Rongnongno Loc: FL

Been working on my web site content...

One page is on contouring...

A simple trick can be used to isolate a person from the background without going through the trouble of creating a mask.
- Open the picture
- Duplicate it (Ctrl-J)
- Create a new level adjustment layer
- Slide the midtone toward the right (to darken the image)
- Invert the layer mask (so that it black)
- Select the brush tool (B)
- Adjust the brush options, size and feathering
- Adjust the opacity to around 3o%
- Select white
- Paint around your subject and over the background
- Adjust the brush size as needed [ or ]
- To correct possible mistakes
- Select white paint inside your subject
This is almost the same technique as dodging/burning. The difference is that you use a level layer vs a black/gray fill layer. The lever layer specifically targets the mid tones when the fill layer has no restriction.
Variations of this can be used to adjust highlight or shadows. Just use a different slider, on a different layer of course.

Original

(Download)

Midtone adjustment, dark - level

(Download)

Midtone adjustment, dark - Mask adjustments

(Download)

Reverted to wash out the back ground

(Download)

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Please note that I did not use the brush opacity but the entire layer as this is a variation to the above recipe.

I used the level layer opacity
To avoid bleeding I adjusted the mask feathering.
Then for further control I adjusted the layer density*.

Why not use the brush?

I am lazy beside if you use several overlapping brush strokes on an adjustment they are cumulative...

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* Use this with extreme caution as the layer density affects the entire image as it is a global adjustment, uncontrolled by the layer mask.

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

Just looked at your website; Those two handsome dogs, yours? I look forward to seeing your site as you add more to it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I am posting more on the blog at the moment but few pictures, as usual fr me.