topic Re: Help with PSE 2021 in Camera Software

Help with PSE 2021

Tintype_18 — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 22:41:28 GMT

I had posted this a while back and couldn't find it. I searched and came up with zero. Trying again so bear with me. I have looked in my PSE 2021 For Dummies and can't find anything on how to cut and paste a photo. I like to take bird photos in my backyard but houses, fences, etc. spoil it. Am I looking for other terminology that relates to my question? Thanks. BTW, I also have DPP4.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

rs-eos — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 22:47:08 GMT

Are you looking to crop? basically defining some frame within the image to omit distractions as much as possible? Or are you speaking about digitally removing distractions from various places within the image?

Re: Help with PSE 2021

Tintype_18 — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 12:36:40 GMT

I'm thinking I'm needing to crop (wasn't sure of the terminology I needed): take a portion of the photo that has a bird, "lifting" it and pasting on an appropriate background as trees, shrubs, etc. I have squirrels, rabbits and a number of different birds that frequent our backyard, hummingbird feeders and bird feeders. Thanks, Ricky.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

FloridaDrafter — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 16:45:39 GMT

You need the "Selection Tool", although that's not the only way to do what you want. I don't use PSE, but all editors are basically the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY6D1N1MNVc

Re: Help with PSE 2021

Waddizzle — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:28:00 GMT

There is a very good YouTube channel called Photoshop Training Channel.

https://youtu.be/sjnva6g71fU

However, this channel is about full blown PS, not PSE. But the [basic] techniques for getting things done are the same. One of the first skill sets you need to wrap your head around is Layers.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

ebiggs1 — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 15:59:21 GMT

This is one of the more simple tools in PSE. Simply select the object you want. There are several methods in PSE.

On a WIndows machine press Ctrl-C to copy. Press Ctrl-V to place it where you want it. Whether in a new document or in the same one. Ctrl-X will remove it. I am sure Mac has similar keyboard controls whatever they are.

SInce this method is destructive you may want to learn how to use layers and masks. Layers and masks are the reason for using PSE or PS.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

ebiggs1 — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 16:07:04 GMT

BTW if you are on the most current version of PSE, it has Adobe Sensei AI technology to identify subjects automatically. There is also the marquee tools and lasso tool beside the automatic selection tool.

After selection you can use the refine edge tool to make the selection perfect.

This along with layers and maks is where DPP4 falls short.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

Tintype_18 — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:48:28 GMT

I want to remove a small portion of a photo and "paste" on a more appropriate background. Example: Remove a squirrel on a tree limb that shows a house or fence in the background. Take a generic photo with greenery and "paste" the squirrel on it. BTW, thanks for your replies. I have lots of photos for practice!

Re: Help with PSE 2021

kvbarkley — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 14:52:17 GMT

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/user-guide.html

Re: Help with PSE 2021

kvbarkley — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 14:54:19 GMT

I also like the Adobe Classroom in a Book series:

https://www.adobepress.com/store/adobe-photoshop-elements-2021-classroom-in-a-book-9780136887072

Re: Help with PSE 2021

ebiggs1 — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:29:03 GMT

"I want to remove a small portion of a photo and "paste" on a more appropriate background."

Once you make your selection of a squirrel, or whatever, you can paste it in a new photo or again anywhere you want it. However, keep in mind the busier the BG the more difficult the selection can be.

Now you want to paste it on to a new layer so it can be edited independently afterwards.

The girl is on one layer and the smiley is on another. They are completely separate form one and the other. I can move it or delete it or any edit without effecting the girl or BG.

Re: Help with PSE 2021

rs-eos — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:10:59 GMT

Keep in mind that copying part of an image and pasting it onto another (effectively changing the background) can be quite difficult. Some challenges are:

Do the two images have the same lighting? Shadow direction, time of day, full sun vs. cloudy. If the two images you'll be working with don't match in those regards, it will probably become obvious that they are made from two separate images.
Depth of field. When you paste your subject onto the new background, you'll want to consider depth of field. i.e. place the subject at point that would blend in with in-focused areas and not paste it in the middle of a completely out-of-focus area.
Color matching (basically driven by the first point above), but you'll probably want to look at ensuring both images have similar color grading. e.g. if one is too warm and the other is too cool (color temp wise), they won't match up well.