Creating a precise selection in Photoshop is one of the essential tools that a photographer should understand. In this PiXimperfect tutorial, Unmesh Dinda takes us through the best way to select an object by explaining how each of the adjustment sliders affects a selection.
If you have used Photoshop, you should be familiar with the Magic Wand Tool and the Quick Selection Tool. They both do a decent job of selecting the general area that you want. However, you also have probably experienced a lack of accuracy in targeting the smaller details of a selection. Not only do these tools misjudge many areas, but the final selection is usually left looking uneven and jagged. If you are trying to cut out an image or mask something off, these imperfections become very noticeable.
This video shows us what method Dinda would use to very precisely select an object and then mask off the background. After making a rough outline, he uses the Select and Mask tool to get a more accurate selection. The great thing about this tutorial is that it first explains each slider in the Select and Mask workspace. Then, Dinda shows the technique he uses to incorporate all of these tools to get the selection he desires. Lastly, he adds a few helpful tips on perfecting the mask.
Even if the Select and Mask tool is something you are familiar with, this is still an excellent video for most users. His technique in using the sliders was new to me and reveals several tips that will save a great deal of time on selections in the future.
