channels instead of extraction

S
Posted By
suzwil
May 28, 2004
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451
Replies
8
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Closed
I recently saw a tutorial on using channels for creating a mask for the purpose of selecting out a subject from the background,the subject was a woman with long hair. Supposedly this method was better than using the extraction tool, however I could not make it work except with a subject with a solid light colored background. any information on this method? I dont have CS I have 7 does CS have an improved extraction tool?

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LB
larry_brubeck
May 28, 2004
Hello
I recentally ask the same thing and did a search on google for tutorials. I had the same results, the tutorials make it look easy but could not extract the hair using channels well at all. my background is a mixturwe of dark colors as well is the hair. if you get it done better let me know . Thanks
GD
glen_deman
May 28, 2004
I have one of the Photoshop books (PS Cheats or something). Their solution for images that don’t have good contrast between the hair and background was to make a selection of the general shape of the hair (not include stray strands). Then, using the smudge tool, draw out some thin wisps and fake it. I would definately do this on a new layer so you can control opacity to make it blend better. I didn’t try the technique myself, but it looked okay in the example they gave.
P
Phosphor
May 28, 2004
On images like that, it’s never a pushbutton walk in the park.

We must learn as many techniques as we can stuff into our noggins, then hope we have the discernment skills to be able to know which combination of techniques will work best upon assessing the image.

It’s a long road, and I’m still traveling it.
PC
Pierre_Courtejoie
May 28, 2004
Try this < http://www.adobeevangelists.com/pdfs/photoshop/01_09_2002/ch annel_masks.pdf> or < http://www.adobeevangelists.com/pdfs/photoshop/11_01_2001/ad v_masking144.pdf> (pdf documents might take some time to load…)

there is also this excellent tutorial: <http://www.shanzcan.com/photoshopahol.html>

If I remember correctly, Extract has been modified in CS, there is now a function related to textures in there…
S
suzwil
May 30, 2004
I have been involved in Photoshop for many years, in fact teach it at a community college, I have tried all the above links as to using channels for masking out flying hair as opposed to the extraction tool and other than for having the convenience of a mask I could go in with an eraser and do it as easily, am thinking of upgrading to CS for my own use, (the college has not done so yet) has anyone tried extraction on CS that can tell me if there is any vast improvement?

Thanks for all the feedback.

Richard
PC
Pierre_Courtejoie
May 30, 2004
quote "other than for having the convenience of a mask " Richard I hope wholeheartedly that you don’t teach your students to use the eraser instead of a mask 😉

Non-destructive editing is like common sense for me!
S
suzwil
May 31, 2004
I thought the context of my comments made it clear what I was implying, AS I STATED, i have been a serious user of Photoshop for many years, so I would think it obvious I was not suggesting the use of the eraser in place of a mask, (ever hear of hyperbole?)to reiterate, there should be and I still have not received an answer as to whethere there is indeed a less time consuming way to select a subject with flying hair out of a backgound. if not, so be it at this point, but the method proposed with the channels is very ineffective with a low contrast or dark background. Nuff saidI suppose, unless someone can actually answer my previous inouiry as to any improvements in CS
CK
Christine_Krof_Shock
Jun 1, 2004
Generally what has to happen is that you have to isolate the image from the background using black and white. In channels you should find the best channel with the most contrast between forground subject and background you want to remove. Duplicate this channel. You may have to invert, use levels, curves, etc on this duplicate. You may also have to use a duplicate of a second channel to pick up details left out by your first duplicate channel. You may have to paste a second or third channel and use blending modes to create the mask you want. You may have to use the dodge and burn tools to whiten the whites and darken the blacks in certain areas.

The extract tool IMHO STILL SUCKS!

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