petersjm

Hi there, guys. I do hope I'm not asking one of the most basic of basic questions in the world, but I'm having difficulties cutting an object out of a photograph so that it's the only object left. I've tried the lasso tool and the magnetic lasso (couldn't live without that one!) and I always get the same results -- the object, with a messy edge. I want a clean edge around it, and I've tried feathering (but without knowing the true concept of feathering, I'm lost!)

After that, I tried going around the edge with the eraser, but then my terribly unsteady hand cuts into the object and I lose the edge! ARG!

Does anyone know if there's a way to do this successfully, without resorting to hand-to-eye coordination with the eraser tool around the edges?

Thanks in advance... 8))

petersjm

Oops! I feel like a dumb-dumb! I was just browsing the forum after posting the above thread and saw a post on a similar topic by gemgem about the lasso tool etc...

That'll teach me not to browse for answers before posting questions!



Sorry guys [shhh]

John1

Try here: http://graphicssoft.about.com/cs/photoshopmasks/

petersjm

Excellent! That's great, John, thanks a lot!

*I'm happy now*

8}

John1

Actually, most people prefer painting on masks or using vectors, but then again, a different situation might ask for a different approach, sometimes you're using channels, color range, selection tools, quick masks, magic wand, etc.
Practice, using different subjects, really does wonders in this case.

petersjm

John, I'm absolutely stunned! I've spent the last few weeks trying to perfect the art of erasing the background, and then last night I tried out one of the tutes in your link and it took me FIVE MINUTES to do the whole thing! Amazing!

I can't thank you enough! :}

John1

Good to hear Peter! [excited]

Next time when you struggle again, just let us know, hopefully we'll have you going somewhere in no time