We will be using Channels and well as dodging and burning to create our mask. This type of cutout is sometimes called a channel pull, although many channel pulls just use levels and don’t include the powerful dodge and burn technique you will learn here. It will work with all version of Photoshop.
Step 1.
Make a selection around the subject. in CC2019 or newer (we are using Photoshop 2020 here) choose the Quick selection tool and click on select Subject. On earlier version of Photoshop make a selection around the subject using quick select, magic wand, or whatever you have available.
Step 2.
Go to the Channels Panel
Step 3.
Choose the channel with most contrast. (Blue Channel) Click on “Blue”
Step 4.
Drag the Blue channel to the new channel icon at the bottom (the square with the plus sign in it)
This will make a copy of the channel for us to work on.
Step 5.
Choose Select>Modify>Contract and enter 10-15 pixels
This shrinks the selection to the inside of the image.
Step 6.
Fill the selection with black. Press the D key to reset colors. Alt/Option+Delete will fill with foreground color.
Step 7.
(This varies a little from the video, because I wanted to show off the technique better in the video, so this step is optional)
Choose Select>Modify>Expand 20-30 pixel depending on image resolution.
Step 8
Press Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+I to inverse the selection
Step 9.
Fill the selection with White. Ctrl/Cmd+Delete will fill with foreground color.
Press Ctrl/Cmd+D to deselect.
Notice that we now have a thin edge. This is where we will smoothen it to get a perfect cutout.
Step 10.
Choose the burn tool and set the Range to shadows and the Exposure to 15%
Step 11.
Work your way around the edges, notice how to burn tool can darken the edges in a nice smooth way.
Step 12.
When you have finished with the dark edges switch to the Dodge tool
Set it to highlights, and paint around any of the edges that need to be lightened. (The video shows this is action very well)
Often you will use both dodge and burn for hair.
Step 13.
Cmd/Ctrl+Click on the channel thumbnail to lead the selection. All the white areas will be selected.
Step 14.
Click on RGB to turn the channels back on.
Step 15.
Hold Down Alt/Option and click on the new Layer mask button.
You will have a nice cutout. You can touch it up by painting on the layer mask with black or white.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. I make a new tutorial each week here at PhotoshopCAFE. Browse our other tutorials and bookmark PSC so you don’t
miss any new tutorials.
Great to see you here at the CAFE
Colin
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You can get my free Layer Blending modes ebook here
PHOTOSHOP CC SELECTION SECRETS
NEW COURSE BY COLIN SMITH
Stop struggling with selections. Learn how to select and cut out anything from people, hair, trees, complex shapes and even transparency.
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All the images are included for you to follow along.
You will be able to select and cut out anything: faster and cleaner.
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