Hi guys, I have an ongoing project on my website which can be viewed at http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/arborist-knots.html I have around 50 galleries at present that were all shot in one session. My photoshop skills are pretty limited but I was quite happy with the finished versions of the images. But I am now looking to add some fresh galleries and would like to try to make things easier for myself. Is there a particular background colour I could use for the photos that would make them easier to cut out in photoshop? In addition to that, interested in any other hints and tips. Ive attached 2 images below, 1 was the original image I had to work with, and then a photoshopped version showing the desired final effect. Thanks!
Cutting out your main subject from the background can be achieved several different ways. I personally start by shooting my subject in front of a pure white background (white foam board). After opening the image in Photoshop, use the Polygonal lasso tool to trace the subject. Once the subject is traced, right click and go to "select inverse" and then delete key. I usually set a 1px feather before I delete the background so the edges aren't so hard. This technique can take some time but I feel its the most precise. If however your subject has distinct lines and colors such as your rope above, you can get away with the polygonal lasso tool to trace faster or simply use the magic wand to select the background and delete it from the photo. Here is a product I shot and edited using this very technique. http://www.wipemart.com/product/1001-see-clear-lens-cleaner-16ct
I used the magic wand for the first lot. some of the colours were a nightmare to work with, particularly some of the ropes with the grey flecks in as these were constantly being picked out so i had to keep adjusting the tolerance.
Are you selecting the rope when you use the magic wand tool? If you shoot in front of a pure white background and light your subject properly, you can just use the magic wand on the background instead of the subject itself and you should have no problem. There is also a tolerance bar that helps with what is selected.
No I was just selecting the background. The problem was at some points due to the lighting, some of the grey flecks in the rope were so close to the colour of the background that they were being selected also. Think white background will be the way to go next time.
Ah yes I see what you mean. This is the main reason I default to the Polygonal lasso tool but that would be a pain with so many bends in your subject. Try blowing out the white background entirely and light/expose your ropes properly. See if that helps.
What version of Photoshop are you using? Another way to go about it is using the "Refine Edge" command. Every selection tool gives you the option of "Refine Edge" and you can really fine tune your cut out or edge. Here is a quick video lesson on the refine edge command.
I used the latest version of photoshop before. To be honest, I took out a 30 day trial and got all the knots completed in that time. I have gimp now which I was hoping to get the same effect, otherwise i'll purchase photoshop. I think I may have used the refine edge before actually
Basically over exposing the background so no detail remains. Anytime you have highlights that are too bright (no detail remains) they are considered blown. Here is a Gimp tutorial. I personally don't use Gimp but it seems pretty strait forward.
No problem at all. I think your making a wise move by just sticking with Gimp. No reason to break the bank on an application such as Photoshop if you have no intention of stretching its legs Although I don't use it, Gimp is a fully capable editor.
