I am trying to change the background on an image and I mistakenly created a shape layer around the object I'm trying to isolate with the pen tool rather than making a path. Rather than redo the entire selection, is there a way I can simply convert the shape layer to a path?
#1
"is there a way I can simply convert the shape layer to a path?"
A shape layer is simply a solid color adjustment layer with a vector mask. Open the Paths palette and drag the shape vector mask over the "create new path" icon at the bottom of the palette and drop it on the icon. This will create the path you want and you can then delete the shape layer.
#2