What You Haven't Been Told About Taking RAZOR SHARP Photos!

[@kirkwest3721]

Finally someone has mentioned the importance of colour, I have been advocating the practice of colour correction for the last 10 years. I have noticed that what can further improve the perceived sharpness of an image is by adding black to certain parts. I do this in Selective colour, I only add blacks to whites, neutrals and blacks. Depending on the image I add 10 - 20% black to whites, 8% black to the neutrals and 3% black to the black. This often just really gives the final little cherry on top to the perceived sharpness!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes definitely. Black is important

[@przybylskipawel]

:O This is PURE GOLD! I have never thought about how much contrast is important for the sharpness, despite sharpness is defined in terms of cotrast. This opened to me whole new ways of thinking about my pictures! THANK YOU!

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome!

[@willherondale6367]

This is one of the best videos you've ever done Jan, something totally unique that I've never seen discussed on youtube before.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@tdunster2011]

This is a great video Jan. I hope everyone appreciates this type of content so you can make more like it.

[@jan_wegener]

I hope so too!

[@brandonreich3572]

This explains a ton of frustration I've had with sharpness since I started learning photography! Thank you!! I went back and re-processed a picture I took this April, followed the process you layed out and separated the colors. It's not perfect (I'm still learning) but it looks so much more sharp. My eye really enjoys the wandering around the scene picking out details. I was even so proud of it I increased the exposure instead of hiding the entire photograph in a little bit of darkness because it looked blurry! Thank you again! This was a terrific video!

[@jan_wegener]

That’s great to hear, glad I could help

[@quma001]

Top editing on your images, never over done, always looks natural and impactful.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

Your imagers are always nice in the first place, but your editing is superb ! :) I have totally noticed the issues with "perceived" sharpness. Nowadays I do a lot of the stuff you suggested, and it makes a BIG difference :)

[@jan_wegener]

That’s so good to hear!

[@LeeDillion]

Great suggestions and techniques. My only comment is that sometimes with golden or blue hour shots, a color cast on the bird feels appropriate for the overall feel of the composition.

[@KurtisPape]

A golden colour cast is something that is desired for me as it's difficult to get photos that early in the morning but it depends... with a colourful bird, warm light isn't ideal as it will ruin the colours on the bird but for any plain coloured birds warm light is very nice!

[@rudolfappel7236]

If the bird is isolated from its surroundings nobody knows if the light is supposed to be warm or blue. This does play a role only if the bird is part of the landscape compilation.

[@jan_wegener]

There’s definitely situations where I leave it as well. It depends on the overall photo. You can also just lessen the effect a bit for a more natural feel. Obviously I have to use extreme examples in this video, because you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference on screen otherwise

[@Jay-sr8ge]

You picked some great examples that made details jump out of otherwise dull images right before our eyes.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@Jonathantuba]

This is one of the most interesting and informative videos I have seen on editing bird photos - I will start applying some of the tips.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thank you!

[@13mainstreet18]

Incredible. I am purchasing your masterclass. I love capturing birds. Thank you. Superb.

[@jan_wegener]

Wonderful!

[@heidiwegener7614]

Absolutely stunning aspects of sharpness. Absolutely stunning examples

[@TonyWhiteheadNZ]

Excellent video, Jan. A crucial aspect of image editing seldom spoken about. Well presented and, as always, beautifully illustrated.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@explorer8741]

Wow... great analysis which I haven't seen in any other video and very well explained. Thanks a TON for the video.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@abe3802]

Nice to se some Hawfinches! Thats my "parrots" at my bird feeder in my backyard. Never get tired of photograph them...

[@jan_wegener]

They’re awesome!

[@Joerg-v3f]

Hallo Jan, sehr schön präsentierter Beitrag zu dem Thema.. Klasse gemacht.. LG Jörg

[@steentorner6331]

Another great video that emphasizes why you are the master of editing - thanks Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Wow, thank you!

[@MrDavidsdale1]

The best explanation for sharpen images thus far.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome!

[@cy9nvs]

2:33 I know that a clean background is more desirable and all, but honestly that shot looks absolutely phenomenal as it is, in my opinion. That's the kind of shot I'd print and hang on my wall at home, if I ever got one like that. 😅

[@TuomoTanskanen]

Well done Jan! Videos like this are why I subscribe to you. I have quite a few images that don’t look sharp no matter how much I’ve tried to ”fix” them, this really helped me to see why. Great examples!

[@jan_wegener]

Great! I hope you can improve them now

[@alejandroprescott-cornejo3862]

Fantastic video, Jan! One of the most helpful I've come across for editing photos. Not many people know about this.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@Marleydia]

Thanks Jan, I love the instructional videos the best!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like them!

