Replacing Backgrounds

Hey

Quite a simple question that will probably return a complex answer.

What is the best way to replace backgrounds on portrait shots, using CS2 functionality only? A step-by-step guide would be really useful or a link to a process somewhere.

Cheers

open background picture u want to use.
open portrait shot u want to use and copy onto the background.
add layer mask, reset your colors so black is your primary. get pen tool.
then paint out the background on your portrait so the new background shows thru.
if u make mistake, change your color to white to undo it.

tadaa, thats easy way

Howzitboy, thanks very much for the reply. That is an easy way except when it comes to hair, its a nightmare when guys have "tufties" and you have to painstakingly draw around each individual tuft.

Where in Hawaii? Been twice, Big Island, loved it and can't wait to go back.

i live by ala moana center close to everything.

a junky way but works with hair is grab what u can, then use the smudge tool to "remake" some hair. lol

If you have CS2 then using the Extract filter can do a very good job depending on the level of contrast between the hair and the background.

To get really good alpha channels on complex things like hair , sheer clothing etc is not easy nor quick , its complex selection , channels , dodge and burn techniques .

If you really want to learn advanced masking in PS you should seriously look at this DVD , its very good ,
http://www.software-cinema.com …ct_details.php?​disc_id=44

Rod

I have found this Russell Brown video to be very helpful.

http://av.adobe.com/ru​ssellbrown/ExtractSM.m​ov

Thanks for all the comments and links, looks like I've got a bit of studying to do. I suppose the easiest way is the use a decent background to start with but then thats not always possible.

Cheers

that was useful video

RodBarker wrote in post #3361291
To get really good alpha channels on complex things like hair , sheer clothing etc is not easy nor quick , its complex selection , channels , dodge and burn techniques .

If you really want to learn advanced masking in PS you should seriously look at this DVD , its very good ,
http://www.software-cinema.com …ct_details.php?​disc_id=44

Rod

im neither condoning or condeming the use of torrenting, but you can readily find that dvd via download...

Thats not something I do usually but I'll have a look anyway