Highlighting hair

[Aubrey]

Hi Damien, I'm doing a lot of head shots and need to highlight people's hair more accurately when replacing the background. I have tried the tactics you posted here, https://www.damiensymonds.net/replace-background-hair, but have found myself unsuccessful 3 times now. Do you have a new or different way you could suggest? I was hoping that is the case since that post is almost 2 yrs old. 

Thank you!!

Aubrey

[Damien Symonds]

Let's see some of the photos.

[Damien Symonds]

@Aubrey?

[Aubrey]

Here's an example of an unedited pic. I went ahead and edited the pic as best I could but would like to know for future reference the best way to get loose hair highlighted. 

Edited October 31, 2017 by Aubrey

[Damien Symonds]

And what will the new background look like?

[Aubrey]

[Damien Symonds]

And you're worried about how you lost some wisps of hair, is that correct?

[Aubrey]

yeah, this happens a lot, especially with females. there's gotta be a way to highlight people's hair and throw a backdrop behind it without it looking super obvious that it has been "photoshopped". this pic is just an example.

[Damien Symonds]

First of all, I want to say that your job doesn't look at all Photoshopped.  Yes, it's not perfect, but will anyone notice?  Not a bit.

Secondly, I want to say that you were looking at exactly the right method.

On 10/24/2017 at 1:52 AM, Aubrey said:

HI have tried the tactics you posted here, https://www.damiensymonds.net/replace-background-hair, but have found myself unsuccessful 3 times now.

But because it's the opposite (black background not white) you have to make the background around the hair perfectly black, then use "Screen" blend mode (as opposed to "Multiply" in the white method).

[Damien Symonds]

This is very hasty, but I wanted to show you how to do it:

Download PSD

[Damien Symonds]

PLEASE take the Raw Class again.  You've clearly forgotten everything

[Damien Symonds]

How did you go, @Aubrey?

[Aubrey]

yeah, this happens a lot, especially with females. there's gotta be a way to highlight people's hair and throw a backdrop behind it without it looking super obvious that it has been "photoshopped". this pic is just an example.

[Aubrey]

still trying to grasp and perfect this concept. ill send a pic when i'm SUCCESSFUL! 

[Damien Symonds]

It's not easy, I know.  How did you go?

[Aubrey]

Hey, it's been a while but ive been working on this and thought id update you! im getting better I think! im gonna add a vignette around her head but wanted to show you i think ive finally grasped your tactic. THANKS!

[Damien Symonds]

Wow, this looks great.

[Aubrey]

thank you! that means a LOT!