Unsharp Mask and Blurring?

cardmaverick

cardmaverick

Well-known member
I don't know what to call this thread! I'll just detail what I'm looking for..

OK, so I've been messing around with unsharp masks and I'm enjoying what it can do for detailed, in focus areas of an image, BUT, it noticed that it can make out of focus backgrounds look a tee bit "sandy" grain looking. Is there any tool or technique out there that is designed to blur no sharp areas of an image? This would be a great thing to apply after an unsharp mask.

Any ideas or suggestions? BTW, I'm doing this with motion picture footage, not a still image... so roto ideas should be LAST resort ideally. I tried "smart blur"... doesn't quite fill the bill.

Thanks!
 
Use a soft edge mask and the original (or a less treated version of the footage) underneath
That way you sharpen only those areas you want.

Its usually easier to just shoot in focus and then mask blur the areas you want softer.
 
The way I would do it is to duplicate the footage in a composition and apply a mask with the pen tool to the top layer around the area/subject you want to be sharp. Apply the effects, then press "F" on the top layer to bring up the mask feather properties and soften the edges to your liking.
 
it depends on the shot and what you want sharp and what you don't want. It will require some tweening of the mask shape or position. How much will depend on what you want to do.

Its kind of like asking..."How much does it cost to build a house?" Well I can build you a $200 shack or a $200 million mansion.

Without some screen shots, examples, or even further info I really couldnt tell you if you will need to roto.
 
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