Challenge - Digital Challenges : Using Filters: Best Buds

This week's challenge is to use Filters. I just love experimenting with all the different filters in Photoshop! There are so many! But the one I use most frequently is either the Sharpen or Unsharp Mask filter. I use them on almost every single photo to give it a pop, enhance the color, or make eyes sparkle. I also use the Sharpen filter to enhance brushes if they seem a little blurry.

In this layout, I used the Unsharp Mask filter on the photo to brighten the colors a little and to make his eyes stand out. I also used the Sharpen filter to make the date stamp a little clearer.

Here's how in Photoshop:

Go to Filter>Sharpen>Unsharp Mask. A dialogue box will open for you to make selections. If I want to sharpen a high-resolution photo for printing I select Amount: 20%, Radius: 2 pixels, Threshold: 0. If I am sharpening a low-resolution photo for the web (like this one) I select Amount: 338%, Radius: 0.2 pixels, Threshold: 0. You can experiment with these numbers to get the effect that you like. 

Another tip for using the Sharpen filter with brushes: If you use a stamp a brush on your layout and it seems a little blurry, go to Filter>Sharpen>Sharpen and it will instantly give your brush a crisper look!

I can't wait to see what great creativity you all have up your sleeves this week. Remember to add your layouts to this digital challenge so we can all see and learn!! Thanks!