by hm
21. April 2010 08:30
Different photographic communities that I'm uploading images to have different requirements for image sizes. So I've had to create several versions of my images to upload for some time. Since some steps like sharpening have to be done at the final resolution this had been relatively time consuming in the past (especially because of selective layer masks); and things didn't get better with larger image sizes from my Canon 5D Mark II because careful resizing is even more important when coming from very high pixel counts.
I use the selective sharpener filter to increase "local contrast" (amount 15%, radius 3.5 pixel for starters) and a high pass filter (almost always radius 0.3 Pixel) in blending mode "soft light" . Layer masks allow me to apply the effects only where they are required; the selective sharpener to give the image more "pop" and "3d" look (eyes, important parts of the image close to the viewer) and the high pass filter to increase sharpness where required (eyes, hair ...)
To reduce image size I use Image > Image Size using Bicubic (best for smooth gradients) mode (I know that others recommend other Bicubic methods but this gives me the best results with my high resolution files).
To be able to change (decrease) the selective sharpener parameters during the resizing steps I use copies of my original image layer that I convert into Smart Objects.
Using File > Save For Web & Devices I convert my 16 bit Pro Photo images into 8 bit jpegs of the required file size. Convert to sRGB is always checked.
To reduce the steps required I've automated the initial resize (to 1000 x 1500 pixels), the creation of the smart object layers and the application of the filters in a Photoshop action.
Please tell me if you find this information useful and how you prepare your images for the web!
Subscribe