Common photo problems and how to fix them in Photoshop: #4 My photo is out of focus

We see lots of wild claims about software tools and editing techniques that can 'cure' out of focus photos. We file these with the Loch Ness monster and Bigfoot sightings. However, while big focus failures are beyond rescue, it is possible to improve the apparent sharpness of photos with smaller focus errors.

Welcome to the fourth instalment in our a 15-part series on how to fix photo problems in Photoshop, Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw.

We're guessing that many of you, like us, are currently confined to barracks thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, but we're determined to use our time usefully – in fact, this may be a chance for all of us to learn new techniques and fix up old photos that we never had time for before.

In this instalment we'll show you how to improve a photo which is slightly out of focus. There's no magic, no artificial intelligence algorithms, just some old-school know-how about what makes images appear sharp.

Sharpness... and grain!

The question is, how out of focus is your photo? If it is badly out of focus, it’s probably irreparable, but there are things you can do to improve images where the details are slightly soft (you know, the ones that look sharp on your camera LCD only to turn out soft once you zoom in on them later on).

First, try sharpening the details with over-the-top settings; if that fails, you can also try introducing grain, which has the effect of masking the slight softness. Both of these edits can be carried out in Camera Raw. Go to Filter > Camera Raw Filter, then head to the Details Panel to the right to increase Sharpening Amount and Radius. Once you’ve done that, head to the FX panel to increase Grain.

Jargon buster

Sharpening: Sharpening filters can't restore detail that the camera didn't record in the first place. Instead, they create the appearance of sharpness by increasing the contrast around the edges of objects. This is a visual trick that gives the appearance of increased sharpness at normal viewing distances.

Grain: Grain is a phenomenon associated with analog film. It was considered a nuisance at the time, but in this digital age it seems we miss it and we want it back! It is possible to add digitally simulated grain, and this doesn't just give digital photos a 'film' look it also gives them a subtle texture which can help disguise soft detail.

Next instalment: #5 My photo is ruined by camera shake.

If you don't use Photoshop or Lightroom, why not sign up for the trial version? You can use this free for a period of 7 days and then decide which of three Photography Plan subscriptions would suit you best.