Adobe Photoshop/background

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Expert: - 10/9/2008


Question

Family on the Beach
I have several pictures taken at the beach. I would like to remove the people out of the background by changing the background to mostly white. I want it to end up looking like I've completely overexposed the backgorund so that my subject stands out.
I'm not looking to use the clone tool to get rid of the background people. I've seen how to remove a selection from a background too.
What I'm looking for is a little different. I've seen this done by many photographers. I'm not sure exactly how to describe what I want. Here is a photographer's website that seems to use this technique a lot. Maybe it will help you understand my question. www.theimageisfound.com The picture on the home page with the couple throwing the baby in the air in front of a brick wall is similar to what I'm going for.
Thanks!

Answer
It looks like they just separated into layers and then added a partially transparent gradient over the top of the bricks which made its appear faded out?  There are several different ways you can accomplish this all of them would involve separating your foreground objects onto their own layers.  You could then just increase the brightness and contrast or do anything you want to the background.  The tough part is layer separation.

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    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 8Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks! That should get me started.


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Richard Rost

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I can answer any and all questions regarding Adobe Photoshop. If you need help with layers, masks, channels, paths, fixing photos, drawing by hand, or even filters, feel free to ask me.

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I have been teaching Photoshop in the classroom and online for almost a decade. I currently teach online at http://www.PhotoshopLearningZone.com

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I am completely self-taught with Photoshop - which I believe is the best way to learn. A good book, tutorials, and experts (such as those here at AllExperts) to ask question of is the best way to understand a subject. I have been an Expert here at AllExperts in several other catgeories (MS Word, Excel, Windows, etc.) for a long time.

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