What is the best way for outlining a subject with fine hair to copy and drop into a new background

[Ken Nielsen]

I know I can draw paths with the pen tool which is fine for many subjects but not easy for fine hair and where I don't want to spend months doing an outline. I also know selecting a subject in Lightroom or Photoshop is also only a start and not for more detailded and intricate subjects. Should I do it all by hand with the pen tool? Or, I thought I would ask amongst the experts here just to be sure there is not a better way. Thanks for help with this. 

[Simmer1 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Yes, there are a number of ways you could approach this task. If you have good contrast between your foreground character and the background you could try a colour range slection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nk1KkLn3CM

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Please post (the pertinent section of) one of the images in question. 

Depending on the image one could use one of the channels as the basis for a Layer Mask. 

[Ken Nielsen]

Just an example of 'show dogs' I would be outlining and placing on different backgrounds.

[Nancy OShea · Accepted solution]

Hi Ken,

My sister kept Wolfhounds for many years.  She especially loves Borzois.

Separating hair from grass can be challenging. I would start with the Quick Selection Tool to make a rough marching ant outline and then refine it in Quick Mask mode using a small soft round brush (white reveals, black conceals).  

Use the Navigator panel to zoom in/out and move to other image areas. 

Change brush size with square bracket keys.  [ = smaller,  ] = bigger.  

Take your time. Masking work like this takes patience but it's doable.

Hope that helps.

[Ken Nielsen]

Say hi to your Sister for me. They are a privelege to own. Thanks for the insight. I will give it my patience and my time.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

The pads of the paws that are partially covered pose an additional problem and, depending on the new background, they may need painting/clone stamping/…

[Ken Nielsen]

Yes, I have lots of photos to borrow feet from. I have done studio shots but outdoor action is the best for showing off the subject. Thanks to all  for the excellent help with this.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

@Ken Nielsen wrote:

I thought I would ask amongst the experts here just to be sure there is not a better way.

Yes, there is a better way. Watch this tutorial from Jesús Ramirez on how to paint the fine hair back in. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYt23sAPP50

Jane