How to cut out/outline subject in PSCS ?

[Raj]

Hi,

Just wondering, how do you guys cut out/select the "subject" in PSCS. For instance if I have a portrait in which I want to change the background, I guess I need to outline my main subject/foreground first.

Is there any easy way to do this instead of using mouse & cursor to follow subject's outline ?? I find it almost impossible to do this.

Any help on this is appriciated.

Thanks
- Raj

[scottbergerphoto]

One way to do that is to go to Filter>Extract and use the Extract Tool. Basically you use the highlighter to outline the subject and then copy the subject to a new layer. There is a nice tutorial on this in Photoshop CS for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby.

[ppuga]

Another way to do it, it's to use the PEN, and make a PATH, that later you can modify, save, etc.

When you select the PEN tool, be sure you have checked the option RUBBER BAND, so you can see the line you are making one point to another, use the mouse, and shift and option to trace lines acording to your subject. Once you have finish, go to the PATH TAB, that its in the same box of the LAYERS ONE, and, save your new path.

Then you can do a lot of things, just convert your path to a selection, make a clipping path, stroke the path, etc.

Try it on.

[George7]

Hi Raj
Also there's a Quicktime movie tutorial called Advanced Masking at http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html which shows a good method for creating accurate and detailed masks (selections) using channels to seperate objects from backgrounds. Ever tried drawing around whispy hair in a portrait using pen or lasso tool? - this method will work better.
There's no one ideal method to use for slections as it depends on the image your working on - often a combination of various methods is called, for depending on how fussy you are (and how much time you can spare).
Cheers
George

[tim]

I use the extract filter for this. In photoshop there are many ways to do the same thing, so try them out and see what you like.

[Conk]

I use the software knockout. I've gotten quite used to it and think it does the best job at retaining hair, fur, shadows and transperent items.

[Raj]

Thanks everybody for your help.
I will try to get familier with these techniques & settle down with the one I do best.

Cheers
- Raj

[PhotosGuy]

Look at the top for the sticky "Post Processing Tutorials List" Scroll down to "Selecting areas in PS." ;-)