Cut out image with Layer Mask - Part 2

This is a continuation of cutting out an image with a Layer Mask in Photoshop. The first part of this tutorial is here. I will also show you how to manipulate a Drop Shadow as a bonus.
This was the result of cutting out an image out of its background. Step 1 : Click on the Layer Mask and drag it down to the Trash can at the bottom right of the Layers pallette.
This is how it looks as you drag the Layer Mask (in PS CS).

Step 2 : This dialogue box opens. Click Apply.

Step 3 : As soon as you CTRL+Click the layer thumbnail a selection of marching ants surround the girl's image.
Step 4 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+I. This will invert the selection. You can see that selection is around the girl's image as also around the edges of the transparent background. Press the Delete key. You will not notice anything. Press CTRL+D to deselect.

Step 5 : Now press CTRL+A (Select All), then CTRL+C (Copy).
Step 6 : Open a new White Layer, then press CTRL+V (copy). Press Ctrl+D to deselect. Since the image that I am using is a very high resolution image it does not fit into the New White Layer. Press CTRL+T. A selection with handles will appear around the image of the girl..

Step 7 : Now press SHIFT+ALT, grab a corner handle and resize the image by dragging down. You will see that the proportion remains the same, though the image decreases. When it fits into the White background, press Enter.

The image has been resized.

Step 8 : Click the Layer Style button and from the popup click on Drop Shadow.

Step 9 : Just click ok in the Drop Shadow Layer Style box without altering any of the controls.

The Drop Shadow has been applied.

Step 10 : Now click on Drop Shadow beneath Layer 1.

Step 11 : Right click the Drop Shadow and from the popup and click on Create Layer.

Step 12 : This dialogue box pops up. Click ok.

Step 13 : Now click on Layer 1's Drop Shadow. Note it is the Layer below that of the girl that has been cut out or Layer 1.

Step 14 : Now press CTRL+T. A selection forms.

Step 15 : Press CTRL+SHIFT+ALT. Drag the left corner handle inwards.

Step 16 : Press CTRL+T. Drag the centre handle on top sideways till the shadow falls to the side. It can be any side depending on the light direction of your image. Press enter.

Step 17 : Click the Move Tool. The shadow may not be exactly aligned with the image. Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move the shadow to the appropriate place behind the image.
Step 18 : Reduce the Opacity of Layer 1's Drop Shadow to less than 50 %.

And there is my finished image. I will leave it at that. You can add your own background or you can also dispense with the Drop Shadow. I just showed you how to manipulate a Drop Shadow.

Other Tutorials are here.

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Cut out image with a Layer Mask

There are various ways of cutting out an image from the background. You can use a Vector Mask, Magnetic Lasso, the Pen Tool and with Channels. All these methods give satisfactory results, though the PenTool, Vector Mask and Channels are superior methods of isolating part of an image compared to the Magnetic Lasso.
There is yet another method to cut out an image from its background. This involves using a Layer Mask and a great deal of patience. Otherwise, it's easy and can be done in any version of photoshop. So, let's begin.

Step 1 : I have opened this photo in Photoshop. It is a high resolution free stock image. You can download it here. You will only need to register. Registration is free.

Step 2 : Look at the Layers pallette. There is only a single layer -- the Background layer. A background layer is always uneditable. It has to be unlocked.
Step 3 : To unlock the Background layer, press ALT and double click the Background layer. It changes to Layer 0 (zero).
Step 4 : Click the Add Layer Mask button and a Layer Mask forms next to the Layer thumbnail on Layer 0.
Step 5 : Click on the Zoom Tool. The magnifying glass like icons in the top panel is for zooming in or out. Click the one one with the plus sign to zoom in and the on with the minus sign to zoom out.
Step 6 : Zoom into the image. You need to see clearly what you are doing.
Step 7 : Click on the Brush Tool. Click where the arrow points to in the top panel to reveal the default Brushes.

Step 8 : Set the Hardness to zero and the Master diameter to 10.

Step 9 : Ensure that the Foreground Color is set to Black and Background to White. These are the default settings. If it is not press 'x' and then 'd' on your keyboard to restore the default setting.

Step 10 : With the Brush begin painting away near the edge of the girl's figure. I am working on the girl's head. You have to increase and decrease the size of the Brush as you paint. To increase the size of the Brush tip press ] (right bracket key next to the letter P on the keyboard). To decrease the size of the Brush tip press [ key.
Step 11 : Keep changing he Brush size as you paint away revealing the transparent background. This is the tedious part, but do it carefully or the results may go awry. Should you accidentally paint out a portion, change the Foreground Color to White by clicking on the small bent arrow. After painting away the mistake, again switch the Foreground Color to Black and continue.
Step 12 : I have painted away all around the edges. It took me quite a while.

Step 13 : Now press ALT and click on the Layer mask.

This is the how the image looks after ALT+Clicking the Layer Mask.

Step 14 : Now click on the Magic Wand Tool. Make sure that Anti-alias in the top panel is unchecked and Contigous checked. Click on the white area outside the selection with the Magic wand.

Step 15 : A selection of marching ants select the white area outside the girl's image.

Step 16 : Go to Select>Modify>Expand.

Step 17 : Put 5 pixels in the box that opens.

Step 18 : Presss ALT+BACKSPACE. This will fill the selection with the Foreground color which is Black.

Step 19 : Now, CTRFL+CLICK the Layer Mask again.

And, there you have it. The image has been cut out from its background. Omigosh! I have forgotten the part between her arm and body!!

There you are. I have corrected it. But this is by no means finished. The next part of the tutorial is continued here.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here.

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Transparent clothing in Photoshop

This is about revealing clothing some wear. You can make the clothes even more revealing with a simple tweak in any version of Photoshop. And, nothing else is changed in the photo. Step 1 : I have opened this image. Open a similar photo in photoshop.

Step 2 : Now to make a selection. You can use the Magnetic Lasso Tool. I am sure you know how to use the Magnetic Lasso. If you don't have a look at this tutorial here.

Or the Pen Tool.

Step 3 : Whichever tool you may use, give a feather of at least 1 or 2 pixels. This is a low resolution image. I have given it a feather of only 1 pixel.
Step 4 : As soon as you click ok in the make Selection dialogue box a column of 'marching ants' surround the selection.

Step 5 : Press CTRL+L. This will bring up the Levels dialogue box.

This is how a closeup of the saree looks.
Step 6 : Now drag the Black slider at the left gradually towards the left. Do not overdo it. Next drag the middle slider (highlights) gently towards the left to brighten the selected portion. After this drag the White slider at the extreme right to the left. How much you drag the sliders will depend on your image and the effect you are satisfied with.
The transparency of the saree increases as you move the sliders in the Levels dialogue box.
The original image.
The tweaked image increasing transperancy. That is all.

Other Photoshop tutorials are here.

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