Extracting portions of an image

[tangomike]

I recently viewed a tutorial (and can't find it again) on how to extract part of an image using layer masks to refine the edges. The image is of a horse, backlit by the sun, and I want the mane to appear as it does in the original photo, but with a different background. Part of the problem is that I don't really grasp the function of layer masks. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

[Sepiana]

Hi tangomike,

Use a Layer mask to hide parts of layers. Think of it as a Mardi Gras mask (or a Halloween mask)! Whatever is behind the mask is hidden; whatever is not covered by the mask is visible.

Layer Masks Basics in Photoshop Elements

Hope this helps! Post back if you have any further questions.

[tangomike]

Hi Sepiana, and thanks for the link. Linda does a great job explaining.

I still need the steps for refining the edges of a selection, which began with using the polygonal lasso to roughly select a portion of an image, then copy and paste it into a new layer. I've done that, but the workflow I don't remember is how an adjustment layer is used to remove the portion of the original image that remains so the hair (of a woman in the tutorial) appears as it did, but with a new background. The photo I'm using is of a thoroughbred race horse, backlit by the sun, with a gorgeous mane.

I've searched extensively for the tutorial, and I've been unable to find anything that details the process.

[Sepiana]

Try this . . .

1. Use the Quick Selection tool (A) to make a selection of the horse.
2. Fine-tune your selection by using Refine Edge.
3. Remove the jagged edges (Smooth); soften the edges (Feather); adjust the size of the selection (Shift Edge).
4. Output your selection to "New Layer with Layer Mask".
5. Copy and paste it on the background of your choice.
6. If needed, further edit your selection using the Layer mask.

How to use the Adobe Photoshop Elements Refine Edge Tool

Making Killer Selections in Photoshop Elements 11

Selecting Fine Detail Using Refine Edge with Photoshop Elements 11

NOTE:

Starting with Elements 11, Adobe introduced an updated Refine Edge (brought over from Photoshop). Making that perfect selection when flyaway hair, fuzzy fur, feathers, etc. are involved is not an easy task. This is where this updated Refine Edge shines.

[Chris]

Jun 8, 2024 17:52:46 GMT tangomike said:

Hi Sepiana, and thanks for the link. Linda does a great job explaining.

I still need the steps for refining the edges of a selection, which began with using the polygonal lasso to roughly select a portion of an image, then copy and paste it into a new layer. I've done that, but the workflow I don't remember is how an adjustment layer is used to remove the portion of the original image that remains so the hair (of a woman in the tutorial) appears as it did, but with a new background. The photo I'm using is of a thoroughbred race horse, backlit by the sun, with a gorgeous mane.

I've searched extensively for the tutorial, and I've been unable to find anything that details the process.

Tangomike, I also initially struggled to understand layers and layer masks. Did you see the link to the tutorial you are looking for here on the PSE & More Forum or was it somewhere on YouTube? With a few details we may be able to find this specific tutorial you are looking for. Sepiana has shared the link to a very good written tutorial about working with layer masks.

Actually, there are many tutorials out there that explain how to extract a subject and change the background using a layer mask. It's also possible to just cut out the subject without a layer mask and put it on top of a  new background. But that is not the best way. The best way is using a layer mask. This is a non destructive method that allows you to refine the edge of your cut-out. You can modify and improve a layer mask at any time. Without a layer mask, the one shot cut-out is permanent. 

Another point to mention is that the brightness, contrast, colour tone and the lighting of the cut-out should match the background to make it blend in realistically.

You can check out this video tutorial:

How to Use a Layer Mask to Change the Background in Photoshop Elements Tutorial
www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=erejr4QnYfs

I hope this helps.


Kind regards

Chris

PS if you search on YouTube using, "Photoshop elements Cutout subject and changing background layer masks" yo will get lots of hits.

[tangomike]

Thank you, Chris. Once I used the links Sepiana suggested, I found many more.

