layer order in PS6 question

I've got a question regarding the order in which I have layers. I can't seem to get everything working together. Here is what I'm looking at.


Adjustment layer with mask
noise reduction (selective)
adjustment layer with mask
USM (selective)
Background

This way, I can get the noise reduction to work but not USM. If I move the 2nd adjustment layer/mask and USM above the first adjustment layer/mask and noise, then my image is sharpened but the noise reduction doesn't work.

What do I need to do to get everything working?

Thanks a bunch!

Personally, I do my noise reduction before I get to Ps, so I can't help you there. However, I like to do the sharpening last, after all the other adjustments are done. Finish the image, flatten it, then add your sharpening layer. Or you could use the high pass sharpening technique, which will pretty much fit in anywhere.

Outstanding! Thank you. I may get to sleep at a reasonable hour tonight.

For sake of argument, let's assume you have an image that needs some noise reduction in some areas and then some sharpening in some areas. The layer structure will probably look something like this:

Some other Adjustment layer
USM applied to a Stamped version of layer stack (with mask to paint in sharpening in selected areas)
Some Adjustment Layer (to mimic you original post)
Noise Reduction (with mask to paint in selected areas)
Background

You will likely want to apply your noise reduction before you start making adjustments and sharpening, because you do not want to accentuate the noise (unless, of course, you do want to accentuate the noise). So, you make a duplicate of the background layer (CMD-J, CTRL-J) and then apply your NR, painting on a mask for this layer to reveal just the NR'ed areas you want.

Once you get your layer stack of the background image plus the layer above it containing the selected areas of noise reduction all set up, you need to make a STAMPED composite of the stack - select the top layer of the stack and hit CMD-OPTION-SHIFT-E (CRTL-ALT-SHIFT-E) - this will place a flattened copy of the layer stack on top of the stack, leaving the stack intact underneath.

This operation merges the good parts of the background with the NR'ed parts of the NR layer - this is what you then want to apply your selective sharpening to - the selectively noise free image. Apply your USM to this stamped layer - you can selectively paint in the sharpening using a mask on this layer, apply adjustment layers on top of the stack, etc.

There are ways to do this with smart objects, but that is beyond the scope of this post.

kirk

Adobe advises doing all noise reduction in Camera RAW or LR and not in PS...there is no reason that you could not make image duplicates, de-noise one and blend them in PS.

chauncey wrote in post #17218129
Adobe advises doing all noise reduction in Camera RAW or LR and not in PS...there is no reason that you could not make image duplicates, de-noise one and blend them in PS.

That's how I would do it, although the above might be better for all I know.

To be honest I stopped doing NR and sharpening years ago... when I moved to Nikon it was unnecessary, everything was sharper and in focus and eliminated the need for sharpening. Most modern Canon cameras should be able to do that too.

Most people pixel peep at noise, it's only a problem if it's visible to an annoying degree. One shot I took on a 7D at the equivalent of ISO20,000 printed 14" with only basic noise reduction... it looked good.

Short version: you're probably worrying too much. Do everything you can in ACR/Lightroom.