I have been shooting a number of different objects lately with my digital and have had mediocre results lifting objects from the background. I am wondering if there are any tips or tricks do doing this. Currently I have been shooting the object against a solid color back and trying to use the magic want to select the color and delete it, leaving the object. However, I find it does not render a good look. I’d love to hear from the pros.
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LOL! Man, I need to put down FinalCut and spend a little quality time with PhotoShop again! Sorry and thanks for the heads up Ramøn. I’ll see what I can get done with this.
It is not a fully automatic process even when shot against a chroma background. You have to learn the work flow and do the detail work, whether you use PS Extract, Knockout 2 (my choice) or Mask Pro 3. Pick one and carefully step through the documentation.
Apart from using LivePicture’s silhouetting (which is STILL the best!), try using Photoshop’s Extract in this way:
Duplicate the Layer and Extract on the Duplicate. Cmd. click on the duplicate layer to load a Selection. Use that selection to create a mask on the original layer. Retouch the mask as necessary. Trash the Duplicate layer.
You can also do a similar thing if you use the Magic or Background Erasers on a duplicate layer.
Ditto what Allen said. Be very careful with feathering, and use it as a last resort. It works OK, but can blow out edges too much. MaskPro 3 works really good in hair. I assume Knockout 2 is similar.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Since I only have PS I’ll make do with that. I’m finding that after clipping the object, it looks too stark but not as bad if I add a small outer glow and a shadow. This was an easier one. I have a string that is difficult but I see that this is more of an art built by experience than a simple answer.
