Photo Editing Help - Sharpening (I Think)

ericburnard · Aug 4, 2011

Hi there, ive just returned from a downhill Skateboarding competition in Austria and have about a million and one pictures on my camera! Ive never really edited my photos before just had a bit of a play around every now and again. But i have one photo that i love and was wondering if there was any way i could make the skateboarder clearer as he is almost as blurry as the background, or if he is just stuck like that now. I don't have any expensive editing software only a copy of gimp which i can never seem to use! Anyone who give give me some advice, tips hints etc would be much appreciated!

Eric

Image is here - http://i56.tinypic.com/1s0ebl.jpg

Robin Usagani · Aug 4, 2011

Almost nothing you can do.

Big Mike · Aug 4, 2011

When we talk about 'sharpening' in regards to photo editing...it's about increasing the contrast...it's not about making subjects that are motion blurred, sharper.

So it's very likely that you won't be able to make your skater any sharper. You may be able to play around with the photo, apply some 'special effects' and get something artistic out of it...but not a sharp photo.

In the future, know that the shutter speed that you use, will help determine how sharp your photos will be. You can also use flash to help freeze moving subjects.

Gainsboro · Aug 4, 2011

Hi there! By using a series of High Pass overlays in CS5 you can bring back some detail...and blurring the background but keeping the skater sharp helps too. Changing level and curves can also bring in a bit more...then making it black and white would give you even more contrast!
You will never have a crystal clear normal look, it will always have an oversharp look when it's this blurry, but at least you can make it have some edgy art feel to it!
hope that helps!

I actually edited this for you, but its not letting me post....i think my account is not yet activated yet.... If you want it, send me your email and I can send it to you, OK?

Dwayne · Aug 5, 2011

Hi eric, I actually like the photo with the skateboarder a little blurry..I think it adds some dimension to the shot...and on my computer it looks like the lettering in his shirt is in focus,and some of the details are there...the wheels look great!! Just my opinion...but overall I like it. Now you can do a smart sharpen in CS5 and improve some of the details..

Dwayne