This is more or less after Martin Evening:
-Select the colour channel with the best contrast against the Background -Copy that channel. Keep it selected.
-Image > Apply Image. choose the blend that increases contrast more. (Overlay) -Paint (also in overlay mode) with black onthe dark portions and white on the light portions. (this is easy: it won’t spill).
-create a mask from this.
This mask should enable you to seperate the hair perfectly.
Rob
In Extract, provided there is some contrast the way to do it is to use a broad highlighter brush over the wisps rather than try to follow individual strands.
In cases where there is not much contrast between fine wisps of hair and the background, however, the channels method Rob describes is indeed a good way of selecting the hair. Unfortunately it doesn’t do as good a job on the rest of the outline, and can result in the cardboard cut-out look.
I tend to use the channels method on just the hair area, then use Extract on the rest of the image.
The Extract method eliminates the need for feathering the selection due to the way it computes the extraction, imparting a semi transparency to the edge of the subject.
If, after running the Extract filter, you feel the need for a more feathered look, you can soften the edge locally using a soft eraser set to 50%.
As with most things Photoshop, practice makes perfect – and the Extract filter is something which can take quite a bit of practice before you become proficient in its use.
TIP: Start off by taking some shots against a plain background to help you get the hang of it before moving on to more complicated extractions.
Best of luck with it.
Chris.
Start off by taking some shots against a plain background to help you get the hang of it before moving on to more complicated extractions.
I think wisdom teeth are the worst. 😉
Na – I’ve heard the worst is extracting money out of a Norfolk man’s wallet! <g>
thanks Chris:
How do you combine the two? extraction leaves you with transparent bg, and channel method does not, right?
and soften the edge locally with a brush? explain that if you can — seems a lot more laborious than selecting feather or gaussian blur
How do you combine the two? extraction leaves you with transparent bg, and channel method does not, right?
Double-click the background layer first to turn it into a proper layer.
and soften the edge locally with a brush? explain that if you can — seems a lot more laborious than selecting feather or gaussian blur
The key word here is locally. Feather or Gaussian will affect the entire outline – but extract does that anyway. Occasionally, you’ll get a part of the extraction which need extra softening, and soft eraser is the way to go.
The thing to remember about cutting a suject out of the background is that there is no one-click method. To do it right requires skill aquired in the use of the myriad tools Photoshop puts at your disposal.
thanks Chris:
anyways, the feeling I’m getting is that all the eraser tools and extraction filter is ok for still life etc, but for people, masking from channels is much superior. What do you think ?
Hi Linda. I run a portrait studio, so the life I photograph is never still! <g>
Extract is the tool of choice for virtually all my work when removing backgrounds. One of the most common tasks is replacing one person in a group with a better version of him or her from another shot.
It really is a case of getting to know your tools inside-out. Practice, practice practice.
You’ll get there!
Chris.
Hi linda
Like Chris sez – getting to know the tools is critical. There ain’t no one method that is best IMHO
It’s a question of what are the +’s and -‘s of each method and what will impact best or worse on the intended finished image
My own preference is to use layers and build a jigsaw effect. It makes it really easy to snatch an object and import it into another image if I wish
Linda,
I recommend an excellent book called Photoshop Masking and Compositing by Katrin Eisemann.
It is easy to read and the practice files can be downloaded from Katrins web site. Although I endose the recommendation of Martin Evenings book earlier, Katrins book is completely devoted to this one very important subject.
I do however realize that this may not be necessary after Deebs full and thought provoking answer.
Regards,
Ken
thanks Chris/Ken:
Hmm surprised Chris, I find that extract comes up with really bad edges compared to doing the more laborious channel masking, but, I admit, don’t know the extract filter thoroughly yet.
I read, Katrin’s book, one pass, starting to read a second time — quite complex. Actually, I think masking is the most complex thing in PHotoshop, no? but I’m sure most rewarding when you get it down.
