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A: Yes. I like to use Photoshop’s Extract Filter and combine the results with a filtered layer. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes and even less time as you gain expertise.
By Kim Herrera, Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop
First, open an RGB portrait image from which you would like to remove the background. Warning! Your background layer will disappear after these filters are applied, so if you want to duplicate your background layer do so now and just make it not visible.
The Extract Filter in Photoshop. Click on the image for a larger version.
Next, go to Filter>Extract, and the Extract dialog window appears. On the upper left you have your tools, which look and act like big highlighter markers. You want to trace over the edge of the subjects in your image. Keep the highlight more inside than outside the area you wish to keep.
If you make a mistake, use the Eraser tool (under the Highlighter tool) to undo and start over. Make sure you have one solid line (edge) on your extraction.
Next, grab the bucket tool on the upper left and click inside the area you wish to retain.
Masking and previewing the Extract results. Click on the image for a larger version.
Click the Preview button if you would like to see what will be extracted. It will take you to a similar window where you can make small adjustments. For now, click Extract.
Your results are generated onto a new layer. Your background layer is now gone. To make your extracted layer more visible, put a black layer behind it. Layer>New Layer 100% Normal of Black, or use the New Layer shortcut on your layers palette as shown…
Extracting creates a new layer without the background. Click on the image for a larger version.
As you can see, the Extract Filter does a great job with fine edges like hair or knit sweaters, etc. It takes a little practice but it looks a lot better than erasing by hand.
Now let's make a layer on which to create a new filtered backdrop.
Create a new solid black layer.
Layer>New Layer, name it clouds. Fill it with 100% Black/ Normal (Edit>Fill).
Get your colors ready to render clouds.
With Black as your background color, choose a vibrant color for your foreground. Let's use the Render Difference Clouds filter: Filter>Render>Difference Clouds
Render Difference Clouds (not Render Clouds).
Results from Render Difference Clouds filter.
These are a bit too vibrant so l used the Hue/Saturation command to tone it down a bit.
Simple adjustments with Hue Saturation make a big difference.
Lastly, flatten your image and save it.
Flatten the final image. Click on the image for a larger version.
Of course, you may choose to place a background image behind your subject. This is just a quick way to create something from nothing using the filters available in CS, CS2, and CS3. If this is something you do on a regular basis, Vertus Fluid Mask is the simplest and most seamless way to handle it.
Kim Herrera, Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop, is the color management expert for Logan Photography at Studio Exchange, Santa Ana, Calif., and runs KCH Digital, a digital artistry, education, and consultancy firm.