I still have not been able to get the effect I want after multiple attempts. The problem is that the tutorials refer to different versions of PSE, and most have workflow variations based on personal preferences. I have 2024, and the Refine edge command is often greyed out. 

It could also be that this photo isn't suitable for the technique. None of the tutorials show how to use the tool on hair that is so far away from the subject. I've uploaded the original.

If anyone can help me figure out how to do this, I can get my life back....

[Sepiana]

Jun 9, 2024 12:55:03 GMT tangomike said:

I have 2024, and the Refine edge command is often greyed out.

It could also be that this photo isn't suitable for the technique. None of the tutorials show how to use the tool on hair that is so far away from the subject.

tangomike,

By default, Refine Edge is greyed out. You need to have your selection active (marching ants around it) in order to be able to invoke Refine Edge.

Try doing a Levels adjustment on your image. This will help with the selection process.

To help with the problem of the far-away hair, adjust the Radius slider in Refine Edge.

I just thought of of something . . .

You could try Select Subject. Adobe introduced this feature, powered by Adobe Sensei, in PSE 2020. You just click once and Elements automatically selects the main subject in your image. If Elements is not intelligent enough, you can edit your selection -- Add to selection or Subtract from selection. You can also invoke Refine Edge.

The automatic Select Subject tool in Photoshop Elements 2020

How You Can Use Photoshop Elements Select Subject - Plus Change Background

[tangomike]

Thank you, Sepiana! I will try your suggestions and let you know the results.

[tangomike]

Update on this project:

I've uploaded a jpg of the latest trial using one of the suggested tutorials. I stopped the process at the point where it describes cleaning up the hair. The last trial ended up making it worse. Some background:

The project involves creating a composite photo for inclusion in a book I'm doing for my former employer. The idea is to place a head shot on an image from a farm he owned for raising thoroughbred race horses. The first one I designed didn't include any, and he asked if I could do that. The background photo has horses, but they are grazing in the pasture. My idea is to place the head shot to the left of the horse, and blur the background.

I am pleased with the way the workflow captures the whiskers, but against the sky background, the mane needs to be cleaned up.

Thanks for any assistance you care to offer.

[Chris]

Jun 10, 2024 13:54:39 GMT tangomike said:

Update on this project:

I've uploaded a jpg of the latest trial using one of the suggested tutorials. I stopped the process at the point where it describes cleaning up the hair. The last trial ended up making it worse. Some background:

The project involves creating a composite photo for inclusion in a book I'm doing for my former employer. The idea is to place a head shot on an image from a farm he owned for raising thoroughbred race horses. The first one I designed didn't include any, and he asked if I could do that. The background photo has horses, but they are grazing in the pasture. My idea is to place the head shot to the left of the horse, and blur the background.

I am pleased with the way the workflow captures the whiskers, but against the sky background, the mane needs to be cleaned up.

Thanks for any assistance you care to offer.

Thank you for posting your results Tangomike. You have come a long way, and I am sure that this image is doable. I have not used the "Refine Edge" tool much, but if that does not get the effect you want then there is another work-around. You can use your layer mask brush set to black and brush transparency set to say 20-30% Then slowly go over the hair with many short and light radial strokes in the direction of the flow of the hair  to perform a partial digital haircut. The theory is to remove al unwanted pixels and to blend the hair naturally with the background, rather than to make every strand of hair visible.


Kind regards
Chris

PS. If you wish to give us permission to download the image and the background, we can experiment using various methods to show what is possible.

[PeteB]

Hi
I am late to the conversation. so I might be repeating some suggestions.
You could try selecting the mane by color using the Magic Wand. I would select the largest area (on the neck) first. Once selected you could then use refine edge to add contrast , etc. This selection could then be saved on its own layer --- giving you some other options.

[Sepiana]

Jun 10, 2024 13:54:39 GMT tangomike said:

Update on this project:

I am pleased with the way the workflow captures the whiskers, but against the sky background, the mane needs to be cleaned up.

tangomike,

You should be pleased; you have made progress. As to further cleaning up the horse mane, try this . . .

