Cutting it out... neatly...??

[petersjm]

Hi there, guys. I do hope I'm not asking one of the most basic of basic questions in the world, but I'm having difficulties cutting an object out of a photograph so that it's the only object left. I've tried the lasso tool and the magnetic lasso (couldn't live without that one!) and I always get the same results -- the object, with a messy edge. I want a clean edge around it, and I've tried feathering (but without knowing the true concept of feathering, I'm lost!)

After that, I tried going around the edge with the eraser, but then my terribly unsteady hand cuts into the object and I lose the edge! ARG!

Does anyone know if there's a way to do this successfully, without resorting to hand-to-eye coordination with the eraser tool around the edges?

Thanks in advance... 8))

 

[petersjm]

Oops! I feel like a dumb-dumb! I was just browsing the forum after posting the above thread and saw a post on a similar topic by gemgem about the lasso tool etc...

That'll teach me not to browse for answers before posting questions!

:\

Sorry guys [shhh]

 

[John1]

Try here: http://graphicssoft.about.com/cs/photoshopmasks/

 

[petersjm]

Excellent! That's great, John, thanks a lot!

*I'm happy now*

8}

 

[John1]

Actually, most people prefer painting on masks or using vectors, but then again, a different situation might ask for a different approach, sometimes you're using channels, color range, selection tools, quick masks, magic wand, etc.
Practice, using different subjects, really does wonders in this case.

 

[petersjm]

John, I'm absolutely stunned! I've spent the last few weeks trying to perfect the art of erasing the background, and then last night I tried out one of the tutes in your link and it took me FIVE MINUTES to do the whole thing! Amazing!

I can't thank you enough! :}

 

[John1]

Good to hear Peter! [excited]

Next time when you struggle again, just let us know, hopefully we'll have you going somewhere in no time