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Crane

© Rachel Scott-Renouf

Crane

Uploaded: February 18, 2007

Comments

Nikki McDonald level-classic February 18, 2007

Wow, what a great portrait of this very regal bird! I love the total treatment. I don't know how you did the background, but it's fantastic. #607576

Rachel Scott-Renouf February 18, 2007

Thank you Nikki!
i was suprised just how much difference changing the background made ... now I am addicted! First, I cut around the bird so I could select just the background - not an easy job. Then I gaussian blurred the selection (feathered at 5 pixels). After that, I had to clone in some of that lovely hairdo he/she has. Then, finally, I blurred around the edges so that it doesn't look like it has just been shoved onto a different background (hopefully). I am really pleased with the result, although I could have spent a little more time sorting out the feathers on the neck. It's amazing how much you learn just messing around in Photoshop! #3961466

Janet Kinney March 14, 2007

wonderful, wonderful picture. Where did you find such an unusual bird. #4053526

Rachel Scott-Renouf March 14, 2007

thank you Janet - this photo was taken at Jersey zoo, in the Channel Islands #4054041

Donna La Mattino Pagakis March 14, 2007

Stunning work Rachel, remarkable bird. Congratulations on your DD feature! #4054179

Rich Collins March 14, 2007

Nikki, What a great display you have given this bird. Would love to see a Before & After. Do you recall what you used to cut out the bird with? Was it the Lasso Tool? I have attempted but I can't seem to follow the outline of my building straight enough. I chuckle at my clumsy efforts. I can blur the background to terrific results but if you could help with the tool I'd appreciate. Then again maybe it's just my hand/mouse. #4055102

Rachel Scott-Renouf March 15, 2007

thanks Donna and Rich,

Rich I did use the lasso tool - but not the default one try the polygonal lasso tool I found that much easier to use as I had the same problem as you with the normal lasso tool.
I will have a look for the original crane pic (might take me a while to find as I am in the process of sorting out my photos and backing them up. but I do have a before and after of a lemur that I blurred the background on the same way - which I will post the link to.. rachel #4055617

Rachel Scott-Renouf March 15, 2007

ok well that didnt work - I will try again after work - got to dash! #4055621

Rich Collins March 15, 2007

Thanks Rachel, ooops sorry about using your name Nikki. I'll take a look later this afternoon or tomorrow. In the meantime I'll try the polygonal Lasso. #4056413

Rachel Scott-Renouf March 15, 2007

found it at last! #4057888

Rich Collins March 16, 2007

It is quite a beautiful blur you have done with this Rachel. I would have thought it was great the way it was. Perhaps I need to take another look at some of mine. Thanks for going through the trouble. I think your After is stunning. #4062797

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