Help changing backgrounds with magic wand / quick select

The back screen supplied to me for a shoot wasn't bit enough so I need to change the backgrounds out in PS. I feel it has a "fake look" though because the edges are sharp. I tried using the magic wand tool and the quick select tool to select the model and then change the background. How can I get this to look more realistic? ORIGINAL is on the left of each picture

You're using the wrong selection tools. Think of the selection tools in Photoshop as a continuum starting with the basic Lasso tool and moving to the advanced tools like the Pen Tool and Channel Masking. You need to be using the more advanced selection tools to get believable results. Also you need to combine techniques; a method that selects well defined edges wouldn't necessarily work with fine hair.

Also the halo around the model in the replacement background is contributing to the fake look. Try using an oval shape instead of following the outlines of the model.

I think an important element of editing backdrops and stuff is to get the exposure/contrast/leve​ls etc of the subject model to match that of the back ground being used. They all need to look like they were all taken with the same settings etc such as WB and so on.

I have changed the back ground on quite a few images over the years and its always making sure they are all roughly at the same levels etc that either make them work or make them look false.

After using the magic wand, experiment with feathering the selection 1-2 pixels & maybe expanding/contracting the border.
Better yet, see: http://av.adobe.com/ru​ssellbrown/ExtractSM.m​ov

PhotosGuy wrote in post #11808374
After using the magic wand, experiment with feathering the selection 1-2 pixels & maybe expanding/contracting the border...

Definitely! Also, you might have an easier time if you select the background first and then invert the selection, then feather/expand/contrac​t.

http://dekedotcom.blip​.tv/

Rene, I've watched that video numerous times and always walk away with more knowledge. I've learned that there is no best way...unless you want to work at the 500% pixel level.
With the background in the OP's image, I would first start using the Select>color range technique and go from there.

chauncey wrote in post #11809441
I've learned that there is no best way..

That's why there are 12 (!) videos there

Great link, René!