I love this photo. It brings back many memories. Also, my daughter happens to sitting in the letter that starts her first name. However, it is like many other photos. A snapshot, a photo where I simply pushed down the shutter button without much other thought about settings, depth of field, etc. The distracting background is evidenced by this. So, while I love the memory this photo invokes, I really don't care for the fact that my eyes are drawn to the pair of porta-potties, boats and cars in the background.
Corel PSP Photo X-2 provides many tools that would allow us to soften the distracting background in the photo.
One of these is the depth of field tool which allows the user to change the depth of field to a background. I, however, did not use this tool for this particular project as the tool is a bit hard to use with such a complicated shape (note: the depth of field tool is FANTASTIC in many situations, particularly close up shots).
Instead, I decided to use the smart select tool in Photo X-2 and came up with wonderful results.
Using Smart Select to soften a distracting background and enhance the photo:
1.) Open photo in Photo X2
2.) Next, I adjusted the brightness and contrast of the photo. Go to Adjust, Brightness and Contrast, Brightness and Contrast. A preview box will appear, as shown below. Adjust the brightness and contrast as needed.
3.) Select Layer, Duplicate Layer.
4.) Click on the Select tool on the side. Select Freehand Selection. A selection tool bar will appear along the top. Select Smart Select from the drop down window. This tool is great, because it notices a change in contrast between your selection and the background, eliminating the need for you to be so precise in drawing your selection.
5.) Zoom in to make making the selection easier. Click points to create your selection. Again, because you are using the smart tool, making the selection is easier than drawing it freehand. As you approach the sides, top and bottom, the tool will pan on the image for you. If you mess up, the delete key will take you back to the last point you clicked. If you have areas that are separated from the main selection, like I do in this photo (i.e. the area between her arms, legs, and the letter C), hit CTRL and click to subtract that area from the selection. Double click to end your selection.
6.) Select Layers, New Mask Layer, Hide Selection.
7.) Click on Selections, Select None.
8.) Click on Copy of the Background in the Layer Menu section.
9.) Go to the top menus. Select Adjust, Blur, Gaussian Blur. Adjust the Gaussian Blur as needed to soften the background of distracting images.
10.) The area between the selected area and the newly blurred area can be a bit harsh. To soften the edge, select the mask in the layer panel. Select Adjust, Blur, Gaussian Blur. Choose a pixel size around 5 to soften the edge.
11.) Finally, I cropped the image to eliminate all unnecessary background. Use the crop tool on the side tool bar.
12.) There you have it! A completed and enhanced photo where the background is alot less distracting, but the feel for the setting remains.
Now, you can turn all your snapshots fabulous photos!
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Corina Fiore is a writer, mother, and avid photographer. She will be working diligently to open a photojournalistic style portrait photography business in 2009. You can find more of her down-to-earth writings, sarcastic wit, and photography at Down to Earth Mama.
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This post is awesome! I use PSP X2 and it is hard to find good PSP tutorials (i.e. everyone is always so focused on PHOTOSHOP).
In any case, I can't believe I've never tried the smart select tool…I didn't know about it! I'm going to go explore it right now. Cool fix to your photo, by the way.
Okay, I just tried it and I am in love!! I just always thought PSP was really lacking in smart selection…silly me!
Your welcome! I am doing a series on PSP X2. If there is anything that you would like to know, don't hesitate to contact me! I am looking for ideas for tutorials! Thanks!