Removing background from images

[Alex Ross]

I am finding this too hard, I googled and found some companies that do this sort of thing, has anyone tried them? Is clipping path the same as deepetching. http://www.deepetch.com seems to be one good one, I also saw http://www.rapidclipping.com/Photoshop_clipping/home.htm and http://www.ezyclipping.com. Has anyone had any experience with this sort of thing. My catalog has over 300 images of jewelery and jackets with fur fitted on manequins due in two weeks, all shot on a blue studio background. Do I require alpha channel masking? Can anyone help please?

[Ben H]

Yes, a clipping path is basically what you get when you use the pen tool to "cut out" an image from its background, If you have that much to do, and can't or don't want to do it yourself, then this method is far easier & quicker for you.

What I would say is to try and get them to do a test image to make sure you can use and are happy with the results, before committing yourself to a large order...

[Marko]

Just curious - have you tried the magic wand tool? or is that too imprecise for the fur?

[Ben H]

The magic wand is really not recommend for removing objects from their backgrounds, unless they are really simple. It doesn't do a great job with the edges, and doesn't preserve edge transparency (ie partially select pixels) like the pen tool does.

In short, you can do it quickly with the magic wand, and you can sometimes get away with it for low res images (like maybe a website) but I wouldn't go near it when cutting out objects for print.

You may be able to do an acceptable job using the magic wand and then Refine Edges, but again, it's a bit hit and miss.

The point being that there are lots of ways to do it in Photoshop, it's a skill you get better at the more you do, but if you're not confident with Photoshop, require a good job, and have lots to do, then getting someone else to do it is probably a good idea...

[mindforge]

If it is high quality you are going for, you will probably spend a lot of pixel time in.

[scorpio_e]

The best plug in for extracting an image is Vertus Fluid Mask. It is about $149 US but is you are looking to extract an image with hair,this is the best option

[edbayani11]

mind forge is right, you have to spend a lot of time for that. there is no one solution to extract the jackets with fur but a combination of masks (channel, quick mask, layermask} brushes and selection tools. if you use the pen tool alone it will look like a photograph cut with an x'acto knife.
the pen tool is good for sharp-edged products like jewelry, appliances, cars, etc.

[jellotranz]

If they are all shot on a blue background and its light fairly evenly, and you have CS2 or higher, try the magic background eraser tool in PS. Its works pretty good. Not anywhere as good as vertus but it's worth a try.