Removal of background (transparent)

[Inês Maia]

Hi Damien,

 

This is a bit of a different request. I'm working on a scientific poster and I wanted to add this picture to it but without the background, so that i only have the tubular structure. What would be the best option for this, if there is one? 😅  The picture was taken with my cellphone so I don't have a raw version of it..

 

My idea is to do something like this, so to put it on top of a circle. 

 

Thanks!

[Damien Symonds]

My first question is, will it matter that it's cut off at the right-hand side?

[Inês Maia]

No, i don't think so. My idea was to erase those ones that are cutoff

Edited December 8, 2022 by Inês Maia

[Damien Symonds]

Okay, well, there's no technical difficulty to this job, it will just take AGES.

1. Convert the Background layer to a Smart Object.
2. Rotate to straighten: https://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/01/straightening-horizons.html
3. Add a Solid Color layer of orange then drag it below the image layer. (It doesn't have to be orange, but I think that will provide the most contrast in this case.)
4. Add a mask to the image layer, then zoom in and start painstakingly masking around the structure.  Use your Shift key: https://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/10/shift-while-brushing.html
5. Once the entire background is orange, turn off the orange layer so that the entire background is transparent.
6. Save as a PSD (not PNG) ready to use in your design.