Let me show you an example of how I improved the hair strands photo using STRUCTRE and SHARPEN functions on Instagram apps.
480×600 images x 750%
First, I used STRUCTURE to clear the photo.
I set the maximum value, 100 to show you the effect clearly
You can see the clear image. STRUCTURE function made edges clearer. It darkened brightness level around the edges. You can also see the movement of his hair strands.
If you can not understand STRUCTURE, please go to STRUCTURE page first.
Next, I used SHARPEN to make the photo clearer.
I set the maximum value, 100 to show you the effect clearly
You can see a much clearer photo. Please look at the reflections on his hair strands and compare the STRUCTURE result. The reflections on his hair strands are shinier.
As I explained, SHARPEN adds white at the edges so we can see the reflections shinier. STRUCTURE function decreases brightness level around the edges of the hair strands so there are contrast in between hair strands.
Therefore, SHARPEN function make your photo shinier. STRUCTURE adds contrast on your photo.
SHARPEN effect can be seen on reflections.
640x 800 Images x 75%
SHARPEN makes it obvious to see the border around the hair strands. The reflection becames shinier. And the effect of STRUCTURE looks like CONTRAST function. The function darken the dark level at edges as a result it produces the gap of brightness level around edges.