[@_Creaux]

Jan!! Master class vid as always. Hope you're taking care of yourself. Cheers from New York!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you very much! I am out in the field for the first time in months atm. 😀

[@_Creaux]

Great to hear! @@jan_wegener

[@chuckmorton8823]

I totally get it. Perceived sharpness is the bane of most photographers. I will edit my images accordingly.

[@jan_wegener]

Great!

[@hstein27]

I recently noticed this phenomenon, especially on white birds like Great Egrets. This totally explains it I think. Thanks Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Great!

[@kathleeneveritt5340]

Cracking video Jan , one of your best , a subject I have never come across with any other wildlife photographer and I watch a lot ,

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@christophercarlimages9003]

One of the easiest things to do( which you referred to) is to set a proper white, black and 50% gray point. That alone will make a dull photo pop, and it's surprising how many people don't even attempt to set those parameters.

[@jan_wegener]

100%

[@Pixler1337]

WOW. I always wondered why your Images are so good. Thats amazing and i thank you for sharing this with us!!

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@rachelhusband9890]

I've literally noticed this in the past week with my new z8. Thanks for this one. Excellent advice (as always)

[@chrisstadler7111]

Truly beautiful edits

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you very much!

[@gossedejong9248]

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!!!!! Thank you...

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nevadaxtube]

Those were very good observations. Thanks for sharing.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like them!

[@igorrutsch]

just waouuu ! great video 🙌 thank you Jan !

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@venkatalgramam4461]

brilliant - fantastic explanation , i learn something every time i see your videos - tx Jan

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@martinpettinger]

Thank you Jan.

[@tonynicolaci3244]

Very good points. I love the overall summary of this video about editing. Colour Correction, Colour Cast, Contrast and Separation. Looking back at some of my edits I have been guilty of not fixing some of these. Will remember CC,CC,C and S. Not necessarily in this order of editing.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chantaljacques7664]

Great video Jan! Very useful information.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1980bajaj]

fun !excellent video ,very interesting! Thank you for sharing it with us

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@joanhuggett5164]

This is a great explanation. I've only recently started using colour contrast and noticed it removing haze. Your video explains why I haven't needed to sharpen. The transformation of your images really does emphasize your point (and BTW they are beautiful). Thanks so much, Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear!

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Very good video, with a lot of great tips Jan. Will for sure follow your advices about the editing. Have a great week. Cheers, Bjoern

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1973Antoniob]

Very very very good tutorial. Sharpening is contrast so your advice is something that no more people explain, they speak only of the USM. 👍

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Jan and awesome tips 🐦👍🤗

[@jan_wegener]

You are so welcome

[@daemon1143]

Well, that was a lesson I needed. Been struggling with black animals. Thanks for this.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome

[@tobiasyoder]

I think on social media when people see an image and think "wow that is so sharp, must be a super sharp lens" often it's really just well done contrast/color since there aren't even enough pixels on instagram to see real sharpness.

[@jan_wegener]

Exactly

[@cambodiabird]

Great video, I always take colour correction as my priority. When people ask me I barely find the word to explain them. This is really a great explanation, thank you for sharing.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thank you

[@leonardscotto2870]

I generally darken the background to create separation but you often lighten it which is enlightening....haha! I may have to buy your editing course to really find out how to do it properly. Thanks again for a great video Jan!

[@Peyre]

I noticed the same thing and while Jans pictures are absolutely amazing I am always a little put off by the very bright backgrounds. But I guess this is just a question of personal preference.

[@alansach8437]

I do the same, sometimes adding a vignette in post. When I am shooting I tend to look for dark backgrounds. My favorite light of all is right after a thunderstorm when the sky is pitch black with storm clouds and an emerging sun strikes the bird in the foreground! I find most bright backgrounds distracting. There are exceptions of course, as demonstrated here.

[@leonardscotto2870]

It'll be interesting to try to emulate Jan and see the difference between what I generally do and what he does, thanks. @@Peyre

[@leonardscotto2870]

Yep, I agree Alan and like you I also look for dark backgrounds, however I like Jan's photos as well, thanks@@alansach8437

[@sarahbatsford4791]

A big thank you for your tips. Subscribed & looking forward to seeing more of your videos😁

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thank you!

[@RollTideUK]

I use DXO Photolab 5 and just tried the masking tool in local adjustments on an image of a Cormorant where the blacks looked grey. I can't believe the difference it makes.

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome!

[@gaitazampogna32]

Hi Jan! I am a real fan of your channel and have adopted many tricks that you teach! My suggestion is how to improve on cheaper gear. I haven't seen a mention of the Eos R10, which is very affordable yet positively commented on. I don't think that among your audience, everyone has the money for an R3/R5/R6/R7 + a prime 600 mm, so the challenges you get with your gear aren't what amateur birders with a tighter budget experience. I'd love to hear about these more affordable gear combinations, how to choose, what works and what does not. Thanks

[@Chris_2023_]

Brilliant presentation! Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@John-Shutterlyphotos]

As always Jan, great informative video. Love your style!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks so much!

