Replacing background

[cathm]

I would like to get help for replacing the background of this image.

Here is what I have done so far to match the bottom part of the background, but how do I fix the light area around the face and above?

[Damien Symonds]

Download PSD

First, I selected a few stripes with the marquee tool:

Then added a gradient layer:

Then modified the gradient layer to make the left-hand side as accurate as possible:

Then loosely re-masked that layer all around them:

Then added the second layer (clipped to the first one):

Finally, masked the first layer for a smooth blend, and added the noise layer.

[Damien Symonds]

All of this is based on this method: https://www.damiensymonds.net/preventing-banding-in-backdrops/

This one is also very important: https://www.damiensymonds.net/2012/10/using-photoshops-gradient-layer.html

[cathm]

Thanks Damien.  I am already stuck at step #2...

I remember seeing the type of gradient that you selected before, but since I changed to PS 2020, I am not sure where to find it...

Please see my attached screen shot and let me know, thanks! 

[cathm]

I found this one with 4 colors and was able to figure it out, thanks.

Here is the finished image.  I am wondering if I should raise the noise % from 10% to 20% as I see some vertical lines around the area above dad's head?

 

[Damien Symonds]

No, that's just a flaw of your screen. Those lines aren't in the file.

[cathm]

Thank you. 

I have further questions.  I am planning to place these 4 images together in the album.

Would you try to match the background color (top 2 is darker + more yellow) than the bottom 2).

 

[Damien Symonds]

Yes I would.

[cathm]

Actually, I would rather match the background color tone.  Will you walk me through how I can achieve this?

[Damien Symonds]

With Levels in the usual way.

Make sure they all match BEFORE adding any gradient layers.

[cathm]

Level for the background only, correct?

[Damien Symonds]

No, do your entire levels edits.

[cathm]

Do I select a sample color from the background color that i am trying to match with?  Is it possible for you to show me how you would do this?

[Damien Symonds]

I think so, yes.

[cathm]

Do you have any advice of how I should create the second gradient layer?  I am unsure about the sample color + locations.

[Damien Symonds]

You can't tell how to do the second gradient if you have already done precise masking on the first gradient.  You need to have some space around your subject.

Remember this step?

13 hours ago, Damien Symonds said:

Then loosely re-masked that layer all around them:

 

[cathm]

Continue from above.....

Here is how it current looks.

[cathm]

I think it's tough because I am trying to change the color to less yellow so i wasn't unsure about the sample color....

Should I use color balance layer?

 

[cathm]

1 hour ago, Damien Symonds said:

No, do your entire levels edits.

and then mask out the person cuz it will be over-exposed?  I am adding the level + gradient layers on top of all the edited layers.

Edited October 12, 2020 by cathm

[cathm]

[Damien Symonds]

1 hour ago, cathm said:

and then mask out the person cuz it will be over-exposed?  I am adding the level + gradient layers on top of all the edited layers.

Of course.

[cathm]

Please let me know about my editing and about my color balance question above.

 

Edited October 13, 2020 by cathm

[Damien Symonds]

Seems nice and clean to me.

[cathm]

oops forgot to add noise.  will replace the image shortly

Edited October 15, 2020 by cathm

[cathm]

I was able to match the left side of the backdrop, however, unsure how to fix the right side by adding the second gradient layer.  Please help.