Cutting out images – Photoshop

Introduction

 

This task required me to learn how to cut out images in Adobe Photoshop. In this post, I will explain the design process that I went through to design the three images.

 

 

Image 1: Butterfly

Gossamer butterfly

I first did some research on how to cut out images in Photoshop I found a lot of tutorials but chose the ones that are easier to follow. I then decided to use an image of a butterfly to practice on cutting, after I found the perfect picture I went and opened Photoshop and inserted the image by going to file open then clicking on the image.

placing the image in Photoshop

I found that by using the Quick selection tool you can cut out any images so I went on and did that but making sure to choose the quick selection tool instead of the object selection tool or the magic wand tool.

Quick selection tool

After choosing the Quick selection tool I made sure to click both the Sample All Layers and the Enhance Edge buttons to get a more clean finish. When I am done with choosing those I then get to choose from the quick actions tab if I would like to remove the background or select the object instead . I tried removing the butterfly just for practice but then clicked the select subject button then pressed enter to remove the background and have only the butterfly.

Removing background/ object

Lastly, I added a light pink background and text ( Gossamer butterfly ) which is the name of the butterfly In the image .

Before

After

 

 

Image 2: Football

The football cut out

I first  looked for a football image to use. I then, opened the Image in Photoshop by going to file open then clicking on the image. After that I right clicked on the object selection tool , clicked the box for sample all layers and Enhance edge, I found that the Enhance edge bar gives a more precise selection. Clicked select subject, then select the Cut button from the Edit menu.  Finally, I opened the background image in a new tab and pasted my cut out .

Placing the image

Cutting out image

Adding background

Before

After

 

 

Image 3: Bicycle

The bicycle cut out

I  looked for an  image of a bicycle to use. I then, opened the Image in Photoshop by going to file open then clicking on the image. After that I right clicked on the object selection tool , clicked the box for sample all layers and Enhance edge, I found that the Enhance edge bar gives a more precise selection, this part was important because cut out a bicycle is way harder than a ball because of its details, I had to also erase some parts. Clicked select subject, then select the Cut button from the Edit menu.  Finally, I opened the background image in a new tab and pasted my cut out making sure to fit it in the right place.

Cutting out  image

Placing image

Before

After

 

 

Design Resources

 

Images:

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/570690584044238031/

https://www.stockunlimited.com/image/a-basketball-player-holding-a-ball-in-between-his-hand-and-his-hip_1676193.html

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/4292562121591948/

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/197102921181929886/

                    https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2021/june/colombia-has-the-most-butterflies-in-the-world.html

Tutorials:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6QzzFTV6ow

https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-cut-out-an-image-in-photoshop–cms-36714

 

I used these tutorials to learn how to cut out images in Photoshop they were very useful for my design process as a result,  I think I am confident enough in cut out images using Photoshop.

 

Conclusion

The structure that was built into our Trello boards was very helpful for us to learn how to follow a structure when planning and writing down our processes. During this module, I learned many new skills using Adobe softwares Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and After Effects. I also learned how to record a process and the value of planning. All of this, in my opinion, will be very helpful in the future.