Photoshop Tutorial: Channels and Masks (IMG HVY)

Sooo... a long time ago I mentioned Alpha Channel Masking in Photoshop to isolate a figure from its background, and I finally got around to this tutorial. The tutorial assumes a basic knowledge of Photoshop, to perhaps an intermediate level. I apologize for the fact that I'm still running Photoshop 7 at home. I get to use CS3 at work, but at home I haven't upgraded in years.

In this tutorial, I'll demonstrate a few different techniques to create a transparency mask for isolating an element of an image. We'll be using this photo:



We'll be figuring out how to separate the gradient wig from the rest of the image. This one is a bit simple since it's such a different color, but this is to show principles and techniques so I thought something easy would be best. Now, trying to do this using the Magic Wand tool would create a big mess with all the wispy hairs. Same thing with the pen tool, since there are subtle transitions at the edge of the hair (especially the ends). Channels and Masks to the rescue!

Our goal is to create a Transparency Mask, an extra add-on to a layer that will determine which pixels "show" and which are "hidden". Masks appear as a black and white thumbnail next to the layer thumbnail. White reveals, black conceals. More on that later. Basically, we are trying to make a black-and-white image where the wig is white and the rest of the image is black. With a little grayscale on those "wispies". And this is how we get there:














Next we will paint onto the image using the Brush tool, to add even MORE contrast. See the settings below:

 

(In this last step, I've also added a little darkening to the edges to draw the eye into the center, and a subtle application of a Curves layer for increased contrast).


Now that we've gone through all that torture, there was actually a much easier way to work with this particular image: the Color Range command. Especially if you have CS3 and can utilize the "Refine Selection" tool. But... that's another tutorial for another day!

I hope that all made sense! If any of it seems confusing please let me know. I'm not always very good at conveying things (I'd make an awful teacher) but I'm always willing to answer questions as best as I can.