Dear Pros,

A friend of mine asked me whether I can change the background of his picture with his wife. But I found the background is too hard and complicated to remove, since it's bunch of grass, while the male is holding flower. I've tried to isolate the background with red channel which I think have the best contrast, then I also increase the contrast using curve, level etc. But still unable to make accurate selection. The hair of the couple, the flower in hand, make it harder to remove the background. I also tried making selection with color range, but no good result. I also use extract command, and quick mask, but still in pain. I have read all the method of hair selection in this forum, but no progress for me. Now I lost my mind, don't know what to do. Of course I know that the main cause of unability to remove the background is due to my lack of skill of Photoshop. However I really need help for this.

Thx in advance

Try to use Background Remover plug-in.
The goal of the Background Remover is to extract objects from images having complex background content with the minimum efforts.
You don't need accurately draw out an object. You can mark colors inside/outside object and press Apply. The background removing is adjusted by moving a slider.
Download demo version (http://www.imageskill.com/backgroundremover/BackgroundRemover_Demo_Setup.exe)


Background Remover home page (http://www.imageskill.com/backgroundremover/backgroundremover.html)

I used a rough Lasso tool to select the couple.
The I used quick mask to fine tune the selection.
It did not take very long to do, 5 minute maybe.
I use a WACOM tablet so it maybe easier than using a mouse.
I put the couple on a different background (copy/paste).
I consider myself a NOOB so thanks for the practice.

Rich

Try to use Background Remover plug-in.
The goal of the Background Remover is to extract objects from images having complex background content with the minimum efforts.
You don't need accurately draw out an object. You can mark colors inside/outside object and press Apply. The background removing is adjusted by moving a slider.
Download demo version (http://www.imageskill.com/backgroundremover/BackgroundRemover_Demo_Setup.exe)


Background Remover home page (http://www.imageskill.com/backgroundremover/backgroundremover.html)
That plug-in is Windoze only, Cher. Do you (or someone else) know if there is a MacOSX equivalent? And where?
Thanks in advance.

The Extract Tool in Photoshop is made for these kinds of tasks and can make a good starting point.

That plug-in is Windoze only, Cher. Do you (or someone else) know if there is a MacOSX equivalent? And where?
Thanks in advance.

Corel KnockOut2
http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Corel3/Products/Display&pfid=1047024307431&pid=1047022702205

MaskPro
http://www.ononesoftware.com/detail.php?prodLine_id=4

Hi There

It does not seem to be too hard to remove. However some people strive for perfection. Good enough for one person is not good enough for another.

But for me it was just a mag lasso and touchup. I just put a solid background so you can see the separation. I did use hue/sat to gray the green in the veil. Then a little screen application of the background color makes the veil see thru... or something like that...lol

Amazing !! how come I can't do that !?

rrustic, yours is perfect. Of course others are good too since I can't do such neat selection. I also using quick mask, but doesn't seem to produce good result. May be it's just the matter of skill and lot of practice. However, I prefer to avoid any plugin to remove background, since I'm still developing my skill.
Btw, I never thought that none of you used channel to remove the background. I never thought you all just used simple tools. That's mean I need a lot of practice more and more hiks. :cry:

Thanks for all your reply :bigthmb:

I looked at the channels and tried to get the background lighter and then darker than the couple. Seemed more work so i used the quick mask instead.
T just got the Photoshop Channels Book by Scott Kelby. Lots of tips and techniques in it to make selections must easier.

There are many ways to acheive an ends in photoshop. I often feel spoilt for choice... especially when I was new to Photoshop myself and hadn't developed that familiarity with the program... and the practice, practice, practice! Often the 'best' way to do something comes down to your own personal preference. If you have the time to spare, try a few things and decide for yourself what you think is best. Have a look at this thread (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13683) it may be helpful to you also.