Making plain background?

[KTV]

I have ordered a book on how to work elements9....but I was wondering if anyone could briefly explain how to make a black background in photoshop. Like to put a portrait of someone and change the background to look like it was in studio. Ive googled it but the steps seem sooooo long and I can never get it. I get stuck when it comes to cutting out the person/portrait and moving it to the plain background. Thanks in advance

[tasmo2]

why not just shoot in front of a black background?? You are giving yourself more work otherwise!

[KTV]

well, I def would like to do that. Im going to practice with some maternity pics and want to go to her own home for more personal pictures. Can you give me some ideas on how to set up the black background?

[tasmo2]

What kind of gear do you have?

[KTV]

Canon 5d
55 mm lens
65mm lens
and ummm creative mind lol thats about it.

[tasmo2]

Ok, so you have no flashes, lights or anything.... So you basically need to use natural light?
The hard part is going to be getting the natural light to not spill on to your background. I have never used this, but I heard that if you could make a fabric store run you can go get some black velvet, or felt if you double it up. Its supposed to absorb the light and stay black. Im not a ton of help, because I do outdoor photos and natural light with lighter backgrounds. But I know that there are people on here that could help more!

[zona5101]

Allison is got good advice...shoot a black background.
In post there are several ways to replace a background but you need to either have a subject with nice edges or you need to do a lot of work to make it look right.
Also you can make any color background black by controlling the light fall off from flash.

[KTV]

I know I have to start somewere...Im just so nervous.

[phaither]

i use a black microfleece blanket i got at target...
check out my latest pics!
Flickr: it's phaither's Photostream