[Ned]

Hi
A question for you Photoshop experts really.

If you're "cutting round" a figure in a photo, for example to paste it into a different photo as seamlessly as possible, which of the many Photoshop CS3 tools do you tend to use most often for it?

I've used Photoshop a fair bit on and off, and watched video instruction courses too. I've tried all the different tools for cutting round - but never been satisfied enough with one of them to stick with it. So each time I do this - and I like messing about like that - I'm never sure which is the best tool for the job.
Must be something wrong with the way I'm doing it, and I wondered what you pros do. One of the tools must be better than the others I'd guess, and I've just not practised enough.

The figures I cut out tend to have clean edges part way round, and the rest of the edges a bit hard to pick out (hair for example, or shirt of a similar colour to the background).

Any advice on how the pros do it gratefully received.

[dabhand16]

There are several ways of doing this. Try using a mask on a seperate layer. This way you can add or subtract from your selection easily.

Feathering will give some lattitude to blend it into the new image.

[Ned]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

There are several ways of doing this.

Thanks Dabhand, that's what I was saying. Do I take it that you have no preferred tool that makes the job easier than any other then?
I suspected that with all the magic wands and stuff I was perhaps missing something. But perhaps not.

[dabhand16]

I think the method will depend on the picture you are using as a source and to some extent, the destination image.

For instance, if you have a studio shot with an even background the magic wand will probably do the job, but if you have a busier picture it will not be so suitable and another method - masking, free selection or another method might be better.

If your destination image has a similar background to the source you will not have to be too accurate in the selection which will give you blending options.

[john crossley]

As Dabhand has said there a several ways of doing this, some more suited than others, depending on the image you are working on.

Try the "Extract Tool"

[Rob Barron]

Hi Ned,

I thought this might make a good subject for a tutorial so I've started working on it. I will upload it tomorrow night, it has more than 5 pics so I need to wait until I have uploaded them all but should be fine by tomorrow.

I'll post a link here as soon as it is finished and uploaded.

Cheers,
Rob

[Ned]

Thanks Rob
I suspect the "magic" one size fits all answer I was hoping for doesn't exist, but I look forward to your tutorial.

[Rob Barron]

As promised, here is the tutorial on using different tools in Photoshop to make selections of objects you want to adjust or cut out

I hope you find it helpful but please drop me a PM if you have questions and I'll gladly try to help.

Cheers,
Rob

Making Selections in Photoshop - Pixalo Photography Community

[dabhand16]

Tonight I met Steve Caplin - author of 'How to Cheat in Photoshop'. His favourite selection tool for people is the pen tool, but he also said it is tricky to lean how to use it correctly.

[Rob Barron]

I think the pen tool is excellent too but yes, it does take a little bit of getting used to. However, I would clarify that by adding that it takes a bit of getting used to if you want to use it to its fullest potential. This is actually far more than most people use it for.

In my tutorial, linked above, I have shown the basics of using the Pen Tool but I could do a whole tutorial on just that tool alone if people want to go a bit deeper. Learning how to do S curves, sharp angles and so forth really does bring out the best in this powerful tool.

Cheers,
Rob

[MikeSwanwick]

I use the pen tool. It takes time ( a lot of time!!) but it without doubt the most accurate. It does take time to master it but it really is worth the effort if your serious about photoshop.

[j sotelo]

No doubt, The pen tool is the most accurate tool for any type of selection.
specially for "cutting" out people.

[hoffy]

Treat yourself to a plug-in called Mask Pro 4.

[Rob Barron]

Mask Pro 4.1 IS very good and I do use it. However, it is also expensive if you don't use it very much. It is excellent to use and allows you to have a lot more control than the extract tool or the magic background eraser tool. Fine flyaway hair is not a problem and if you really want to you can even extract smoke particles (though it is not something I have particularly found the need for personally!)

I'll be happy to do a User Tutorial if there are a few people who have it or are considering getting it and want to see how to use it effectively. As usual, just drop me a PM if you'd like a tutorial made and if I am able to I will be glad to.

Cheers,
Rob

[VinnyP]

I love Mask pro as well I'd love to see a tutorial as there is always something to learn. However the only tip I can give is that if you are going to spring for mask pro the whole on one plug in suite is worth the extra. Photoframe and genuine fractals being particularly good. They are being updated to work with Lightroom as well.