Another Try with HDR

[bmaher]

This photo is from two exposures of my wifes work in process Christmas Tree using PSE 8.
I tried without success to minimize background. Any ideas?

[Edsport]

I used photoshops shadows and highlights adjustments. Click on image.

[bmaher]

Thanks, I'll try that as WIP proceeds.

[Murtasma]

Only way you will be able to eliminate the distracting background would be with some type of backdrop in this situation.

Do you have a large black sheet you could hang from the wall and place the tree on to create a seamless background? I think this would work really well.

[bratha]

I quite like it, I really like the depth!

If you want to remove the background a bit, you could use a lens blur on a feathered selection in photoshop. Not sure how believable it would be, but it is worth a try.