How to isolate cat without background color showing through fine hairs?

[Flycaster]

This is my first experience and I'm using this video (https://www.google.com/search?q=how...e=ive&vld=cid:ec90d4f2,vid:hVwf-OEcH1I,st:486) to learn how to isolate my gray cat from the background. In Photoshop Elements 2025 (PSE) I have an image of my gray cat lying on a red blanket. There are several distracting elements that I don't like in the image's background. I would like to isolate that cat (and its hair) so that I can change the background. However, although I get the fine hairs to show, I'm also getting the red color of the blanket showing through the fine hairs. I'm sure that I'm doing something wrong, and would appreciate some direction on how to isolate the cat, without the red showing through its fine hairs. Thanks.

 

[Flycaster]

You do like a challenge. Not sure I even know where to start with that one, but will play around with it later if I have time.

G

You are right. My self-learning basic photo editing has been a challenge, but learning layers is at a much higher level of challenge.

 

[Flycaster]

As a hobbyist, I never got into working with layers, thus my issue with getting this stuff. But, although the test image is nothing to write home about, I tried just cloning to obviate the need to use layers. Certainly did away with layers, but no wheres near what you guys could do in terms of isolating the cat and changing the background.

One day, very soon, you may be able to do ALL extractions with Ai Software, and it will solve all the problems that we currently have getting great extractions. This is NOT perfect, but it will sure give you a good idea of what could be coming in the near future as Ai software becomes better trained, and offers higher resolution than it does now.

I took the above image, and I loaded it into Firefly, (Adobe's Ai Software) and I used the Ai Model called "Flux Context Max". I then entered this text into the box. "Remove the background from this image, and remove the red blanket from the image. Then, place the cat on a new couch, with a blue blanket under the cat. Do not change any features of the cat, but create the REST of the cat with back legs and rear part of cat. Enhance the image for clarity and reduce noise of the entire image".

Here is the result that Flux Context Max created.

-
Major Jack
"You are welcome to retouch any photograph I post in these forums without prior consent from me". Have fun, and play as you wish.

Absolutely amazing! Although some predictions about the future of AI's abilities certainly can be quite scary (like AI taking over on its own,) AI surely has many benefits. I think your example of what AI can do re photo editing, may not be appreciated by those who are into the "art" of the editing process?

 

[Major Jack]

I know and fully agree how important layers are to becoming proficient in photo editing. I do know the general concept of layers, but I have found translating that into actually using layers a real bear. So, unfortunately, I while climbing the steep-enough photo editing curve, I had elected not to reach Everest, and have found a happy medium while remaining at a lower level. But, then again, now that I feel somewhat confident with the basics, I may start delving into layers. BTW, thanks for the layers tutorial, as I probably will give it a try to rekindle my attempt to get back into that learning curve.

I have a saying with my Son, that when he tries to teach me some things, especially about technology, that I get bogged down with "Information Overload". When I tell him that, he backs off for a while to let me wrap my head around it also, kind of like you did last night. LOL. So, when you get to that stage, just let me know, and I will back off and let you breath. But,............

Here are some other links I have found for Learning Layers in Photoshop Elements 2025.

I would still watch the video I sent you first, because if you are like me, we tend to learn better from WATCHING, compared to reading, and watching that video will give you a visualization at least of what layers can do. But, here are some other links.

This one is an Adobe Tutorial specifically for ELEMENTS.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/creating-layers.html

Video on Photoshop Elements (Layers). NOTE: He is a fast talker though.

He also has his own YouTube Channel for ANYTHING Elements. (Some of them cost though).

https://www.youtube.com/@HTGPhoto

 

[Major Jack]

As a hobbyist, I never got into working with layers, thus my issue with getting this stuff. But, although the test image is nothing to write home about, I tried just cloning to obviate the need to use layers. Certainly did away with layers, but no wheres near what you guys could do in terms of isolating the cat and changing the background.

One day, very soon, you may be able to do ALL extractions with Ai Software, and it will solve all the problems that we currently have getting great extractions. This is NOT perfect, but it will sure give you a good idea of what could be coming in the near future as Ai software becomes better trained, and offers higher resolution than it does now.

I took the above image, and I loaded it into Firefly, (Adobe's Ai Software) and I used the Ai Model called "Flux Context Max". I then entered this text into the box. "Remove the background from this image, and remove the red blanket from the image. Then, place the cat on a new couch, with a blue blanket under the cat. Do not change any features of the cat, but create the REST of the cat with back legs and rear part of cat. Enhance the image for clarity and reduce noise of the entire image".

Here is the result that Flux Context Max created.

-
Major Jack
"You are welcome to retouch any photograph I post in these forums without prior consent from me". Have fun, and play as you wish.

Absolutely amazing! Although some predictions about the future of AI's abilities certainly can be quite scary (like AI taking over on its own,) AI surely has many benefits. I think your example of what AI can do re photo editing, may not be appreciated by those who are into the "art" of the editing process?

