masking out help
Out of context: Reply #7
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- detritus0
What Dancer said. Also, use the QBN 'filter' search command, as there was a topic on this subject recently.
Personally, I find the pen tool for cut outs a bit limiting as it sets such a hard path between the foreground and background, and it can also get quite fiddly.
What I prefer to do is make a copy of the layer to be cutout and add a mask. Under this, I create a contrasting colour layer, then, back on the mask, I brush-out the areas I don't want.
The reason I do this is because I find it quicker to shift-brush around the form, flipping the foreground colour and 'undo-editing' where necessary. It also allows me to control the 'blur' of the brush where the image focus might change. For hair or leaves, etc - I'd then dick around with a banged up contrast channel selection, as per Dancer's suggestion.
Depends on the image type though - if it's all hard lines, corners or wide curves - use paths, if it's organic, photographic or complex, I'd use a mask and a range of brushes. Or sometimes, a combination of the two :)
- 'combo of the two' being where I employ paths, but then set them as a selection to delete with. I never use paths in PS.detritus
- N0ob, I use 'insta wipe off remove background thingy'chossy
- Once you use the pen tool, use the feather to soften. You always want to make the least amount of pen points to create smooth transitions. Plus you have to practice, but vector is vector and is the most precise way in making a selection, thats my only point.
But again, selections all take time and there is no easy way. Right?univers - Yeah, I get it - I just prefer my method. Also, path feathering only allows you one 'level of blur', without being fiddly.detritus
- Mind you, since CS2 I've started using the Vector smart object thing quite a lot - that's great for bringing in AI stuff :)detritus
- No paths in Photoshop...your living in the PAST man!
PS does Vector...Illy does rater...it's a brave new worldmarychain