Here is how I would do it (darken the background):
a) Create a copy of the background layer using Cmd-j (Mac) or Ctrl-j (PC).
b) Darken the new layer using curves. I would overdo this a bit.
c) Add a layer mask and paint with black on the mask, using a large soft brush on the dog, in effect making the lighter background layer come through on the dog.
d) Finally, I would adjust the opacity of the top layer to my liking to fine-tune the amount darkening. This is why I'd overdo it a bit in step b).
The great thing about this way of working is that you can always go back
and correct or fine-tune your "selection", by reversing the foreground and
background colors by pressing "x" on the keyboard.
Remember: White reveals while black conceals. Although not necessary,
having a graphic tablet and a pen is great when working with masks like this.
--
Olaf
Guest
04-May-2004 04:30
Thanks. I knew it was missing something. I gave it bit of a saturation bost. I'm working on using layers in general. That can be a lots of work!
Olaf.dk
04-May-2004 03:43
Well done, getting the face all sharp like that! Had this been my work, I would have tried darkening the background a bit. This could possibly add some "pop" to the shot. --Olaf
