Could you do this in layers

[Schnauzer]

I used hirO's layer method to remove a ton of crap from this picture . I love it . Thank you hirO .
Is their a way to remove the scratches and other fish with layers ? This picture is not important to me I just am trying to learn on it .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v666/Jag1989/_MG_5637-01.jpg

[Ibn]

Like so?

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a68/ebn5/_MG_5637-01.jpg

[Schnauzer]

Thanks Eric . What I ment was Just taking out the fish . But then you would have to clone in some background or something . Right ? I remember you doing that once before . I will have to look up how you did it . It is neat . I didn't go far enough with hirO's instructions I guess . I took out some scratches just now . I love this layers stuff , it opens up a whole new world .

[paradise]

While I think Eric did a great job with taking stuff out, the shot now looks pasted on. In my opinion, it almost never works to take a background shot and make it all black. Something about the shadows on the fishes and everything else that is just not right. Also, cropping a shot with background and one on "black" is different. I think for taking out scratches, you are better off with blur tool.

[phishphorphun]

I agree with Ed. Sometimes basic cloning and/or blurring, smudging is the best technique to keep the integrety of the image.

[meriadoc]

Just a quick edit... scratches are gone.. don't want to remove the fish, would look too pasted in.. even with the blue in the back.. it just wouldn't look 'right'

healing brush in PSCS2


http://www.silver-pixels.net/misc/_MG_5637-01.jpg

[hir0]

hi Ron, i'm glad you liked the tutorial. anyways, as others have said - blacking out the background doesn't look the greatest. the best way would be to shoot it that way. however, it is possible to try using a layer mask. make a duplicate layer and fill it black. add a hide mask and paint out the rest white. if you use a soft brush, you can get the edges somewhat natural looking.

http://aquatic-photography.com/gallery/files/4/4/7/RonsFish.jpg

[Schnauzer]

Thanks for the help and replys everyone . This was a junk picture that I hadn't deleted yet . Just used it to see what was and wasn't possible with layers . I usually use the the healing brush and clone tool for scratches and wondered what could be done with layers . I am very pleased with what I have picked up already from hirO's tutorial . Great start . Please keep this photoshop stuff coming . I am sure I am not the only one pleased .