Sweet Photo, but It Needs Help

[Robin E.]

I have a sweet photo of my new baby that I want to scrap, but it has a very distracting background. You can see it here http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=168177&cat=1303. Please give me feedback/ideas/suggestions to figure out how I can use it. It has the potental to be GREAT, but I'm not sure how.

[Maikku]

I'd crop the picture first to get rid of some of the distractions...then select the baby and make the background b/w it might work ....but the striped shirt makes me think you might want to extract the baby and use a background paper. Here is one (http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=163432&cat=500&ppuser=32490) I made using that technique. I think the trick is to use a color that the pictures blends in.

[mariafer]

I like Maikku's idea. I don't think the shirt is as much the problem as cut up brother behind him. So I would try to crop it so brother is mostly out even though it would mean a tight crop around his head and his arm. Then I don't think the bit of corner of the shirt will matter too much since it has the same colors as his outfit. Precious foto.

[carolyn d]

Hi.. I took the liberty of copying your photo and played with it..Is this something along the idea you were looking for? I chose to blur and lighten the background but it could easily be blurred and darkened or just darkened..I also have PSE 5 so if you think you want the directions on how to do this let me know and I will send them along.

[carolyn d]

Here's another version with more blur in a darkened background. Either of these 2 techniques only takes about 7 steps for a total of 5 minutes to do... I figure with a brand new precious one, you don't have alot of time. SHE IS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS....Cogratualtions on her birth and best of luck to you and your new family..

[kydeb]

I really like carolyn d's 2nd edit. I think she's got it nailed!

[Corgi Lover]

I like Maikku's idea - that is exactly what I was going to suggest! Then I saw Carolyn's 2nd version and loved that too! Hmmmmmmmmmm.......what would happen if we combined the two and used Carolyn's 2nd version with the background black and white! What a great picture and show us the final version! :)

[carolyn d]

Is this more in line with what you were thinking with regards to combining a B&W background with the color? The trick here is to make a B&W conversion without going grayscale- keeping the photo in RGB mode. Otherwise any duplicated color layers will automatically go grayscale when you try to combine them . Poor Robin- when she comes back here to check her replies, she's gonna think I've tortured her photo !!!

[Corgi Lover]

THAT's IT!!! I think it looks great (IMHO) :) I love the way the background it much less distracting and the beautiful baby is the complete focus in the picture! I wonder what she will think! :) I love it! :) Great job Carolyn! :)

[Tina]

Here's my take. crop it close, turn it B&W and add a soft focus, so all you notice is the sweet face and thumb!

[Corgi Lover]

Ohhhhhh! Tina that is gorgeous too! :) Either way she can't go wrong with this picture! Awesome! :)

[mariafer]

Tina did exactly what I was thinking a real tight crop. all you notice is the precious baby! :)!

[Robin E.]

UGH!!! So many ideas. I feel so uncreative now. Sandersmr posted a suggestion in the gallery to extract the blanket, copy and mirror it, and paste to the left side to make it look like she has the blanket all around her.

I haven't decided which idea I like best. I'm thinking it'll be HOURS of playing before I have a layout to show. I think I'm off to the store to see what kit to use...

Thank you all. Keep the ideas coming too.