I was wondering if anyone would want to share some of their experiences with swapping some more difficult backgrounds. What have you found to be a good method of extracting a subject with curly hair? How about when the subject doesn't have a very distinct edge where they meet with the background?

These two areas have been a pain to me for the longest, so I was just looking for some tips.

Take a look at the Glamour Puss Challenge for differing examples for hair.

I also posted a technique using levels (http://retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7384) to refine selections.

About the only thing I've found reliable is to make a mask that uses the actual image as its source and pumping up the contrast enough for the details to show through.

There is also a tutorial by Flora at

Tutorial (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=120)

Christine

Hi Greg,

Beside the great Tip from Doug, as Christine has pointed out :pleased: , you might find the technique I described in this Tutorial (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=120) helpful, at least for creating a stronger contrast and facilitating the selection.

You could also read these excellent Tips (http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2718) from DJ.

I also found a Katrin Eisman excellent Tutorial on 'Advanced Masking' here (http://www.photoshopdiva.com/articles/Masking.pdf) ...and another one by Russel Brown here (http://www.creativepro.com/img/story/ExtractHair.pdf)

:wavey:

Thanks a lot for the tips, links, and tutorials everyone. I can't wait to play around now & see what i get.

I know it is probably cheating but has anyone tried that Extensis Mask Pro?