Mastering Background Removal with Affinity Photo

Mastering Background Removal with Affinity Photo

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Duplicate the Background Layer
3. Adjusting the Levels for Separation
4. Merging the Layers
5. Making a Selection
6. Refining the Selection
7. Applying the Selection as a Mask
8. Adding a New Background
9. Adjusting the Background
10. Final Touches

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on using Affinity Photo to remove the background from an image and replace it with a new background effect. In this tutorial, we'll guide You through the step-by-step process of achieving a clean and professional result. So let's get started!

Duplicate the Background Layer

To begin, make a duplicate of the background layer. This will allow us to work on the duplicated layer without affecting the original image. To do this, right-click on the background layer in the Layers panel and choose "Duplicate".

Adjusting the Levels for Separation

To achieve a clean separation between the foreground and the background, we'll use the Levels adjustment. Click on the "Adjustments" tab and select "Levels". By adjusting the black and white values, as well as the gamma, we can enhance the contrast and separate the background from the subject.

Merging the Layers

Once you're satisfied with the separation, merge the two layers together. To do this, hold the Ctrl key (or Cmd key on Mac) and click on both layers in the Layers panel. Right-click and choose "Merge Visible". This will Create a single layer with the separated subject.

Making a Selection

Now, we need to make a selection around the subject to refine the background removal. Select the Freehand Selection tool from the Tools panel, which resembles a Lasso. Carefully draw a selection around the subject, making sure to leave a small margin around the edges. Don't worry about cutting off some hair details, as we can refine the selection later.

Refining the Selection

To refine the selection and improve the accuracy around the edges, click on the "Refine" button. Adjust the settings according to your preference, such as the overlay color, ramp, and brush size. Using the brush, carefully paint over the areas that need refinement, ensuring a clean and precise edge.

Applying the Selection as a Mask

Once you're satisfied with the refined selection, it's time to Apply it as a layer mask. Click on the "Layer Mask" button in the Layers panel, which looks like a rectangle with a circle inside. This will create a mask Based on the selection, hiding the background and revealing the subject.

Adding a New Background

Now that we have removed the background, we can replace it with a new background of our choice. Import the desired background image by going to File > Place and selecting the image file. Drag the background image into position to fit the composition, ensuring there are no gaps or visible edges.

Adjusting the Background

To achieve a seamless Blend between the subject and the new background, we'll make some adjustments to the background layer. Start by adding a Levels adjustment to the background layer. Darken the background by adjusting the black levels, gamma, and contrast to create a harmonious balance with the subject.

Final Touches

Lastly, make any final adjustments to ensure the subject and background blend seamlessly. Consider adjusting the exposure, Vibrance, and saturation to achieve the desired look and feel. Play around with these settings until you are satisfied with the overall result.

Congratulations! You have successfully removed the background from an image and replaced it with a new background effect using Affinity Photo. Now you can apply these techniques to enhance your own photos and unleash your creativity!

Highlights

• Learn how to use Affinity Photo to remove backgrounds and replace them
• Achieve a clean separation between foreground and background using Levels adjustment
• Refine the selection and create a precise mask for the subject
• Replace the background with a new image to create stunning effects
• Fine-tune the adjustments to achieve a seamless blend between subject and background
• Unleash your creativity and enhance your photos with professional techniques

FAQ

Q: Can I use Affinity Photo to remove backgrounds from complex images? A: Yes, Affinity Photo offers powerful tools that allow you to remove backgrounds even from complex images. However, the level of complexity may require additional time and advanced techniques.

Q: Can I replace the background with any image? A: Yes, you can replace the background with any image of your choice. Make sure to select an image that complements the subject and enhances the overall composition.

Q: Are the adjustments applied non-destructively? A: Yes, Affinity Photo allows you to apply adjustments non-destructively using adjustment layers. This means you can easily modify or remove the adjustments without affecting the original image.

Q: Can these techniques be applied to other photo editing software? A: While the specific steps may vary, the concepts and techniques can be applied to other photo editing software that offers similar tools and functionalities.

Q: Are there any limitations to background replacement using Affinity Photo? A: The success of background replacement depends on various factors, such as the quality of the image, complexity of the subject, and the availability of suitable replacement backgrounds. Experimentation and practice will help you overcome any limitations and achieve your desired results.