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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Need help cleaning up big empty background
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04/22/2008 01:01:16 AM · #1
I recently took this shot and I suck at photoshop. I'm not sure how to make the background look. I thought about blowing it up into pure whiteness, then converting the shot into BW. I also tried adding a textured layer to give it a more dirty feel.

The problem is, I don't know how to isolate the model to he is unaffected. I tried using the eraser tool, but it looks too fake - because the pixels don't match perfectly.

Can anyone give this a shot and give me some ideas?


Message edited by author 2008-04-22 01:04:26.
04/22/2008 01:20:31 AM · #2
Clone tool is your best and simplest bet. The background is simple so just clean it up and don't go over the model.
04/22/2008 02:00:07 AM · #3
Yes, the clone tool - along with the healing brush - would be the way I would go as well. It won't work as well trying to take the model out of the picture so you can deal with the background all in one pass. Each spot needs to be worked on individually.

I'd suggest just practice, practice, practice. I used to be horrible at Photoshop and now I could probably even make (a little bit of) money at it.

GREAT shot, by the way. I really love it.
04/22/2008 02:03:51 AM · #4
psh where are my manners....? I second the nice shot comment shoulda said that earlier.
04/22/2008 10:18:53 AM · #5
thanks for the replies guys!

i might go with the clone tool, but i was looking to make the background look a little different as well.

how would i darken or lighten it without affecting the model?
04/22/2008 10:18:53 AM · #6
(sorry it posted twice)

Message edited by author 2008-04-22 10:19:14.
04/22/2008 11:30:11 AM · #7
this is what i would do, get teh dodge and burn and use different settings and size and sweep across the background
04/22/2008 11:32:01 AM · #8
In Photoshop CS3, the quick selection version of the magic wand snatches the BG very nicely when you drag it. Save the selection (be sure to add the part behind the arm) and duplicate the BG layer. Load the selection and invert it so only the figure is selected, and erase. Now you have a new layer that is all BG with a hole in it for the figure. Use gaussian blur and then lens correction/vignette and you get this:



R.
04/22/2008 12:36:43 PM · #9


In CS3 I used the magic wand to select most of the background then cleaned up the selection in quick mask... save the selection
Made 2 copies of the selection.... one inverted
Used the patch tool to clean up the background, applied texture to the background, gradient map - set to multiply, and a slight lighting effect. About 15 min...

04/22/2008 01:15:26 PM · #10
bear, sunniee, nice work.

question for sunniee, what do you use the quick mask for? why did you invert one copy?

and what is the gradient map for?
04/22/2008 01:52:35 PM · #11
Originally posted by reemas:

bear, sunniee, nice work.

question for sunniee, what do you use the quick mask for? why did you invert one copy?

and what is the gradient map for?


I use quick mask to fine tune the selection of the background that I got from the magic wand.

I invert one copy so I have one layer that has only the background, and one layer has only the model/subject. The subject in on the top layer .... this way none of the adjustments made to the background copy spill over onto the subject..... and I can edit each separately.

The gradient map uses more complex colorizing effects.... just play with the colors and adjustments until you get the look you want.

Message edited by author 2008-04-22 13:53:28.
04/22/2008 05:18:30 PM · #12
Sometimes you can just use other subject elements to cover up or hide problems with the background and add a little excitement to the image at the same time.


Of course, not many people ever take my advice for some reason. :/
04/22/2008 05:38:19 PM · #13

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