How can I make the objects in this image more defined?

[Grg]

Hi all

I wonder if anyone may be able to offer me advice as to how I can make the objects (flowers, stems etc.) in the attached image look more defined and generally stand out stronger and crisper? I'm new to Photoshop and I'm not sure if this can be done or which tools and techniques could be used. I'd be grateful if anyone might be able to point me in the right direction.

Many thanks.

 

[IamSam]

Hello and welcome.

Where is this image from? Did you add the filter effects?

 

[Grg]

Hello and welcome.

Where is this image from? Did you add the filter effects?

Thank you!

This is my own image. I added a Dry Brush filter and also a Texturiser filter to bring it out the objects and colours, however I'm unsure how to create further definition.

 

[IamSam]

The filters are what have caused the lack of definition. You may try re-adjusting the filters so you have the desired definition and less distortion.

 

[Grg]

The filters are what have caused the lack of definition. You may try re-adjusting the filters so you have the desired definition and less distortion.

Thank you for your advice. The original image was very low quality and adding the filters has actually been the only thing I've been able to do to increase the definition (mainly by bringing out the colours). You're right that adjusting the filter settings may increase the definition a bit more, but I wonder if anything further can be done (for example a tool or trick to enhance the outlines of the objects)?

 

[IamSam]

but I wonder if anything further can be done?

It's a matter of what you have to work with.

See these edges?




They are non-defined and distorted by the filters. If you wish for these to be more defined you will have to lesson the filter effects. You can try sharpening filters or techniques, but these won't help. I think you would be better off starting from the beginning.

The only other thing I could think of might be to overlay the original and change the blending mode of the filtered layer............lower it's opacity. Essentially combining the two images.

 

[Grg]

It's a matter of what you have to work with.

See these edges?

View attachment 115097
View attachment 115098

They are non-defined and distorted by the filters. If you wish for these to be more defined you will have to lesson the filter effects. You can try sharpening filters or techniques, but these won't help. I think you would be better off starting from the beginning.

The only other thing I could think of might be to overlay the original and change the blending mode of the filtered layer............lower it's opacity. Essentially combining the two images.

Thank you - that's great advice. Generally speaking, are there any good methods or tools for making the edges of an object within an image appear bolder? I find that sharpening filters just fade the colours of edges or objects without making them look bolder.

 

[IamSam]

Generally speaking, are there any good methods or tools for making the edges of an object within an image appear bolder?

Yes.............just depends on the starting point and what your interpretation of "bolder" might be. There are many adjustments that can be made to make an image bolder. You would have to provide examples of what you consider to be bolder.

When it comes to defining images, it would depend on if we were talking about selections or overall definition of an image. Or maybe General Adjustments to Improve an Image

Making a subject more pronounced or bold could also entail isolating the subject with a selection and blurring the background.

This is a big question with literally hundreds of possible solutions. Depends on what your working with.

 

[Grg]

Yes.............just depends on the starting point and what your interpretation of "bolder" might be. There are many adjustments that can be made to make an image bolder. You would have to provide examples of what you consider to be bolder.

When it comes to defining images, it would depend on if we were talking about selections or overall definition of an image. Or maybe General Adjustments to Improve an Image

Making a subject more pronounced or bold could also entail isolating the subject with a selection and blurring the background.

This is a big question with literally hundreds of possible solutions. Depends on what your working with.

Thank you very much for your help - will check these links out. By bolder, I mean more pronounced. My interest is in objects (e.g. a subject) within an image rather than the overall image. Can I only make a subject look more pronounced by selecting it and making adjustments to the selection?

 

[JeffK]

I read thru this thread and started to play with the image as presented. As mentioned, this is a very low quality image to begin with. Obviously,, you want to start with as much information in an image as possible.
I tied a few things just to see what's possible. I'm not a high level expert but it gives me a chance to flex a bit.
One thing to agree on - you can't bring back something that doesn't exist.. You can play some tricks with sharpening, but without some detail, you may end up with a harsh finish.
So using the image you posted, I decided to look at it just in terms of color. What stands out are the reds and yellows. So I played with that, emphasizing those colors to create a visual contrast.
It comes off as a bit impressionistic. i know it's not exactly what you want - but it gives the eye something to focus on.
Only other option is what @IamSam mentions is to go back to the original and change up your filter settings.
Any way, just a journeyman's opinion...
- Jeff