[@juantolentino4963]

Excellent tips Jan! Great images as usual

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like them!

[@skakdosmer]

Excellent advice! This is actually new to me, but It's certainly something I'll think about in the future.

[@jan_wegener]

Great!

[@ParalelAli]

Thank you so much. Such a wonderful tips you giving.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ookiemand]

Great video, really focossing on viewer perception! Perceived sharpness to me translates to "easy to recognise".

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!

[@ianwarren7815]

Another great video Jan

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you 🤗

[@flahertygamecalls]

Thanks for another GREAT lesson, Jan! I'm looking forward to going back to some of my images that have that slightly warmer cast and see if I can make a difference. Love to see more of how you handle the spots, "hot spots" and reflections on waterfowl sitting on the water. Going to purchase your masterclass collection this month. Thanks for sharing!

[@jan_wegener]

Wonderful! I show most things in there but I will also see if I can make some more videos

[@Twobarpsi]

Excellent topic Jan!! I didn't know you went to Florida. Did you enjoy your trip?

[@jan_wegener]

I did, but it was a long time ago now 😀

[@fhmjones]

All great points and clearly presented. One option not mentioned was "clarity". Not sure if Photoshop has a clarity control, but in ACDSee this is a sort of subtle "contrast adjuster" that achieves one of your strategies - increasing contrast at small scales. This works well with feathers, fur and other fine details, increasing contrast at very small scales across contrast boundaries, but not changing the contrast broadly across the image. Thanks - your wisdom and advice are always valuable.

[@jan_wegener]

There’s a clarity slider but I feel like it makes the birds look dirty quite quickly

[@fhmjones]

Interesting - that's useful. Now I'll carefully consider whether images feel "dirty" after adding a bit of clarity. I wonder - do you think "dirty" is similar to "oversharpened"? It would be interesting if you could show us examples of what you consider "over sharpened". On a related matter, I have felt that using DXO-PureRaw with anything more aggressive than their "soft" setting makes images seem harsh or dirty. It accomplishes amazing noise reduction, but DXO does seem to oversharpen. Perhaps using too much clarity is a bit like that. Your insights are always thought-provoking - thanks.

[@robhamilton8993]

We live about an hour from Ft. Desoto. If you’re back here again let us know we can show u some other great spots

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome thank you!

[@SamanvithaRao]

That was very helpful! Certainly new ways to looks at how to improve the images. Thanks for sharing these tips and examples Jan😊

[@jan_wegener]

You are so welcome!

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

Wow this video is great, will help a lot when I will start editing my wildlife photos… cause now I don’t even have a telephoto lens

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brightideasphotography]

Outstanding!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@csc-photo]

This is gold! (no pun intended 🙂) Thanks! 👏🏻

[@jan_wegener]

Hehe! Thank you

[@theFrostySurvivor]

Very nice images, and excellent editing!

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@Createwithfranzsidney]

A great way of explaining the concept, many thanks! Curious to see how to do this using Affinity Photo….😊

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikaelschulin4315]

Very clever as always. Thanks!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@danielbrehmer4912]

This was really enlightning 🤗! You really put a finger on some things that make me need to get back to some older images and re-edit them. Thanks!!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kennethcaird3892]

Jan: Thanks for this very informative instructional video! What I have learnt from this video will help me a lot! Much appreciated!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sueellen7]

Thanks another great video. Very helpful tips

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@anild5342]

Beautifully explained! Learnt a lot from it. Thank you.🙏🏼👌👌👌

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michanarozny2524]

Hey Jan, do you plan to update your masterclass with new Photoshop tools ? For instance use of AI tools - selections, fill etc. ?

[@jan_wegener]

What I teach in the class hasn’t changed with the new tools. Camera looks a bit different, but all the masks etc are the same. That’s the benefit of relying on a good workflow and not too many crazy tools, but I am sure there will be a follow up at some stage

[@jan_wegener]

This video is a good example, except for easier masking, nothing I should here couldn’t be sone in photoshop from like 10 years ago the same way you do it today

[@jan_wegener]

There will always be updates but that one be one to wait for for sure

[@simonbooker]

Hi Jan, I think I have developed an editing workflow that does a few of these things , but I didn't realise why! So the "Perceived sharpness" concept was an aha moment. Totally agree on clutter and colour contrast but probably I cross a line with too much Topaz and sharpness at times, so your video has really helped me moderate that and crucially - "understand" the objective and mechanics. Thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thanks for sharing. Yes we often denoise or sharpen too much when we really need more contrast or remove a colour cats

[@simonbooker]

@@jan_wegener no problem with colour cats 😽😝 but birds and animals in low light grass and trees often take a green cast so you are bang on. Create contrast.

