i like you better than me

i always start off by adding a high pass filter to my images/gifs. i feel like it clarifies the image details a bit more. to do this you first want to duplicate your layer.

layer > duplicate layer.

next, you will select filter > other > high pass. my setting is set to 24 pixels but you do not have to use this same setting. it's up to you. after this is done, you'll want to change the "normal" to "overlay".

i tend to keep the opacity between 20% - 50% so it doesn't alter the image too drastically, but you can play around with it and see what you like best. flatten the image when you're done.

layer > flatten image.

filter > noise > add noise is another step you can use to make the image clearer - these photos were saved from instagram, so the quality wasn't super great. 5 or 7% usually gives you the best results, but again this is personal preference.

other great options for sharpening up an image is the smart sharpen or the camera raw filter. i usually use the camera raw filter to soften the image and add grain but it wasn't working to my style for this particular set of photos.

once all this is done, edit your photo however you want it to look and save it.

now: the sparkles ✨ you will have to download this photoshop action to get the sparkle effect. after downloading to your computer: window > actions > load actions.

i realize this is for gifs, but i discovered it also works on photos. but keep in mind it won't work on ALL photos, as it doesn't work on all gifs. sabrina's outfit screamed "sparkle" to me, so i had a hunch it would work in this instance.

once the action is loaded into photoshop, it's ready to use!

click on "make it sparkle pls", press the play button, then press "ok" or "continue" until the pop ups disappear. select both layers and convert to smart object.

then change "normal" to "screen". and there you go! all sparkly ✨

i personally added smart sharpen, levels, and black & white smart filters to make the sparkles stand out more, but you don't have to do this. just experiment with it and see what you prefer. ♡

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