Some people are completely against Ai for Photo enhancing, or even Photo restoration, or manipulation. I completely understand that, and in some areas, I completely agree with them. BUT, Ai is here, and is it only going to get better over the years. Each individual will have to make their own personal decisions on what they are willing to do with Ai Software. I will never question someone's personal opinion on this subject. To each their own. I simply show it, to show what it is currently capable of doing. I STILL love retouching photographs myself, and the feeling of accomplishment when I can fix an image myself. With Ai, you do NOT get that feeling, because it is NOT ME who is fixing an image, it is a trained computer. But, sometimes we can not fix certain photos, and it is helpful when Ai can, and can do it much faster, and gives great results. Extractions of highly detailed subjects with HAIR could be one of those things that excels for Ai. Most retouchers will tell you, that the biggest issue we face, is perfect extractions of hair, especially in highly detailed images. So, if Ai can help with that, so be it, I will use it.

But, once again, Ai is a topic right now that is HOT, and many people simply do not like it, and that is their personal choice. I respect that completely.

--
Major Jack
"You are welcome to retouch any photograph I post in these forums without prior consent from me". Have fun, and play as you wish.

 

[Flycaster]

Raining like hell, so nothing else to do but fool around with this stuff. Not using layers, but did get to do refine edges and decontaminate colors. Apparently, PSE 2025 is not powerful enough to get rid of the red bleed. Placed DC slider on 50-100% and used different backgrounds from PSE's graphics, but some of the red still showed through. BTW, I'm used to learning editing via video tutorials, but I got to say that "information overload" is not a joke.

 

[Major Jack]

Raining like hell, so nothing else to do but fool around with this stuff.

Ahh, I see you are in Boynton Beach. I am in Central Florida. Right now it is pretty nice outside.

Not using layers, but did get to do refine edges and decontaminate colors.

I have never really had much success with decontaminating colors, as I do not find that helpful to be honest. Usually softens the edges too much for my tastes. If I have bleed through after any extractions, I always create a NEW blank layer, and change that BLEND MODE of that layer to COLOR, and then I select the color that I want to use, with the Eyedropper tool and then use that color to PAINT over the bleed through colors.

Another way, would be to use the LASSO TOOL and make a selection around the bleed through areas, and then use a Hue and Saturation to reduce the reds in that area. Does that make sense?

BTW, Does Elements have a DESATURATION TOOL? (Sponge tool)? If so, try that tool on a DUPLICATED Layer. That tool is designed to remove color from whatever you brush over. Now, keep in mind that after you do that, you may need to paint in color back to those areas, or it could look awkward. You would do that on a NEW blank layer, and change the Color Mode of that layer, to COLOR. Have you changed Modes on layers yet? It is pretty simple.

Apparently, PSE 2025 is not powerful enough to get rid of the red bleed.

There has to be a way in Elements, I feel comfortable that there is. I am just not all that familiar with Elements but I know it has to have some of the same tools.

Placed DC slider on 50-100% and used different backgrounds from PSE's graphics, but some of the red still showed through. BTW, I'm used to learning editing via video tutorials, but I got to say that "information overload" is not a joke.

LOL. No, "Information Overload" is not a joke, it is real. That is when you do like you did and just walk away, and try again tomorrow. When I get information overload, I can't sleep very well, because I am constantly thinking about it.

Anyway, will be away a little tonight and tomorrow, going to Apopka Florida and tomorrow to the soccer game in Orlando, so I will check in when I can to see how you are doing.

Do NOT let yourself get into "Overload" again. LOL.

Have a Great day.

 

[Flycaster]

Thanks, again for your help. If this rain keeps up, I certainly will be looking at these video tutorials. After bass (including peacock bass) fishing, photo stuff comes next.

 

[Flycaster]

Raining like hell, so nothing else to do but fool around with this stuff.

Ahh, I see you are in Boynton Beach. I am in Central Florida. Right now it is pretty nice outside.

Not using layers, but did get to do refine edges and decontaminate colors.

I have never really had much success with decontaminating colors, as I do not find that helpful to be honest. Usually softens the edges too much for my tastes. If I have bleed through after any extractions, I always create a NEW blank layer, and change that BLEND MODE of that layer to COLOR, and then I select the color that I want to use, with the Eyedropper tool and then use that color to PAINT over the bleed through colors.

Another way, would be to use the LASSO TOOL and make a selection around the bleed through areas, and then use a Hue and Saturation to reduce the reds in that area. Does that make sense?

BTW, Does Elements have a DESATURATION TOOL? (Sponge tool)? If so, try that tool on a DUPLICATED Layer. That tool is designed to remove color from whatever you brush over. Now, keep in mind that after you do that, you may need to paint in color back to those areas, or it could look awkward. You would do that on a NEW blank layer, and change the Color Mode of that layer, to COLOR. Have you changed Modes on layers yet? It is pretty simple.

Yes, I do have a sponge tool. But, I still have to learn more about layering.

Apparently, PSE 2025 is not powerful enough to get rid of the red bleed.

There has to be a way in Elements, I feel comfortable that there is. I am just not all that familiar with Elements but I know it has to have some of the same tools.

Correct.

Placed DC slider on 50-100% and used different backgrounds from PSE's graphics, but some of the red still showed through. BTW, I'm used to learning editing via video tutorials, but I got to say that "information overload" is not a joke.

LOL. No, "Information Overload" is not a joke, it is real. That is when you do like you did and just walk away, and try again tomorrow. When I get information overload, I can't sleep very well, because I am constantly thinking about it.

Anyway, will be away a little tonight and tomorrow, going to Apopka Florida and tomorrow to the soccer game in Orlando, so I will check in when I can to see how you are doing.

Enjoy the game.

Do NOT let yourself get into "Overload" again. LOL.

Have a Great day.