This seems like an easy task ... but I just cannot get it right.

Would you mind taking your shots and posting results/ideas. I am not asking for free work, just love to see a few ideas and some strategies:

Larger files link:http://tinyurl.com/3chb39

Attached photos:

56297

56298

Just a really quick work-up__ Masked layers with a black and gray Diamond gradient, added Hornets, Distress font w/zebra texture

BTW.. Congratulations on your victories!

Forgive the question if it seems an obvious one:
When you say "blackening the background" what is it you see in your post-work piece that you wish to improve? Is there a specific look or style you are trying to achieve or do you just want the background to be black?

Here is the reason why I wanted to blacken it:


http://www.morriscountyhssports.net/images/BBB_Team.jpg

Not to be nit-picky, but is there a larger version of the last image (http://www.morriscountyhssports.net/images/BBB_Team.jpg)?

Is this the overall styling/effect you wish to apply to the photo of the girls?

Also, I'm trying to discern is: there appears to be a light or halo on the hair on the left side of the heads (as seen by the viewer). The same light is not apparent like on the legs.
A background (brown wood paneling?) is visible on the left side of the image. Is this acceptable for the girls' version?

Thanks for indulging my questions, too!

Yes, there is a halo ... the background was so black and the uniforms were also black that it looked like floating heads. It is slight and unless you are a pro or you are looking for it, it is not prominent.

I did not use the blackened wood for those as I did the attached photo above.

Hope that helps. I can upload a larger version when I get home tonight.