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Advice on changing portrait background

  • 19-04-2008 12:37pm
    #1
    PoleStar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 774 ✭✭✭


    Hi guys just looking for a small piece fo advice.

    I have taken some portrait shots of my expanding family! I am using the nifty fifty at a fairly wide aperture to get a nice blurred background!

    For some of the shots though I would like to get a high key effect and some of them just change to a black background with phot in black and white which I have seen for portraits which I like!

    Anyhow, I tried just painting in the background with a number of techniques in the past, brush, selection tools etc in paint shop pro which I ahve but my problem is that I cant seem to get it so that you cant tell the background has been painted in if you get me. I.e. where person meets background looks as if its not quite right.

    Dont know if I am explaining myself right.

    Anyone and examples of their own they have done and how to achieve this best?


    BTW I have paint shop pro X2 and now I also have photoshop elements 6 as it came free on my new laptop yay!

    Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Comments

  • #2
    unreggd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,835 ✭✭✭unreggd


    What background did you shoot against?

    Elements would be the way to go, as I dont think Paintshop Pro has good enough selection tools


  • #3
    Placebo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,070 ✭✭✭Placebo


    post the picture ! You can add a subtle gradient instead to give it a dimension or select the background and dull the brightness and contrast !


  • #4
    5uspect
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 10,520 Mod ✭✭✭✭5uspect


    I think you need to use dodge and burn tools rather than a standard paint brush. These are basically brightness brushes that will either brighten or darken what you paint.

    I'm not sure if PS Elements has them tho but Photoshop does.

    If you were to recompose the shots again consider using an off camera or bounced flash (and a tripod maybe).
    Careful control of the exposure and flash output will allow you to adjust the brightness of the background consideribly while maintaining consistent lighting on the subject.


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