How to use digital photography backgrounds & backdrops & chromakey green screen techniques

[mlhnikki]

When I add a border, I can't see the layers underneath.

[thephotocoach]

@mlhnikki More than likely you are dragging the background (white layer) over along with the border itself; make sure to open your "layers pallete" and click only on the "border layer" and then drag it over.

[thephotocoach]

I still use Photoshop 6

[besamemucho5]

awesome thank you....

[hlub2000]

hi there!

Do you use the digital background software program to do it? or just the adobe photoshop only....you didn't tell us which software you are using it. thanks

[thephotocoach]

@hlub2000 I use both Adobe Photoshop 6 and a green screen software.

[mellyrokera]

where can i get those backgrounds & borders?

[thephotocoach]

@mellyrokera thephotocoach (dot) com (It wouldn't let me put in the correct dot (.) which is a period.)

[JRBitterman]

I was wondering if this works on any photoshop program I have elements 8.

Thanks in advance for the advice

[thephotocoach]

@JRBitterman We recommend Photoshop 6 or newer however any photo editing program that uses layers will work. There is a FREE editing program at gimp.org that is very similar to photoshop (and) they have a lot of free tutorials on line for using their program.

[mommyjules76]

do you have to use a green screen background, or can I use any picture that I have taken?

[thephotocoach]

@mommyjules76 It is more difficult but yes, you can use any photo. You can achieve this by dragging the image over to a new solid background like white (same size). Start by using your erasor tool at 100 % erasing the easiest areas first with a large brush then as you zoom in closer to your subject start using smaller brushes lowering the opacity to 90% or so to help in blending. Hair can be filled in with the clone tool. This subject can now be placed on any background.you desire.

[djusaneon]

nice!!!!!

[thephotocoach]

@djusaneon Thanks!!

[DOLCEphoto]

nice. Thanks for a useful lesson

[thephotocoach]

@DOLCEphoto You're welcome!

[davidkarenbeth]

wow, I just found your website, beautiful products!!!!!

[thephotocoach]

@davidkarenbeth Thank you!

[thephotocoach]

@davidkarenbeth Thanks for looking!

[davidkarenbeth]

could you recommend which digital background product to buy for a newbie? thanks!

[thephotocoach]

Perhaps the "Indoor Outdoor Collection" which has a good variety of both indoor style backgrounds and Urban backgrounds along with borders. There are 75 each for a total of  225 items.

[grindstedlife]

really cool ,,, is it cs4 right ?

[thephotocoach]

Thanks, I still use Photoshop 6.