I was just wondering specifically under the "detail" bar - what setting do you normally use when you process your images? Thanks in advance for your time. My default is at 25 and lately I've been pushing it to 30. I leave the clarity at 0 on the main adjustment page.
Hi Michael,
I use Lightroom rather than ACR, but the engine is pretty much the same. The "numbers" are more like my secondary data point of reference. I hold down the Option key @ 1:1 and see how things flow. That said, the typical "Amount" of sharpening ranges from 25-80, just depending. "Detail" tends to be about 30% of that, depending on the dominating geometry in the image. I'll also mask out 5-25%.
Clarity is more fun to play with. On a typical sharp shot I'll just go to 7-8, but sometimes I'll go negative for an effect. This is especially effective with the localized brush tool where I'll use negative clarity for skin retouching. But sometimes I'll boost Clarity past 60 as part of a intensely contrasted and desaturated look. Just depends on the lighting of the shot, the geometric forms, and content. Having all these options in such an easy interface is a treat.
ME
Posted by Nat Coalson on January 12, 2010 at 12:11 PM
My default that usually start with is
Amount 65
Radius 1.1
Detail 50
Masking 15
If you go higher than 65 you'll probably need to go lower on radius; sometimes I go down to .8.
Discussion
2 repliesI use Lightroom rather than ACR, but the engine is pretty much the same. The "numbers" are more like my secondary data point of reference. I hold down the Option key @ 1:1 and see how things flow. That said, the typical "Amount" of sharpening ranges from 25-80, just depending. "Detail" tends to be about 30% of that, depending on the dominating geometry in the image. I'll also mask out 5-25%.
Clarity is more fun to play with. On a typical sharp shot I'll just go to 7-8, but sometimes I'll go negative for an effect. This is especially effective with the localized brush tool where I'll use negative clarity for skin retouching. But sometimes I'll boost Clarity past 60 as part of a intensely contrasted and desaturated look. Just depends on the lighting of the shot, the geometric forms, and content. Having all these options in such an easy interface is a treat.
ME
Amount 65
Radius 1.1
Detail 50
Masking 15
If you go higher than 65 you'll probably need to go lower on radius; sometimes I go down to .8.
I also usually add 25-35 Clarity.