Removing Complicated Background

We will introduce 3 methods of extracting an object from a background. Each can be used by your favorite

I ....Using Extract Tool

1. Open an image , goto Filter > Extract... or press Alt + Ctrl + X.

Click to enlarge

2. Use Edge Highlighter Tool in pallet Tools to fill the edge between the model an the background. In this step, please be as careful as possible.

3. Choose Fill Tool to fill the space inside model ...

4. Press Preview to see the result then press OK ...

5. This is our result

If the result still has a white blurry edge around the model

7. Then use Burn Tool to delete it!!!

8. This is the final result

II ...Using Blending mode

1. Open a new image, press Ctrl + J 2 times to "triplicate" this layer. Here we use a texture to make a complicated background

Order the layers like the image below, choose the Background copy layer with Multiply blending mode

2. Use Erase Tool to erase the white edge at the model's hair and also erase the white background on the Background copy 1 layer

<< layer background copy 1

3. This is the final result. Simple yet effective, huh. This method is usually used in most of studio.

III...Using Channel

1. Open an image, Press Ctrl + J to duplicate the layer

2. Jump to the Channel Tab

3. At tab Channel, click on each eye icon for each layer to find which has the strong contrast between the hair and the model's skin

We choose Channel red

4. Drag this Red Layer to the Create new layer icon to duplicate the Red Channel. We now have Red copy

5. Go to Image >> Adjustment >> Levels.. or press Ctrl + L, use these settings.

6. Use Dodge Tool to fill the background and the model's face (do not fill the hair)

7. Use Burn Tool to fill the hair, as bold as possible

The result like the image below

8. Choose Channel RGB, hold Ctrl, click on the Red copy icon, back to the Layer tab, choose Background copy the press Delete

9. Change Background layer to normal layer the double click on it, then press Enter.

10. Change the order of these layers, use Erase tool to delete the white part around the model.

11. Use Burn Tool scratch around the edge of the model to clear some errors ..

12. This is the final result. This method really hard, but it can be used for all kind of backgrounds