From Realistic to Ridiculous: Using Extractions in Digital Scrapbook Layouts

A single extraction draws the eye to the subject and is best used with an image that you want to stand out. In the example, I used the magnetic lasso in Photoshop to outline the subject. If the lasso didn't go exactly where I wanted, I used the backspace key to return to the last anchor point and continue from there. In this case, there was good contrast between the subject and the background, so the magnetic lasso worked well. Most often when extracting, I use a mask once I have the subject selected with the lasso. With the mask I am able to fill in or take off some spots that the lasso missed. Find information on creating and working with masks on the About Graphics Software site.

Once the subject was selected, I feathered the image (Choose Select > Feather) by 1 to soften the edges.