How to select an object?

janie · #1 03-13-2008, 05:42 PM

How do you take an object out of the photograph, make a new background and then add the photo back in?

I'm putting together a portfolio of wood turning items and want the book to look great (for my hubby's 20th wedding anniversary gift)

For example...how would I take this vase out and make a more suitable background?

0lBaldy · #2 03-13-2008, 07:08 PM

This is probably the best way (once learned) to take an object out of the photograph, then add the photo back into a new background:
Using Paths to Crop a Background

janie · #3 03-13-2008, 08:20 PM

Thanks! My son thinks I'm crazy, video tutorial running on laptop & I'm working on my picture on my desktop

bonnylass · #4 03-23-2008, 01:49 PM

Best way to learn

Gary Richardson · #5 03-23-2008, 03:06 PM

As OlBaldy says, using paths is probably the best for a solid edged object like the item in your picture.

For items with a softer or more random/irregular outline, other tools would be more appropriate.

With high contrast between foreground and background, masks would probably be my method of choice in those cases.

janie · #6 03-23-2008, 08:04 PM

Ya know I think I've overwelmed myself. I want to do so much and haven't even figured out layers yet.

The thinking in my head (as it goes round and round) is that I should easily be able to pull object, person, whatever - out of the picture and put it into a layer and name the layer "vase", then from scratch, make the background on a new layer. Then combine the layers?

I'm reading way to many books and watching tutorials that my head is spinning and I'm not actually working any pictures

Stomping feet as she goes and looks for a layers tutorial

j

Littlecoo · #7 03-23-2008, 08:53 PM

G'day Janie,
A while back I did a post with screenshots on how to select an object/person or whatever using quickmask in photoshop. This is the thread:
http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...son-photo.html
This may be of interest to you.