[Vinny]

This is a lovely little technique for getting those white backgrounds in Photoshop CS+ (PS).

Take your subjects in normal light against a white backdrop. For this instance, I have three dining chairs on a sofa in the conservatory with a white duvet hanging off them!!

Open your image in PS.

Layer --> Duplicate Layer. Click Ok.

Layer --> Blending Options--> Change from Normal to Screen. Click Ok. You now have a white image.

Layer --> Duplicate Layer. Click Ok. Even whiter.

Layer --> Blending Options--> Change from Screen to Overlay. Now the image is really strange

Change the opacity until you are happy with the image. Click on okay.

Now to get a really white background, click on Layer --> New Adjustment Layer --> Levels

In the histogram, drag the white arrow to the right, left a little. Watch your image.

Also drag the middle arrow for the subjects a little until you are happen.

Click on Ok.

Now click on Layer and flatten image.

Okay, so you have your piccy. You can now alter the curves, saturation, and convert to B&W if you wish.

Check for any white areas that need touching up to make it perfectly white after you've finished.

Then, if you wish, click on Canvas size and add 1cm all around the image giving a clean white border.

Original:



After the above steps:



In the above instance I didn't have time to take the photo "properly" - I get to see my kids every other weekend and their Mum is taking them away for the next four weekends now (?!!?) so I didn't spend too much time with the camera. But, before I had to take them back I wanted to get an image I could play about with until next time!

So, have fun peeps and lets see the results

[Summerleft]

Great idea, Just giving this a go.

For those who use the Gimp I know theres a few on here, it doesnt have adjustment layers, but if you follow the above then instead of going to Adjusment layer, Dodge the current layer then lower opacity then go back to the tute and it works just as well I think, might be some yellowing which needs a little cloning.

Hope you dont mind me adding that bit

ETA: could also use addition in the drop down menu in layers

[WOODY]

Does It Work The Same With Elements 5 ?

[Summerleft]

I've never used used Elements, if you can manipulate layers probably, you can download the Gimp for free Woody if thats a way you fancy going, worth having a go then maybe play around with what you have to get the same effect . Sorry I cant be any more helpful, Im sure another elements user will be able to give more

[j sotelo]

nice and easy..