I've been readin up on methods of extracting images from a background . I've tried using the extract filter but the results I get when using it are Horrible. I've tried using masks but it seems like something is lacking..I then came across 2 new methods.. one is to duplicate a channel with the most contrast and fiddle with it until you got a good base for a mask.. When i use this method the edges of the object i'm trying to extract is blurry.. The second method i've tried was using the smudge too to smudge the background until it's one color then use your favorite mehtod of selecting to isolate you subject.. I found this method sort of redundant .. My query is this.. Are there any more methods to extract a subject from a background? Thanks in advance
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So many ways to extract but none work that well ??
- Thread starter dochappy
- Start date
Channel technique: Replacing a Background.
Channel technique with a twist: Whispies.
You can also use Pen tools to make a selection for a mask. Might want to brush up on Pen tools if you aren't familiar with them. Intro to Pen.
I've seen a movie that uses Extract with an Alpha channel. Pretty good results. Not sure if I can find it, though.
Also recommend: How not to be destructive with data and save your sanity, which kind of deals with Eraser tools if they are your thing.
As for me, I like to paint out my mask. Grab a brush, set Hardness to around 90%, and paint away. I've been doing it this way for so long, I can do speed masking, around 1.5 minutes or so.
Channel technique with a twist: Whispies.
You can also use Pen tools to make a selection for a mask. Might want to brush up on Pen tools if you aren't familiar with them. Intro to Pen.
I've seen a movie that uses Extract with an Alpha channel. Pretty good results. Not sure if I can find it, though.
Also recommend: How not to be destructive with data and save your sanity, which kind of deals with Eraser tools if they are your thing.
As for me, I like to paint out my mask. Grab a brush, set Hardness to around 90%, and paint away. I've been doing it this way for so long, I can do speed masking, around 1.5 minutes or so.
Another Late night session with PS is in order
G
Guest
Guest
Extracting shouldn't be a problem in most cases, but yes, it can be tedious and it can take quite some time.
It's all about the right tool for the right image and a lot of practice.
Don't expect any miracles with all these tools if your image looks like this http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/santa2001/hair.jpg
I use all kind off tools, masks, quick mask, channels, pen tool, color range, extract, etc. Using mask(s) and pen tool seem to be two most popular techniques.
Our Canon Fodder in the campfire forum shows hundreds and hundreds of images that were masked by our members (beginners or experienced). That shows that extracting an image is not all that difficult as it seems the first time...
But extracting things like hair are a challenge in most situations.
And... knowing which tool to use is one thing, but using it the right way... that takes practice.
It's all about the right tool for the right image and a lot of practice.
Don't expect any miracles with all these tools if your image looks like this http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/images/santa2001/hair.jpg
I use all kind off tools, masks, quick mask, channels, pen tool, color range, extract, etc. Using mask(s) and pen tool seem to be two most popular techniques.
Our Canon Fodder in the campfire forum shows hundreds and hundreds of images that were masked by our members (beginners or experienced). That shows that extracting an image is not all that difficult as it seems the first time...
But extracting things like hair are a challenge in most situations.
And... knowing which tool to use is one thing, but using it the right way... that takes practice.
dochappy said:
It takes a bit of practice/ experience/ understanding as well as the reading part to get consistently good extractions.
Each method has its advantages, but the image content determines which method or combination will work best.
Don't let it put you off, it is worth it in the end.
Al.
G
Guest
Guest
Doug, like I wrote in my earlier post; every image asks for a different approach. I would for example never remove the background of the image in my earlier post with a clipping path [confused]C9Mouse said:
I find a channel to copy,most of the time a persons hair etc will be completely black or white after some levels and or contrast tweaking to the channel,I then invert the channel and paint some and invert back again and so on until you have a nce clean mask to use.
I also set a layer to softlight above the object/person and paint around,then fill and save as a channel
Stu.
I also set a layer to softlight above the object/person and paint around,then fill and save as a channel
Stu.
Yeah dochappy, as has already been pointed out, there's no "hard and fast" rule here!
Bottom line, different situations require different approaches.
Only after some experience in all areas mentioned (simple to difficult situations) does one quickly figure out which tool works best.
Often times, I'm not going to spend a lot of time on hair "whispies", and I resort to the "extract tool". When I'm in a hurry and don't use a small enough brush and find that too much of my main image gets extracted, I clone it back in (from a duplicate copy) on a separate layer. (Setting up "guidelines" is necessary here). Cleaning up and even hand painting with various eraser/brush opacities is a critical part of this type of work too.
Then there are times that the magnetic lassoo or the magic eraser works just perfectly too... It's just a question of examining the foreground/background and knowing what tool will do the job most effectively and efficiently, given time constraints and project value... 
Bottom line, different situations require different approaches.
Only after some experience in all areas mentioned (simple to difficult situations) does one quickly figure out which tool works best.
Often times, I'm not going to spend a lot of time on hair "whispies", and I resort to the "extract tool". When I'm in a hurry and don't use a small enough brush and find that too much of my main image gets extracted, I clone it back in (from a duplicate copy) on a separate layer. (Setting up "guidelines" is necessary here). Cleaning up and even hand painting with various eraser/brush opacities is a critical part of this type of work too.
Then there are times that the magnetic lassoo or the magic eraser works just perfectly too...
It's just a question of examining the foreground/background and knowing what tool will do the job most effectively and efficiently, given time constraints and project value...