[BruceUSA]

(12-09-2012, 05:19 AM)williamting Wrote: Hi Bruce, I don't want to claim that I know everything. But after much experiment, this is what I am doing:

1. I am using a blue background. Just buy any non reflective blue material (muslin material is best) will do (Saying this, remember that I am using PS to do my job). If the material is too small, just stitch them together. However, you may buy one easily from photo supplier rather cheaply.

2. I have decided not to use photo key software is because I may take longer time to do the masking of clothing with the same (or shade of) colour as the bg.

3. Use quick select brush in PS (shortcut W) to brush over and select the background. Then invert (Ctrl-Shift-I) the selection and click Refine Selection. In refine selection (window), flip between white and black background to ensure that the background is fully removed.
There is no short cut here as only experience can tell you what to adjust in the Refine window. For a portrait, it should not take you more than 30 seconds to remove the bg.

It is very difficult to key out a black background. I have not done a successful piece.

Tip: If PP is part of the workflow, never remove bg before PP process.

Thanks for your reply Williamting.

Anyone else would like to give your thought?