Need help to clean up background: I took this pic at a friend's wedding. The background is not good. Wanting to save this photo, can someone help me? How can I fix this in photoshop?

LindaB Loc: Indiana

I took this pic at a friend's wedding. The background is not good. Wanting to save this photo, can someone help me? How can I fix this in photoshop? Please feel free to work on this photo, but let me know how the fix is done. Thanks in advance.

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AzGriz Loc: Sedona, Arizona

For your friends sake, I hope she hired a "professional".

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Create a layer mask. Because of the hair, it will be tricky. Then you can turn the background black or near black. Then maybe brighten the faces a little. It won't be a great save, but it might work.

For a place to start, try this video: http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/selection-masking-space.html?set=photoshop--get-started--essential-beginners

Good luck!

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Could you clarify if you want a total background change or do you want to preserve the context and just tame the background a bit?

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

AzGriz wrote:

For your friends sake, I hope she hired a "professional".

A fine example of why people asking for advice on how to improve don't want to post pics here.

LindaB Loc: Indiana

AzGriz wrote:

For your friends sake, I hope she hired a "professional".

Yes she did. I was taking some pics for fun.

LindaB Loc: Indiana

R.G. wrote:

Could you clarify if you want a total background change or do you want to preserve the context and just tame the background a bit?

not fussy. I just liked how the girls look and would like to make this pic better. Thanks

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

LindaB wrote:

I took this pic at a friend's wedding. The background is not good. Wanting to save this photo, can someone help me? How can I fix this in photoshop? Please feel free to work on this photo, but let me know how the fix is done. Thanks in advance.

Here's my take on this one. Nice group shot.

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R.G. Loc: Scotland

Something tells me this might be Weddingguy's area of expertise

. Here's a couple of decidedly non-professional attempts, but you might get one or two ideas from them..

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LindaB Loc: Indiana

bsprague wrote:

Create a layer mask. Because of the hair, it will be tricky. Then you can turn the background black or near black. Then maybe brighten the faces a little. It won't be a great save, but it might work.

For a place to start, try this video: http://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/how-to/selection-masking-space.html?set=photoshop--get-started--essential-beginners

Good luck!

Thanks for the info especially the link. Very informative.

LindaB Loc: Indiana

Weddingguy wrote:

Here's my take on this one. Nice group shot.

Thanks Weddingguy. Hadn't thought of darkening the background, definitely makes it look better.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

LindaB wrote:

Thanks Weddingguy. Hadn't thought of darkening the background, definitely makes it look better.

Darkening is a way to keep it "real", but the background can often be completely changed with a nice effect. If it was not full length the total background can be changed, but as it is a total background change would make them appear to "float"

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bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Weddingguy wrote:

Darkening is a way to keep it "real", but the background can often be completely changed with a nice effect. If it was not full length the total background can be changed, but as it is a total background change would make them appear to "float"

I'm not the OP, but that is what I want to learn how to do! Nice!

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

bsprague wrote:

I'm not the OP, but that is what I want to learn how to do! Nice!

Thanks . . .
I use Topaz ReMask 5 to cut out the subjects . . . clean up the edges with an eraser with a soft edge, then blur the edge with the edge tool. Saves many a badly placed subject when you are rushed and can't choose a better background. Lots of great videos on the Topaz web site and takes some practice. Wait to buy ReMask 5 when it comes on their regular sale.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Linda, that is going to be a lot of work. I could probably put them on the steps of a church, but need to go to work. Of all the things I noticed, the girl on the right in the back row is wearing a spectacular looking hat. I'd certain keep that in the final photo.
--Bob

LindaB wrote:

I took this pic at a friend's wedding. The background is not good. Wanting to save this photo, can someone help me? How can I fix this in photoshop? Please feel free to work on this photo, but let me know how the fix is done. Thanks in advance.