Selecting and masking with background that is similar to subject

[john.wolfe66@gmail.com]

I am using Creative Cloud and PS CC 2015.5.1 in a Windows 10 environment. I have a photo of sculptures of three women in a rather abstract form where the back ground is a storefront / store window. I failed to use selective focus when I captured the image so now I need to blur everything but the three sculptures (as if I had used selective focus when shooting). I have looked at several selection / masking tutorials. Problem is that in many areas there is very little color differentiation between the sculptures and the background. Magic Wand or other tools are not getting the job done and since it is a fairly large image I do not want to go in pixel by pixel. Any thoughts / hints are appreciated. I am happy to send the image if that would help. Thanks!!

[davescm]

A few things you could look at - depending on the image.

1. Is there one of the channels with better contrast that you could use for selection (flick through them in the channels panel)

2. Are you able to draw round the statues with the pen tool? On smooth edges (as opposed to hair) this is often easier than brushing pixel by pixel.

3. Can you build up your mask in parts using different selection tools on each area where they work best - saving each selection as an alpha channel then combining them into one?

Dave

[john.wolfe66@gmail.com]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your suggestion, seems to me it might work but I have been

called away and not sure if I will get back to that image for a day or two.

Will give you an update. Thanks again, John

[CJWilkes]

1 - One option is to use the pen tool. Here is a tutorial that may help:

PHOTOSHOP TUTORIAL: The Pen Tool made EASY - YouTube

2 - another option is high pass sharpening and softening.  Then you paint the blur using masks:

To blur using high pass you invert the layer and treat the same as high pass sharpening. When you invert the layer it softens.

Another option that I absolutely love is using a third party software filter Exposure X2 and play with their bokeh.

[john.wolfe66@gmail.com]

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I am looking forward to trying them. I

have been called away for a day or two but will let you know what happens

once I can get back to that image.