In the Refine Edge dialog, move the Radius slider to the right. This will help with the size of the area being refined. (Keep Smart Radius turned off.)

As a starting point, adjust the Edge sliders as follows -- Smooth = 10, Feather = 1, Shift Edge = minus 5.

After you place the selection on a new background, you may see halos (fringes) around the edges of the selection. There is more than on way to tackle them. See which one will work for you.

Defringe a Selection (Help file)

Advanced selection techniques with layer masks

NOTE:

In this video, Matt K is using an older version of Elements (with the old Refine Edge). However, his technique works just fine in PSE 11 and above. It involves using the Brush tool set to the Overlay mode.

[tangomike]

Jun 10, 2024 14:57:46 GMT Chris said:

Jun 10, 2024 13:54:39 GMT tangomike said:

Update on this project:

I've uploaded a jpg of the latest trial using one of the suggested tutorials. I stopped the process at the point where it describes cleaning up the hair. The last trial ended up making it worse. Some background:

The project involves creating a composite photo for inclusion in a book I'm doing for my former employer. The idea is to place a head shot on an image from a farm he owned for raising thoroughbred race horses. The first one I designed didn't include any, and he asked if I could do that. The background photo has horses, but they are grazing in the pasture. My idea is to place the head shot to the left of the horse, and blur the background.

I am pleased with the way the workflow captures the whiskers, but against the sky background, the mane needs to be cleaned up.

Thanks for any assistance you care to offer.

Thank you for posting your results Tangomike. You have come a long way, and I am sure that this image is doable. I have not used the "Refine Edge" tool much, but if that does not get the effect you want then there is another work-around. You can use your layer mask brush set to black and brush transparency set to say 20-30% Then slowly go over the hair with many short and light radial strokes in the direction of the flow of the hair  to perform a partial digital haircut. The theory is to remove al unwanted pixels and to blend the hair naturally with the background, rather than to make every strand of hair visible.


Kind regards
Chris

PS. If you wish to give us permission to download the image and the background, we can experiment using various methods to show what is possible.

You have my permission, Chris. If there is anything else I need to do, please let me know.

[tangomike]

Jun 10, 2024 15:35:48 GMT Sepiana said:

Jun 10, 2024 13:54:39 GMT tangomike said:

Update on this project:

I am pleased with the way the workflow captures the whiskers, but against the sky background, the mane needs to be cleaned up.

tangomike,

You should be pleased; you have made progress. As to further cleaning up the horse mane, try this . . .

In the Refine Edge dialog, move the Radius slider to the right. This will help with the size of the area being refined. (Keep Smart Radius turned off.)

As a starting point, adjust the Edge sliders as follows -- Smooth = 10, Feather = 1, Shift Edge = minus 5.

After you place the selection on a new background, you may see halos (fringes) around the edges of the selection. There is more than on way to tackle them. See which one will work for you.

Defringe a Selection (Help file)

Advanced selection techniques with layer masks

NOTE:

In this video, Matt K is using an older version of Elements (with the old Refine Edge). However, his technique works just fine in PSE 11 and above. It involves using the Brush tool set to the Overlay mode.Thanks so much, Sepiana. I have to start over, right?

[Sepiana]

Jun 10, 2024 18:15:03 GMT tangomike said:

Jun 10, 2024 14:57:46 GMT Chris said:

If you wish to give us permission to download the image and the background, we can experiment using various methods to show what is possible.

You have my permission, Chris. If there is anything else I need to do, please let me know.

tangomike and Chris,

I'm afraid this cannot be done on this board (Photoshop Elements Editor).

tangomike, if you want to go down this route, please, post on the Member-to-Member Photo Advice board.

By posting on the Member-to-Member Photo Advice board, you are giving permission for our members to download your image in order to provide constructive feedback and hands-on editing.

Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation!