Having trouble selecting things in PS

[Riggaberto]

I'm basically trying to just select the person in this photo, but the person hits the edges of the photo obviously, and when I use the mangentic lasso tool it gets all crazy when I hit the edges. Can anyone suggest a better way to do this? Can I switch tools mid selection? It's reaaaaly frustrating. If anyone can help I really appreciated. Photoshop is trying to kill me, but I will kill it!

 

[Sw1tchFX]

Use the polygonal lasso tool.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, you certainly can switch selection tools. Just make sure that your tools are set to 'add to selection' rather than new or subtract. I will often use a combination of tools to make a selection like this. The magic wand, the lasso, quick mask mode etc.

Also, when making a selection like this, my goal is usually to turn it into a layer mask. So at some point, I just turn the selection into a mask and then paint the mask or or off to fine tune the 'selection'

 

[The_Traveler]

no one tool is good for selection.
learn to use channel masking techniques and that will make you much better with PS.
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshop/l/blrbps_2fwks.htm

this is a very rough channel mask made in about 2 minutes that can be loaded onto your picture as a selection.

Channel masks should be made with images at full resolution so the masks will be detailed.

 

[Riggaberto]

Yes, you certainly can switch selection tools. Just make sure that your tools are set to 'add to selection' rather than new or subtract. I will often use a combination of tools to make a selection like this. The magic wand, the lasso, quick mask mode etc.

Also, when making a selection like this, my goal is usually to turn it into a layer mask. So at some point, I just turn the selection into a mask and then paint the mask or or off to fine tune the 'selection'

Well how do I stop using the magnetic wand without it going crazy and trying to complete a shape, because when I get the edge it hasn't completed a shape and if I dont it will automatically choose horrible ways to complete the shape....

 

[The_Traveler]

Well how do I stop using the magnetic wand without it going crazy and trying to complete a shape, because when I get the edge it hasn't completed a shape and if I dont it will automatically choose horrible ways to complete the shape....

Just pull it across and complete any arbitrary safe shape, then hold down the shift and use a new selection tool.

 

[Riggaberto]

Just pull it across and complete any arbitrary safe shape, then hold down the shift and use a new selection tool.

Okay I tried that, now there are random other selections that I can't get rid of. I clicked on subtract selection but I guess I don't understand how it works because I messed it up more. Thanks by the way, I really do appreciate the help.

 

[The_Traveler]

This is too complex a subject too handle with email answers. I think you would be best served by doing some tutrials with the selection tools http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/ph..._Masks_and_Making_Selections_in_Photoshop.htm

or working through the first chapters of Katrin Eismann's book on Masking and Compositing. http://www.photoshopmasking.com/

If this is a one-time need and you don't want to learn a lot just to do it, just PM me your email address and I'll send you info on how to get the file to me.
I'll make a mask and return the file.

Lew

 

[Riggaberto]

This is too complex a subject too handle with email answers. I think you would be best served by doing some tutrials with the selection tools http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/ph..._Masks_and_Making_Selections_in_Photoshop.htm

or working through the first chapters of Katrin Eismann's book on Masking and Compositing. http://www.photoshopmasking.com/

If this is a one-time need and you don't want to learn a lot just to do it, just PM me your email address and I'll send you info on how to get the file to me.
I'll make a mask and return the file.

Lew

Nah I just want to learn, thanks for the links, if that book looks good I'll probably just buy it. Appreciate the help, thanks.

 

[The_Traveler]

Her books are great.
Spend a little time on the exercises and you'll learn more than in 2 years of dicking around.

Good luck.

Lew