Class 1 April 2009

• Using Flickr as the source of shared images
• Matching color, perspective, direction and size when combining images
• Duplicating a layer in Photoshop
• Using the Navigator tool
• Using the Pen tool to create a path
• Using the Direct select and the Bezier curve tools.
• Changing the path into a selection
• Using the Select Menu
• Manipulating layers
• Using the Blending Options/ Layer Effex

Cutting out the elephant figure from the jpg image

Duplicate the background layer by dragging the layer to the new layer symbol at the bottom of the Layer Window and letting it go or under Layer Menu duplicate layer. Take the Pen Tool from the tool box (make sure it is the Pen Tool and not one of the sub menu tools). Under the top menu, second row select path. You want to make a path not a shape. With the pen start laying anchor points around the elephant till you close the path. Use the Direct Select Tool to reposition the points and the Convert Point Tool to create Bezier curves where needed.

After your path is completed click on the Path Window tab. If the Path window is not opened you’ll find it under the Window menu. Make sure you have the path selected. At the bottom of the path window you will find a dotted circle. In order to load the path as a selection click on it. The path changes into a selection. Under the Select menu select inverse and you are ready to cut the background around the elephant.