First attempt at changing background

[RxFotoGirl]

I found a tutorial and decided to try and change a background on one of my photos. It's of me and my husband and I chose it because I thought it might be an easy image to start off with. There are some imperfections, but for my first try I'm satisfied. What do you all think?

Before.....


And after

[lputman]

Nice photo. I do think the after looks exactly like a photo cut-out. The edges around the heads are too clean. What editing software do you use? What was the tutorial?

[clockdoc]

Nice work for your first attempt. What software did you use? Can you tell us alittle more about your workflow? I am no expert in Photoshop but you may want to aim for a softer transition between the subjects and the background. Keep at it!

[RxFotoGirl]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Nice work for your first attempt. What software did you use? Can you tell us alittle more about your workflow? I am no expert in Photoshop but you may want to aim for a softer transition between the subjects and the background. Keep at it!

I used the GIMP and here's the link to what I did....http://www.gimpguru.org/Tutorials/ReplaceBackground/

[clockdoc]

Thanks for the link to the GIMP tutorial. In looking over the work flow I saw this:
"Also, if you haven't blurred the mask slightly yet, apply a gaussian blur (Filters/Blur/IIR Gaussian Blur) with a radius of a few pixels. "
I am guessing that blurring the mask softens the edge. Perhaps others more experienced with Gimp can add to this. Thanks again for the link. Looks like a nice way to change backgrounds.

[lputman]

I'm not familiar with GIMP as I use Photoshop. Are you able to brush on the mask layer to get more detail or maybe some feathering? Believe me, I am no expert and I keep on trying to perfect my technique.

[Mstee4eva]

Wow, this is something I have yet to try!
While it was a nice try it does seem cut out, maybe you missed a step but we learn by trial and error and maybe some one here can offer you a hand!
I have PSE5 but I'm getting to it, lol.

[tortoise]

In both gimp and photoshop, when you have made a selection (the cut out), you can feather it to make the edges blur so it blends in with the background.

It's really quite simple, here's a tutorial: http://www.uwec.edu/help/PhotoshopCS2/feathering.htm

[DanielScott]

Its a good first attempt, but in future, if your using photoshop, when you draw around the figures you want to keep, put a 40% feather on it. That way it'll blend in better and look more natural.

[RxFotoGirl]

THanks all, I think I forgot that step, do I feather the mask or the picture?