[@janwilhelm6589]

Great and helpful content! Thank you very much!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smjolliffe]

This was fascinating .. thank you! I'm a novice photographer and VERY novice editor, using Luminar. It looks like I might have to take the plunge to PS and LR and learn about them.

[@jan_wegener]

If you want to get the most out of your photos that’s the way I’d say

[@foto-spective]

I've been playing with vintage lenses which of course will never be as sharp as modern lenses. I found that changing the perceived sharpness through editing helps. Your tips will be tremendously helpful. Thanks for another helpful video.

[@jan_wegener]

Interesting! Glad I could help

[@yogeshpuranik80]

Wow..this is really useful information.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you think so!

[@KurtisPape]

I think it's a good thing that you avoid adding extra sharpening and use other techniques that bring out the natural sharpness in the files! I edit on a 1080p display which is not ideal because it's hard to tell how sharp my full resolution images really are. For the moment everything I process is for online use only so once I downsize my images it's easier to tell how sharp my images will appear. Might need to invest in a 4k monitor 1 day haha

[@j4kke046]

Let’s gooo! Watching now 😎

[@j4kke046]

Thanks for these tips Jan! I will put them to work in the future..

[@DaneASmith]

Excellent suggestions and points! Very informative.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you think so!

[@mrfearless2996]

Loved it.. thank you it was so informative

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Caracara_]

Interesting to know that. As a Relatively new bird photographer I would never of thought that colour could effect how sharp the photo looks.

[@jan_wegener]

It’s quite amazing isn’t it

[@philyoung4804]

Great advice, thank you.

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@michaelmottlau5941]

Very well done video - I learned something new today. Thanks.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad to hear it!

[@kylearpke4945]

This was insanely helpful! Thank you!!

[@jan_wegener]

So glad!

[@michaeljohannsen4872]

Great Tipps! Thanks a lot! 😊

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Kurzlun]

This is cool! Did not know that but it explains a thing or two in my own workflow! thank you for this :)

[@jan_wegener]

Happy to help!

[@anthonylujan]

I think for me it's hard to see or visualize what needs to be fixed. The spots you mentioned throughout the video I might not have guessed or seen as fixes. Color and brightness yes but not always backgrounds even though everything you said makes total sense. I guess with years of experience and doing many edits ones eyes could get costumed to seeing this. I use your prosets but I think I need to spend more time on my images.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes it takes a while to be able to see the issues that should be worked on in a photo

[@DanBetty]

Very helpful! I will add this additional information to my recently acquired Jan Wegener Master Class, which is all you said it would be 👍👍👍. I've watched it thu twice and will probably do so a few more times to get it all to be second nature. (In other words until I can click and clone like you😅) .. Prior to this I did almost all of my editing in LR but can see the many advantages in doing it like you teach. Thank You!

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@simonmathew6563]

Very informative. Thank you so much.

[@jan_wegener]

You are so welcome!

[@grega9220]

really really nice video... Does your course go through editing some of these examples? You really know how to make these images "pop". well done

[@jan_wegener]

I show a few edits and my workflow and apply whatever is needed to the image examples. So yes, not every scenario I show here but the most important ones that apply

[@emptyandseephotos7858]

Very useful shared video

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@wyvernwildlife]

Very interesting, and excellent examples. Got a few images I need to revisit!

[@jan_wegener]

Excellent!

[@kayakflyfishingschool]

Jan, a very nice video and you make some wonderful observations and key points on what sharpness is versus perceived sharpness. I do not have any Adobe products and will never use them again. What other photo editing software would you recommend to be able to do the things you are doing with the simple hue and saturation adjustments? I have DPP from Canon and DXO2 Pure Raw.

[@jan_wegener]

Good question. Don’t think you can do selections on DPP.

[@kayakflyfishingschool]

@@jan_wegener I didn’t see a way to do that in DPP, but thought maybe I missed something.

[@Theshark-l4k]

Your videos are always so instructive. Unfortunately, I do not use LR or PS.. Could deal with the monthly subscription. I switched to ON1. If I get your master class can I transfer the techniques to ON1? Thanks for all you do.

[@jan_wegener]

I am not sure, probably not

[@jonathansilverman298]

Thanks so much Jan - so helpful. You mention that you never use sharpening in the video - not even a baseline?

[@jan_wegener]

I do the import sharpening in camera raw/ Lightroom

[@debrapeasley2606]

With the flying pintail you said you cleaned up some areas in the background. How? It doesn't look like there's anything there to be removed. Great video.

[@jan_wegener]

I lessened the impact of dark patches

[@jimf5160]

Thank you. that was very useful

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DennisNazarenko]

Thanks. very helpful!

[@jan_wegener]

You're welcome!

[@vzshadow1]

Thanks for a great video.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you liked it!