice how the detail of the exoskeleton is increased but shadows are untouched.

Example 2: Holistic sharpening may be better

Original photo
Original photo
After the edges have been sharpened
Edge sharpening only.
After the whole image has been sharpened
Holistic sharpening. This is slightly better than Edge sharpening.