background change

I have CS4 but have never used it. I can't for the life of me figure out how to change the background in a photograph. I've been searching on Google and going through various *tutorials* but just can't seem to get it. Would someone care to help? I can't post the full size image here but I guess I can post a small image just for fun. I don't really care what the background is so long as it's appropriate.

I am going to have to buy a book... any recommendations?

Thank you and thank you!

Jason

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There are almost an infinite number of ways to change a background; but you'd first have to master selections in Photoshop. Take a look Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks by Deke McClelland: http://www.amazon.com …sks-One-One/dp/0596516150

However, since you haven't used Photoshop I suspect it will be over your head. The background for the image you posted can be changed but with much difficulty because (a) its a low resolution file, and (b) the lack of contrast between the subject and background.

FedkaTheConvict wrote in post #7980675
However, since you haven't used Photoshop I suspect it will be over your head. The background for the image you posted can be changed but with much difficulty because (a) its a low resolution file, and (b) the lack of contrast between the subject and background.

Thanks Convict

I had a feeling that dealing with her hair was going to be a PIA. It just blends too well with the background. I didn't even think about it when I took the shot-it was not planned in the least.

I was under the assumption that the layers feature is what I would need to change backgrounds. Hmm. I've got some time next week. Perhaps a bit of time in the library will be beneficial to me.

Thanks for the help!

Jason

Well, before you get to layers you'd need to acquaint yourself with Photoshop selection tools. There are quite a number of them and the one(s) used vary by the what is needed in a particular photo.

I suspect that you bought CS4 for the same reason I bought CS3...2 years ago, it's the best on the planet.
Now you've discovered, as did I, that the learning curve is measured in months and years.

Do yourself a favor and check out www.lynda.com, their education for neophytes is second to none for quality and quanity of most things computer based.
Deke McClelland, that Convict mentioned, is one of their tutors.

You picked a veerry difficult image to try to extract the background.

This picture does not lend it's self well to a change because the subject and the background are almost the same color. Search Google for "Photoshop Extraction" there are lots of tutorials out there. Here is a tutorial that might give you some help:

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


Bruce

I'm far from a Photoshop expert, but this was the result of about 5 minutes work in PS Elements using the "Magic Lasso" tool and a little cleaning up afterward, just using a simple black background. Not stellar by any stretch and anybody who knows anything about PS could put me to shame, but it can be done.

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Im Sasquatch wrote in post #7980702
=I'm Sasquatch;7980702]I had a feeling that dealing with her hair was going to be a PIA. It just blends too well with the background. I didn't even think about it when I took the shot-it was not planned in the least.

I was under the assumption that the layers feature is what I would need to change backgrounds.

You do need to learn the basics first, about how layers and masks work.

With an image like this, many people assume that you have to select all the flyaway hairs. You don't. You can mask roughly over the flyaways and then draw some back in. They're just random hairs. Learning how to draw realistic flyaway hairs is a lot easier and faster than masking around the original hairs as if they were unique identifying characteristics.

But in any case, you'll need to learn some basics first.

The subject herself wouldn't know that these were drawn in:

Great jog Peano. Please share, I was about to post my extraction until I saw yours WOW. I thought I did ok but you stole the show. I actually tried to use the blue channel to extract her but mine wasn't as good as yours.
Please share a little on how you got the hair so clean when the back ground was so close in color.

Ah, drawing hair where you couldn't pull it out, I never think to do that. Thanks for this Peano!

Peano, that's fantastic! Thank you!! I'll definitely be at the library this week trying to learn a little something before I start buying books. So far, the only thing I know about editing photos is that I'm not very good at it. I have new hope!

BigAlz1 wrote in post #7984254
Great jog Peano. Please share, I was about to post my extraction until I saw yours WOW. I thought I did ok but you stole the show. I actually tried to use the blue channel to extract her but mine wasn't as good as yours.
Please share a little on how you got the hair so clean when the back ground was so close in color.

I did share. Read my post again. I cheated!

heres another version on a non plain background which can help mask the hair.

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