Clever Trick to Cut Out an Image in Photoshop
TLDRIn this tutorial, the presenter teaches a professional technique to cut out an image in Photoshop, specifically focusing on removing the background from a leafy image without losing details or introducing fringing. The process involves using the Quick Selection Tool and the Select Subject feature, followed by refining the selection with the Select and Mask tool and the Refine Edge Brush. To address color issues, a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer is applied to correct unwanted colors on the leaf edges. The presenter also demonstrates a trick to enhance the details in the leaves by using a Solid Color adjustment layer and inverting its mask. This method allows for a more natural and realistic cutout, with the flexibility to change the edge color to match a new background. The video concludes with a comparison between the beginner's method and the pro method, highlighting the significant improvement in detail and realism achieved with the professional approach.
Takeaways
- 🖌️ Use the Quick Selection Tool and 'Select Subject' for initial selection.
- 🖼️ Press 'Q' to better visualize the selection.
- 🎭 Go to 'Select and Mask' and choose 'Overlay' for refinement.
- 🖋️ Use the 'Refine Edge Brush' to clean up the leaves' edges.
- ⚪️ Switch to 'Black and White' view to check and fill in any gaps in the mask.
- 🚫 Avoid using 'Decontaminate Colors' as it can create artifacts.
- 🔄 Add a feather and contrast to the selection for a smoother edge.
- 🌳 Duplicate the layer and use a 'Hue/Saturation' adjustment to correct color fringes.
- 🔍 Zoom in closely to select the problematic color and adjust the hue and saturation.
- ⭕️ Invert the layer mask and clip a solid color adjustment layer to enhance edges.
- 🌄 Change the color of the edges to match the new sky by altering the solid color layer.
- ✂️ Practice is key for achieving realistic effects when working with selections.
Q & A
What is the first step in removing the background from an image in Photoshop?
-The first step is to choose the Quick Selection Tool and then click on the 'Select Subject' button.
Why is it necessary to refine the initial selection after using the Quick Selection Tool?
-Refining the selection is necessary to improve the accuracy of the selection, particularly around complex areas like the leaves, where details and fringing need to be addressed.
How does the 'Select and Mask' refinement process help in creating a better selection?
-The 'Select and Mask' refinement process allows for the use of the Refine Edge Brush, which helps to paint over areas that still show the background, leading to a cleaner and more precise selection.
What is the purpose of using a black and white view during the masking process?
-The black and white view helps to identify any areas that have not been properly selected. It makes it easier to fill in with white any areas that should be included in the selection.
Why should the 'Decontaminate Colors' option be disabled?
-Disabling the 'Decontaminate Colors' option prevents unwanted artifacts and color shifts that can make the selection look unnatural and unprofessional.
How can you adjust the feather and contrast settings to improve the selection?
-By setting a value of one for the feather and about 10 for the contrast, the selection becomes smoother and more defined, which is useful for creating a layer mask.
What is the purpose of adding a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer in the process?
-The Hue/Saturation adjustment layer is used to correct any color fringing, such as the aqua color on the edges of the leaves, by shifting the hue and adjusting the saturation to match the surrounding colors.
How does reloading the selection from a layer mask help in enhancing the details of the leaves?
-Reloading the selection from a layer mask contracts the selection by one or two pixels, effectively making it smaller and allowing for the enhancement of the edges of the original selection.
What is the benefit of inverting the layer mask after enhancing the edges?
-Inverting the layer mask focuses on the edges of the selection, which can then be fine-tuned to bring back details in areas that were previously less visible.
How can the color of the edges be adjusted to match a new sky in the image?
-By double-clicking the Solid Color adjustment layer and changing the color, the edges of the selection can be customized to match the new sky's color, allowing for a more natural and realistic integration.
Why is it important to practice working with selections in Photoshop?
-Practice is important because it helps in mastering the nuances of selection tools and techniques, which are crucial for achieving realistic and professional effects in image editing.
Outlines
🖼️ Advanced Photo Background Removal Techniques
This paragraph explains a professional method for removing the background from an image in Photoshop, specifically addressing issues like fringing and loss of detail. The process involves using the Quick Selection Tool and the 'Select Subject' feature, followed by refining the selection with the 'Select and Mask' work area and the 'Refine Edge Brush'. It also covers checking the mask with black and white view for accuracy, and making adjustments like disabling the 'Decontaminate Colors' option and tweaking feather and contrast for better mask quality. The paragraph further details how to solve color issues on edges using a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and concludes with a tip on how to bring back details to the selection by loading it from a layer mask and slightly contracting it.
🌈 Customizable Edge Color for Seamless Image Integration
The second paragraph delves into enhancing the edges of a selection to make them more natural and realistic when changing the background, using a technique applicable to a palm tree image. It starts with deselecting the current selection and reloading it to contract the selection slightly due to the feather of the mask. The method involves creating a solid color adjustment layer, inverting the layer mask to enhance edges, and clipping the layer to affect only the desired layer. The summary also demonstrates how to adjust the color of the edges to match a new background by altering the hue and saturation of the solid color layer. The paragraph concludes with a note on the importance of practice in working with selections for effects like background blurring and an invitation to subscribe for more tips.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Quick Selection Tool
💡Select Subject
💡Refine Edge Brush
💡Decontaminate Colors
💡Feather
💡Layer Mask
💡Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
💡Clipping Mask
💡Solid Color Adjustment Layer
💡Background Removal
💡Blur Backgrounds
Highlights
A clever trick to remove the background from an image in Photoshop without losing details or introducing fringing.
Using the Quick Selection Tool and the 'Select Subject' feature for initial selection.
Refining the selection with 'Select and Mask' and the 'Refine Edge Brush' for better edge detail.
Checking the mask with a black and white view to ensure accurate selection.
Disabling the 'Decontaminate Colors' option to avoid artifacts.
Adding a feather and contrast to the selection for a smoother edge.
Creating a duplicate layer and using a solid color adjustment layer to check for issues.
Fixing color issues on the edges of the leaves with a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.
Targeting and adjusting the problematic cyan color to match the leaves' color.
Inverting the layer mask to enhance the edges of the selection.
Changing the color of the edges to match the new sky using a Solid Color adjustment layer.
Loading the selection from a layer mask to contract the selection by one or two pixels.
The importance of practicing selection techniques for more realistic effects in Photoshop.
How to blur backgrounds in Photoshop for a more realistic look.
The before and after comparison showcasing the effectiveness of the pro method.
The ability to easily change the color and control saturation and brightness of the edges.
The detailed step-by-step guide provided for achieving professional results in Photoshop.
The use of a check layer to visualize potential issues with the selection.
The final result of a more natural and realistic cut out of the image.