[P-E]

Where do get the plugin flood filter for PS?

[nursepayne]

I havn't learnt to removed or cut anything out yet properly from their background, it just seems like it would take forever but I must have a go at it soon because it seems like a skill vital to master in ps.
I havn't used plugins yet either but some look like they might be really useful (the water ripple effect certainly works with the jewellery for making it looks slick)

[Whipspeed]

Flood filter is from a company called flaming pear, you can download a 30 day trial version & if you buy, it's about £12.00 (american site).
Elle, I'd never done any cut outs until a couple of weeks ago, I usually like to just take the shot, but the shots the jeweller wants to create are all done using layers, he's been looking at some very slick sites, but they are too pricey, hence using me It's a steep learning curve, but I'm getting there, I permenantly have 4 CS2 instruction books next to the PC to keep up. It's nothing like the usual sports photography that I do.
I would really like to shoot the jewellery on the backdrops I have in mind, but as I have to shoot them in his offices, there is no choice. I shot a pearl necklace yesterday and would have loved to have draped it over a backlit chunk of melting ice, but hey ho. It's an idea I can use for another shoot.
The ripple effect can also hide a bit of dodgy cutting out Although this one was ok.

[M1ke A]

I don't want this to come out the wrong way but I'm not totally convinced about this shot? I think it's the composition more than anything else. However I'm not your client so to me .

What I do like is the presentation and execution. It's also been interesting to read people's input and it certainly sounds like you have the necessary 'vision' for this kind of work (I'm 98% positive I wouldn't have the imagination to come up with these visuals).

Keep it up and as you say, it certainly makes a change from loitering around roadsides .

[Whipspeed]

Mike, I'm coming to the conclusion that I actually prefer loitering at the roadside with my flask of tea.

[Rob Barron]

Sarah, what method are you using to cut out your ring?

At risk of going off-topic, I hope you don't mind if I give you a couple of pointers, despite the fact you clearly did a good job here. Just thought it might be helpful to someone....

The first tool I would recommend is the Pen tool as this allows you to make tightly controlled curved lines which you definitely need here. A little practice and the pen tool will give you the ultimate control. It isn't difficult to use but does take a little getting used to.

The other tool that most people forget about is the Quick-Mask tool (just hit Q in PS). This lets you paint your mask on and if you zoom in nice and close you can get really tight control. Not only that but if you make a mistake and paint over a bit you don't want, you can easily erase it. As soon as you hit Q again, you'll come out of QM mode and see the marching ants around your selection.

Of course the important thing is that if you might need to reselect or adjust the selection, use a Layer Mask so that you can add or take away at any time simply by painting black or white onto the mask.

That is an ultra-quick rundown of a couple of ways to make better slections than using the lasso or the magic wand. There are some Tutorials on using selecting tools here on Pixalo so worth having a look.

Cheers,
Rob

[Whipspeed]

Thank you Rob, very helpful.