how to remove shadow or change background instead

[scrappydo]

I took this photo of my daughter with her new nephew and though I would have liked to have taken it without the flash because of her impatience I knew I didn't have time to experiement with the camera with settings, plus I've used auto for too long and are still learning the ins and outs of iso etc. But as you can see the shadow issues make this less than a ideal photo. Using Photoshop Cs3 is there anyway I can solve this issue, maybe change the background altogether. I will be changing it to black and white too. -cheers

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...DSC_0032-1.jpg

[Trollslayer3]

Hi, I saw this and thought I'd have a go, about time I made a post to the forum anyway

I adjusted the levels nearly all the way to left so the shadows were more distinguishable and easier to seperate then cutout the main image using pen tool (with a bit of mask painting in places). Deleted the background.

Used Clone tool to cover the shadows on the clothing and lightened the edges of the arm and baby's head using the dodge tool. Readjusted the levels. Added a new Background.

Finally reduced saturation to make it black & white and then added a soft filter for a different effect. Here is the coloured version, plain BW & soft BW versions.

Great picture, hope I didn't ruin it too much

[0lBaldy]

scrappydo and Trollslayer3, Welcome to RP (RetouchPRO) , Good luck and enjoy your time here. Poke around, ask questions, offer help, have fun!
I hope you will make many new friends and enjoy your visits here!

Trollslayer, way to jump in there and offer help! Kewl!
Nice assortment and well done!

scrappydo, it would be nice if you did not use external links as the only source for images, externally linked images should only be made available as a backup for attached images or offering a source for a higher resolution image. By attaching the image to the post it will be viewable forever.

The following links may help!

Attaching Files or Images to Threads or Posts
Size and quality for Attached Images!

After you post your less than 100K version here, you could also post a link to the site that is hosting a larger version as you did!

In CS3 A little levels and/or curves initially then the shadow/highlight filter should help a lot, along with the clone tool, just to get rid of the shadows... Trollslayer already mentioned how to cut it out and replace the background!

Good Luck!

[scrappydo]

Thankyou very much Trollslayer3 and OlBaldy you have both been of excellent help. And thanks for clearing up on how to attach images as I was unsure how to go about it in a different way to what I've previously been use to on other sort of forums. Thanks for the welcome too. Nice to have found this site and helpful buddies too!

[Kraellin]

nice one, OB

[0lBaldy]

Thanks Craig!

Your Welcome Scrappydo!

[klassylady25]

Did a smudge using a variety of brushes. Created a vignette. That's all
Pretty baby!!

[Kraellin]

OB,

you cloned the shadows out? or did you use something else?

[0lBaldy]

Originally Posted by Kraellin

OB,

you cloned the shadows out? or did you use something else?

Yeppers.. the clone tool to get rid of the shadows

[Kraellin]

well, you did a really nice job of it, especially around the top of the couch/seat covering, that little floral pattern. i was impressed with that.

[0lBaldy]

Originally Posted by Kraellin

well, you did a really nice job of it, especially around the top of the couch/seat covering, that little floral pattern. i was impressed with that.

Thank you sir!... but the tool did all the work

[learninlady]

I have (I know dah) just discovered my background eraser tool. I have been doing it the hard way.
But I love to change backgrounds and wanted to practice!
Heres what I came up with

[chillin]

Maybe something in white.

[learninlady]

Oooo angelic!

[mapetty]

Originally Posted by learninlady

I have (I know dah) just discovered my background eraser tool. I have been doing it the hard way.
But I love to change backgrounds and wanted to practice!
Heres what I came up with

How did you get the black around the edges? I have a few pictures that could be fixed with that, but I can't figure out how to do it in PS 7. Thanks, Marsanne

[learninlady]

OK, had to go back and do it again to remember how!
After I removed the background with the background tool
I cloned it to a black background. I didnt like the edgy effect that left me with
so I added the antique vignette frame, I may have also added like a 50 black border first, but you can tell if you need to make the pic larger or not on how the frame fits or doesnt fit.
add the frame, then using the color change tool change background that is left after framing.
I hope this helps, Im not a very good instructor by any way nor means! I psp by the seat of my pants, that is why I rarely write down how I got what I came up with.
Let me know if there is anything else I can add, I may be able to bump my memory more.