Retouching Errors Made By SO MANY Photographers | Over-sharpening photos - when is it too sharp?

Summary

In this Five Minute Friday episode, photographer Jessica McGovern discusses the common mistake of over-sharpening in photo retouching. She uses the example of a portrait of Nala, a dog, to illustrate the pitfalls of excessive sharpening, which can make images look unnatural and even lead to pixel breakdown. McGovern advises photographers to apply sharpening subtly and selectively, focusing on key areas like the eyes to draw the viewer's attention without overdoing it. She emphasizes the importance of a 'less is more' approach to achieve a natural look in retouched images.

Takeaways

• 📅 The video is part of a 'Five Minute Friday' series that continues a topic discussed in a previous episode.
• 🔍 The focus is on common mistakes made by photographers in the retouching process, specifically over-sharpening.
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker, Jessica McGovern, is an international multi-award-winning portrait photographer who shares her expertise and observations.
• 📸 The script uses a photo of Nala, a dog model, as an example to illustrate the effects of over-sharpening.
• 🇮🇹 The photo was taken in Italy during a Pet Photographers Retreat where Jessica was teaching.
• 🍂 Jessica chose an autumnal edit for the photo and finished the edit with her usual sharpening procedure.
• 🔍 Over-sharpening can make an image look unnatural, as if hairspray has been sprayed all over the subject.
• 🚫 Over-sharpening can lead to pixel breakdown and edges that are too sharp, which can be detrimental to the image quality.
• 🛠️ The use of action packs from other photographers can exacerbate the over-sharpening problem if not used carefully.
• ⚠️ Over-sharpened images can be rejected in awards competitions or look poor when printed large.
• 🎨 The advice is to apply sharpening subtly and selectively, focusing on areas like the eyes or other key features to draw the viewer's attention.
• 👀 The importance of a 'less is more' approach in retouching is emphasized, advocating for a gentle touch to maintain a natural look.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the Five Minute Friday video?

The main topic of the video is discussing common mistakes in retouching, specifically over-sharpening in photography.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Jessica McGovern, an international multi-award-winning portrait photographer.

What is the significance of the 'Bell icon' mentioned in the video?

The Bell icon is important for subscribing to the channel and receiving notifications for every new YouTube video release.

What is the issue that arises after finishing retouching, as discussed in the video?

The issue discussed is over-sharpening, which can make a photograph look unnatural and unappealing.

Why is over-sharpening a problem when using bought action packs from the internet?

Over-sharpening can be exacerbated when using bought action packs because most of these actions may automatically apply excessive sharpening if not adjusted properly.

What is the visual effect of over-sharpening as described in the video?

Over-sharpening can make the subject of the photograph look like it has been sprayed with hairspray, especially noticeable in animals.

How does the video demonstrate the difference between appropriate and over-sharpening?

The video shows a before and after comparison, highlighting the pixel breakdown and the unnatural sharp edges that result from over-sharpening.

What is the advice given for sharpening in the video?

The advice is to apply sharpening subtly and selectively, focusing on areas like the eyes or other features of interest, and avoiding overdoing it.

What is the potential consequence of over-sharpening if a photograph is submitted to an awards competition?

Over-sharpening could lead to the photograph being disqualified from winning in an awards competition due to its unprofessional appearance.

What is the suggested approach to retouching according to the video?

The suggested approach is to be gentle and use a 'less is more' philosophy, ensuring the final image looks natural and not over-processed.

How does the video conclude the discussion on over-sharpening?

The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing over-sharpening as a problem and adopting a lighter touch in retouching.