Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

I have been asked to change the attached image to give a white background, that in itself is not a problem, my problem lies in 'how do I make a selection in order for me to effect the background that will show through the spiky hair style of this young man ?
I am sure that I have heard of a technique, but just cannot recall how to do it!
I would really appreciate any help you folks could offer. Norman

gdwsr Loc: Northern California

My suggestion would be to get a 30 day free trial of Topaz Remask and do the work within the trial period. But you may want to keep it in which case you can get a 30% discount.

You might tell us what software you already have to help you with that software.

There is a lot of camera shake blur in this that is going to make things super difficult.

Followup: I was just fooling around with a technique on this in Elements. What you want can be done given enough time and skill.

But I am wondering, what is the problem with the yellow blanket being in the photo?

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

I'm not big in PP but I'm sure it would be helpful if you got it in focus and didn't let your shadow fall on the subject.

Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

Thank you so much for the advice, No, I did not take this picture! however, even though it is blurred/out of focus , I have been asked to produce the result asked for.
I must admit that I have never heard of Topaz Remask, but I will certainly give it a try. Thank you for that!.
I have a quite successful side line in repairing old or damaged photographs, some of which can be 'quite challenging', It is, however, something that I really enjoy doing. especially when I do it for an elderly person. To see their faces when I show them the results that I have achieved, is the greatest reward anyone could wish for!. Once again thank you for your input and advice.
It never fails to amaze me,, there is so much knowledge here on the HOG, and some wonderful folks who are only too willing to help. God Bless you All. Norman.
PS I use Photoshop 7 and have recently bought Elements 11.

gdwsr Loc: Northern California

Norm,

I will pm you so we can use our eMail to share images. I was just playing around some more in Elements 11 and think I have a workable technique for this image.

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Topaz Re-mask will be your best bet but it is not the best image to work from anyway.

gdwsr Loc: Northern California

Just a note on Masking in Elements. You can make a grayscale mask of an image by copying the image you want to use. Put the Mask (in the layers panel) in Edit mode by Option Click (on a Mac or Alt Click on a PC). and pasting the image to the mask. This will put a grayscale mask of your image in the mask box. Leave the edit mode to see the effect by clicking on another layer. Handy trick when you don't want just a Black and White mask.