Quick Selection and Refine Masks

How to utilize some new tools and old techniques in Photoshop CS5 for extracting image.

Photo ©2010 by Nora Canfield at:
http://www.msdigphotography.com

Visit Mama at:
http://www.photoshopmama.net

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• NG QS MASKS REFINE
• extractions
• cut out image
• photoshop tutorial
• photoshop cs5
• mama shan
• photoshopmama
• refine edges
• hair wisps

[colin9342]

i've been following"Mama" for years now She is brilliant, detailed, deliberate, careful. This is one of her best. I used third party cut programs but PS CS5 is easy now and gives great results specially for for hair. It costs "mama" lots to keep up with PS improvements yet and she does this freeeeeee. Bless you Photoshopmama.

[photoshopmama]

Awe thanks colin9342...you get it and I appreciate the appreciation!

[Thresherman]

Thanks for this, it's always a pleasure to watch your PS training videos; I've learned more from your output than from any other method.

So many of the 'training' vids on here are either from inarticulate youngsters taking time between squeezing blackheads to give us the benefit of their negligible talent, or from egocentric morons who post recordings of their actions with execrable music in the background but no explanation. You rock, Mama!

[photoshopmama]

@Thresherman I hear ya! and thanks! You must be in my target demographic, the "over 30" crowd" as it seems the other types of videos you mentioned work for the very young crowd, or at least appeal to them more than my expertise, style, and vids do!

[zartist]

Another winner. Thanks!

[tdiaz720]

outstanding,,,thank you

[photoshopmama]

@photoshopmama I figured I made less than minimum wage when I taught, if you calculated all the hours I put into it...but I love teaching and the experience was invaluable.

[photoshopmama]

@msartyme Please don't judge the teacher harshly on this, as the new features to the Refine Masks dialog were only added to CS5. Adobe upgrades every 18 months which is an instructor's nightmare. I taught for 9 years at Nashville State Community College and updating our courses so frequently is a teacher's nightmare....the amount of time and work to get everything new into lesson plans is way more than the teacher gets paid for.

[msartyme]

You are the BOMB. My daughters high school teacher does not even know this and he teaches this stuff.

Love A and C Jones

[vsolomito]

truly very well done. i will watch it again, probably several times.

thank you.

[powerblades]

the problem of these tutorials is that people tend to use images already polished. When I try to use it in my "normal" photos it doesn't work very well.

[browniesandtequila]

As always, a well polished, professional video. Thanks.

[photoshopmama]

@GoldenBoy410 Thanks!

[GoldenBoy410]

nice to see you back! this video helped a lot with some of the new CS5 features. you're a very good teacher!

[photoshopmama]

@devonmale69 Sure, any way you want to get your initial selection is fine, the thing is with color range to be sure you get pure black and pure white in the right areas, so alt/option click on that intital mask to view the density.

[devonmale69]

Why not start with Colour range mask on the background much easier

[raymund2000]

thanks mama since from the start watching ur vid it helped me alot and widened my knowledge about phtoshop and wanted more of ur tutorials ... thanks.

[obaidzaman]

great video.........u r the best. god bless u. can I do that by CS 4

[photoshopmama]

@obaidzaman Thanks for the blessings!

[obaidzaman]

great video.........u r the best. god bless u.

[photoshopmama]

@thedaveydude Gee thanks! YouTube is great. Glad you like my vids. There are many great vids here on YouTube and elsewhere with really good teachers--thanks for thinking I'm one of them!

[thedaveydude]

Excellent turorial! I've been struggling with selections for a while, and this tutorial helped immensely.

I've been working with Photoshop for a few years now, and took a class on Electronic Arts; however, nothing's quite helped me like your videos. I haven't seen anyone quite as savvy, or so adept at teaching methods.

[photoshopmama]

@nikster1974 Thanks, yeah I think the blur, and levels trick on the mask and being able to selectively adjust it to confined areas with the lasso is one of my best tips, if not THE best. You're obviously at a great level already (no pun intended) to even understand the concept.

[nikster1974]

OMG, you soooooo rock mama!!!! I am so excited to see this... Been following you for quite a few years and wanted to finally say THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge with your followers... I love the way you teach!!!! Right on point, no bs, soothing voice, and very full of knowledge!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you..

PS the levels on the mask almost made me fall out of my chair!!! Thank you just for that!!! WONDERFUL!!!