Image sharpness output from Aperture

Hi everyone

Since I started using Aperture I have posted four or five images on the forum all of which have had comments telling me that the images are soft.

When I view the images again on the forum then sure enough they are soft.

I have been exporting the images using the export function in Aperture at 640X640 Jpeg (default).

Am I doing something wrong, has anyone else found similar problems, can anyone help me?

I would dearly love to read the words 'sharp image' again.

Regards

Brian

Which version of Aperture Brian, and which sharpening method are you using?

HI Nick

I am using Aperture 1.5.3 and I am using the sharpener in Aperture, I usually slide sharpen to max = 1.00 and use 0.30 of edge to avoid the typical halo effect. If I go to PSE3 (Mac) I use unsharp mask.

Brian

Hi Brian,

Still not sure if you're using Sharpen or Edge Sharpen. 'Edge Sharpen' was introduced with Ap. 1.5.something-or-another and should be used in preference to 'Sharpen'. Settings for edge sharpen do depend very much on the photo. Also, do you have any input sharpening set in the 'Raw Fine Tuning' parameter....?

Brian,
If you are using photoshop try this link as posted on another topic, it seems to work but not sure if it works on pse3 though.

http://pacificnw.naturephotographers.net/tips/photoshop.htm

Also if you get the picture that you are about to post and then open it back up in ps and run one last usm at 100 0.3 0 it should help.

Brian

Your not alone I too have encountered the same problems and critiques I just put it down to my lack of expertise. Whilst trying to act on the information imparted I'm still struggling. Equipment also has a significant influence and this is an area where I do ask the question are we all seeing the same image on our screens? Whatever the answer I enjoy the challenge and really appreciate the input from the pros.

Barry

Sorry - a quick answer as I'm heading out the door for a weekend with the outlaws...

There are two methods of sharpening in Aperture. The oldest is 'sharpen' and is a bit of a blunt instrument as it simply sharpens everything. Apple added a new method 'Edge Sharpen' with 1.5 and this is the prefered method of sharpening that you should be using. This method is more selective, sharpening (wait for it...) 'Edges' rather than everything - it does this in 2 or 3 sharpening passes when the image is output. This does mean that you may need different sharpening settings depending on the final output intent - screen/print/press (you can simply make a new version for each if you wish). I'm not sure if either sharpening method appears by default - you might have to add it in from the adjustments HUD for each image (I've tweeked the HUD to have a different set of defaults to those that Apple use). Don't use both 'Sharpen' and 'Edge Sharpen' - use one or the other. Select a sharp image (not one that is slightly out of focus!), go to 100% view and play with the settings until you find some that look good to you on screen. use those as a base line & tweek individual images after that.

There is also another sharpening setting - this is the 'input' sharpening and applies a default level of simple sharpening when the images are imported into the library. You can find this under the 'Raw Fine Tuning'. Generally it's set per camera type and left alone once you're happy with it. Bring up the adjustments HUD and you'll find it as the 1st item in the list. You can play with that value and then set it as a camera default.

Hope that helps a bit....

Thanks to everyone for their help, especially Niick.

Brian