When to sharpen an image

Sharpening is one of the most important steps in post-processing images. While ‘capture’ sharpening is applied to JPEGs in-camera, and to raw images upon being opened, you’re still likely to have to apply ‘output’ sharpening. You’ll need to sharpen images to counter the softening effect of inkjet printing, to correct any slight blurring, or selectively sharpen one part of an image, like the eyes in a portrait shot.