Seperating a Flower from a Background

Bright Pink - Origional Image.

fig: 01

fig: 02

fig: 03

fig: 04

fig: 05

This is the 1st of a series of tutorials which described processes involved, from selecting an element from a photograph (in this case seperating a flower from a background) to creating various types of pattern using a pink flower. Hopefully this would start you on the road to creating your own, more complex designs with multiple elements.

The origional image file called 'Bright Pink.jpg' is available:

fig: 01. Using the Magic Wand, select a pink area of the flower. You may need to set a higher Tolerance level, to select a large area of the pink. In this example, using a Tolerance level of 100 will select most of the outer edge of the flower.

fig: 02. Using the Elliptical Marquee whilst pressing
the Shift Key, select the remaining un-selected
interior of the flower.

Note:
Shift Key: Adds Selection.
Alt Key: Removes Selection.

Fig: 03. Once Selected, Copy the flower: (Edit/
Copy or Ctrl/C) Choose Edit/Paste & a new flower will
automatically appear in a new layer.
(Edit/Paste or Ctrl/V)

Create a new layer, and fill with a
colour of your choice. Using the Paint
Bucket Tool.

Fig: 04. Drag the new layer underneath the
layer with the flower.

Fig: 05. The paint bucket tool. Which is
often hidden behind the gradient tool