How to cut out a character from an image
Hi, we've had a photoshoot of a hundred images of people in front of a white board. I now need to cut out these people so they are on a transparent background. The white board was just a large white screen. I can do this successfully in Photoshop, it just isn't a quick process. It is a very slow process. Currently using Photoshop CS5.
I wondered if there is a quicker method? or different software? Anything that would help to speed up the process.
The steps I am currently using are as follows.
Using Photoshop CS5
1) Create a new layer
2) Layer - Layer Mask - From Transparency
3) Create a black layer at bottom so can see accuracy of cutting out
4) Using Polygonal Lasso Tool, cut character out in multiple stages
Thanks.
I wondered if there is a quicker method? or different software? Anything that would help to speed up the process.
The steps I am currently using are as follows.
Using Photoshop CS5
1) Create a new layer
2) Layer - Layer Mask - From Transparency
3) Create a black layer at bottom so can see accuracy of cutting out
4) Using Polygonal Lasso Tool, cut character out in multiple stages
Thanks.
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Tom Beck
Oh, and in case it's not obvious, you would use the Magic Wand tool on the white background. When you have that all selected go to Select --> Inverse to select the subject.
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ASKER
Ok, I have had a go with magic wand selection tool and it was OK, but got a green silhouette round the image. I will now try the background eraser tool idea. As requested, attached is the source image I have tried it on. Thanks.
Darren1.jpg
Darren1.jpg
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ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Hi a, thanks for these comments. I have been using tailoreddigital's method above and will hand out points later. I'll just leave open for time being in case anyone wanted to comment. I recognise other good comments on this thread, so will share some points. However most points go to tailoreddigital as that is the method I am using.
I am getting a green halo round some of these images which I am taking off with polygonal tool. Any suggestions on that? I mean the slight green halo is on the original image so I can hardly blame photoshop technique on that.
Thanks and I will hand out points later.
I am getting a green halo round some of these images which I am taking off with polygonal tool. Any suggestions on that? I mean the slight green halo is on the original image so I can hardly blame photoshop technique on that.
Thanks and I will hand out points later.
The green halo is light reflected off the white background onto the back of the subject. You could try contracteing the selection 2 or 3 pixels, Select->Modify->Contract. Or play with the Refine Edge feature under Select.
ASKER
That is very interesting re: the green halo reflecting off the white background onto the back of the subject. I know this is getting off topic, but is there anything in photography terms you can do to stop that happening? I am sure professional photographers don't get that whilst doing say family portraits.
I will try the Select - Modify - Contract to see if this works well for getting rid of it.
Thanks.
I will try the Select - Modify - Contract to see if this works well for getting rid of it.
Thanks.
ASKER
The Select - Modify - Expand does definitely work. Not all the image has a green halo, so I just do it on the parts where it is needed.
You are more likely to have a halo around dark hair or clothing when the background is light and reflective.
When selecting the background you would Expand. Selecting the subject, Contract.
To avoid the reflected light from the background you could:
1.) Move the subject farther away from the background.
2.) Use light absorbing backgrounds. These are backgrounds with neutral colors that have a matte finish.
When selecting the background you would Expand. Selecting the subject, Contract.
To avoid the reflected light from the background you could:
1.) Move the subject farther away from the background.
2.) Use light absorbing backgrounds. These are backgrounds with neutral colors that have a matte finish.
ASKER
Thanks for everyone's really useful tips. Gonna give out points now.