ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CS5
Intricate Selections in a Snap!

01

The first thing we will have to do is make a rough selection around the image of the model. To do this, you can use any one of the selection tools available to you. For this image, I will be using the Quick Selection tool.
 

02

While the selection is still active, click on the Refine Edge button located on the top of the screen or go to Select>Refine Edge. This will prompt Photoshop to open a separate window which holds all of the Refine Edge functions. In this box, you will notice that some of the tools reflect the prior version of Refine Edge, but some are brand new such as Edge Detection and Decontaminate Colors.

03

At the top of the panel, you will notice there is a View Mode. With this drop down, you will be able to change the way you view your selection. For this image, I will be using the On Black command, but you can cycle through them and find one with which you feel most comfortable.

The next feature is the Edge Detection. Before you begin to move the slider, remember to check the Smart Radius check box. This is a new feature and will help make the selection even more accurate, giving you a better end result.

04

As you move the Radius slider, you will notice that the program is actually modifying the selection to give you a more accurate view. This is all well and good, but you will notice that the hair is not fully selected and the edges look a bit rough. To fix this common problem, Photoshop has implemented two different brushes: the Refine Radius tool and the Erase Refinements tool. To use these tools, simply click on the icon next to Edge Detection and “paint” along the edge of the hairline. After a bit of processing, you will notice the individual fly-away hairs are selected and the background was left alone.

05

Now that the selection has been defined and refined, you might run into some problems with color contamination. This is where the colors from around the subject bleed onto the subject giving them a color cast around the edges. Rather than using the Shift Edge slider, Adobe has added the Decontaminate Colors check box and Amount slider found in the Output section. You won’t be able to use this function on the original image, so you’ll need to change the Output To drop down to any active option. In this instance, I will choose New Layer with Layer Mask and click ok to apply.

06

When the computer finishes processing the request, you will see a separate layer with a mask pop up in your layers panel. This mask is fully editable so if you missed any spots or just want to alter it a bit, you have the ability to do so. Now we are ready to copy this layer and paste it into the background. The final composite image of the model placed in the new background is shown on the left. Notice the edges are smooth and there are no leftover pieces on her outline.