Quote:
Originally Posted by notjustgraphics
Generally, i start with the 'extract' filter in Photoshop CS3 and then fine tune the output by editing the pixels.
|
Never liked that one. It just doesn't work properly I feel. If you want to use tool I would go for KnockOut by Corel. Principles are the same as the extract filter, but the results are so much better.
Use the polygon lasso. This gives you the most control, even on curves, just click more times. You probably will feather the edge 1 or 2 px afterwards anyway. Also, don't try to select the whole subject in one time. Do little pieces in add-mode. This way, when you screw up a click or two you can just go back a step and won't have to start all over again...
That said: extracting is never a simple process; well at least when you are not simply extracting some sort of jar. It is always a process of several steps. To me that seems good, otherwise everybody could do it. There is no one magic recipe to do it.
Sometimes I start with picking one of the channels as a base for a mask. Use a curve to increase contrast in such a way it represents the mask as best as possible. Then use Treshold to get pure B&W. Finally get your brushes out and fine-tune the mask.
Lots of times (certainly with models) I will turn to KnockOut though. Nothing beats that.
A final tip is not to "cut-out" the image, but use a layer-mask instead. This way you can always modify the masking after you have placed the image in its new surroundings.
Regards,
<<< Vinz >>>
2008 Homepage - Vincent Klijn Photography