Craig

as per title really, i know i'm jumping in too deep for a newbie.
i have tried to cut and paste the car using the lasso, but it leaves the car looking rough around the edges }
(i have been told this is the wrong way to do it)

vogonpoet

for this image, the lasso tool is probably not the best selection tool to use.

I recommend creating a nice smooth 'path' using the 'Pen Tool'. You can then convert the path you make to a selection and use this to create a layer mask, that will hide your background.

This is 'non-destructive' method of editing. Meaning, that you have not erased (destroyed) any pixel data, simply hidden it via the use of a layer mask. The advantage? Well it means that you can edit your path, and/or mask in the future if you ever need too. One of PS's strengths.

If you have not used the Pen Tool before, you might find it a little hard to get used too, but I seriously recommend spending the time. You wont believe how useful (essential) this tool is!!!

Ok, check the tuts here at PSG for a pen tool tut (Marks gonna slap me for not knowing immediately! my bad), or check out the pen tool tut at www.gurusnetwork.com

The Pen tool for this image would be the best method imho...


good lluck and lets us know how you do! [righton]

Blinky2004

Good idea Vp.

Generally i'd only recommend Paths for this to a more experienced user. To start off learning about using Masks, i would rather see a new user stick to adding a normal Layer Mask or using the Quick Mask Mode. These types of Masks are easier to use, and are generally easier to learn.

I have a section that shows how to use the selection tools, which includes the Pen/Path tools also: http://photoshopgurus.info/beginners...on-tools.shtml
(i obviously need to make this info more 'visible'. Noone seems to knows it's there!)

Concerning using Paths however...
Instead of converting from Path to Selection, stay with your path and use that as your mask. It will save you a lot of time going back'n'forth from path to selection to path if you need to tweak the mask.

When your path is completed, hold the Ctrl/Cmd key and click anywhere on the Path. Then under the LAYER menu choose "Add Vector Mask>Current Path".
Then you can tweak the mask by simply clicking on the layer mask and using the Pen/Path tools to add, delete, modify the control points.

Dodo

I reckon everything's been said here - can't disagree with the experts! So just a few useful links:

Under the beginner section of PSG you can have a look at
http://photoshopgurus.info/beginners...ipgroups.shtml for the masking options.

Another good website for both Quickmask/Masking/Pen related tutorials is:
http://www.planetphotoshop.com/tutorials_tools.html

Craig

Thanks for the replies,
i now just have a car coloured in pink. oh well, nevermind, thought i'd give it a go

Rick

Craig don't dispair, this is not as hard as you might think, Just go slow and keep trying

Thought I would post a little example for you, using a layer mask and paintinting out the background, I isolated the car.

It looked lonley all by itself so i made a quick bg for it, and wouldn't you know it in started to attract the babes almost instantly.

[bustagut] [bustagut] [bustagut]

Got to get me a car like that [shhh] [shhh]

This whole thing took about 10 minutes, if I was doing it for a client, then I would have changed the reflection on the hood ( don't see too many trees on a downtoxn street) and probably put the reflection of the girl on the side of the car as well.
But that's another story.

Craig

i like it

vogonpoet

:} nice Rick (and the car!!) hehehe

Great info Mark! I learnt something today, didnt relaise one could go directly to a mask using a path! cool...

maybe time for me to pick it up a notch! lol [righton] :B

Craig

i've managed to cut and paste using the pen tool.
also, i thought i'd try using the clone tool, note the missing door lock, street lamp above the mirror and tow bar plug on the front bumper. its probably the wrong tool to use, but it looks okay.

whats the best way to remove the tree reflections off the bonnet and the view of the brick wall through the windows?

i'll have another go at the tyres, as i've lopped too much off.

thanks for your help [righton]

Josh

I also prefer vectors like Mark. Then you won't have these problems like you're having now with the tires.

Btw, there is still some black left (front and rear of the car)