I am PP challenged

[AeroClassics]

I have a picture that I have cleaned up, removed a bunch of stuff from and now need to put some kind of a background on.

Original


Here is the cleaned up image................


I have no clue how to use layers! Could someone give me a quick tutorial or lesson on basic layer use? I know that may be asking a lot. I know layers are not simple but are quite complex. All I need is a basic how to so I can finish this up and they can use it for a memorial service. Oh! I have PSE 5.

Thanks,
Doug

Go here to download the originals..............
http://picasaweb.google.com/AeroClassicsMfg/SueCook

[jesswhs1323]

I dont have much time tonight... but ... duplicate layer... erase the part of the image you dont want... paste the image you want on... and erase what you dont want showing...not complicated at all... there are 1000 ways to do it... but thats the way I do it

[jesswhs1323]

here is a less than 1 min job I did on it with a background that was already opened....


very quick but you get the idea

[LDB]

I couldn't even get from the original to the intermediate step so don't feel too challenged. I'll learn though... one of these decades.

[Gabby498]

Open both the photograph of the lady and the background that you want to use behind.

Do a copy of the lady and paste that copy on top of the background as a layer

Be sure that you are working on the layer that is the portrait

Use your magic wand to make a section of the white ares on the photo of the lady

Do a control X to remove the white for the background image (make it transparent)

After removing the white you will need to go around the cutout very carefully
Erasing any remaining white or light areas

The carefully go around the edge with a softening or bluring tool to blend in the edge

I can not tell you the exact windows you will need to open or what your short cuts are.
Maybe someone that has PS5 can help with that.

You say for a memorial service which suggests that you need this in a hurry.

Maybe you can send it to someone that can do it so that you will have it in time.

[AeroClassics]

You guys ROCK! Amazing! Thank you for the help. I will be trying this ASAP!

I really appreciate everyone's help!

[edit] I used your instructions and with a little fiddling around I was able to create a very acceptable picture!
Thanks again!

Doug