Collages, A question for Restorers

[deeiluka]

I have been trying to be clever and combine 8 head and shoulder cropped photographs into one picture for a specific purpose. This would give me 8 generations together.  I have done that part of it as well as I am able.

However, my question is - can unwanted shoulders etc be removed? When I have cropped I have sometimes got part of the shoulder of the next person inside the oval, and it spoils it rather. I imagine it could be removed but am not really sure. I don't want to ask for help with something that can't be done, so would appreciate advice.

.......dee

[PrueM]

Hi Dee 

It can definitely be done.  What software are you using?  I use PHotoshop Elements, and if I was composing something like you've described, I would have each head in a different layer.  That means I can edit them all separately, and can use the eraser tool to remove anything I don't want.

Prue

[deeiluka]

Thanks Prue. So it can be done. I only have Photostudio 200 and I have tried to do various things using the tools. Trouble is I don't really know what I am doing and my hands don't always do what I tell them. But I am always willing to have a go.

I know about layers - that's how I have put the 8 generations into one picture. .....dee

[PrueM]

OK, so if you have the different layers, you should be able to edit each one separately.  I just looked on Google for some info about your software, and found the ArcSoft page that describes it, and shows some screen shots - I can see from those that there is an eraser tool, so you should easily be able to do what you want. 

All you would need to do is click on a layer, to select it for editing, and then click on the eraser tool - you might have to adjust the size etc. of the eraser, I like to use a blurred edge on my erasers so things don't look too sharp and "cut out". 

I would be interested to know how you get on 

Prue

[deeiluka]

I'm having a go Prue.           

In one word at the moment I have to describe what is happening as "shaky"          

Will keep you posted!

....dee

[deeiluka]

Right Prue - I have used the eraser and then the clone tool to fill the spaces - main problems I have are that the edges of the ovals now tend to have "wobbles" in them. And my poor daughter's arm looks distinctly lumpy.   

However, for a first attempt I am reasonably satisfied.

Next question - if I worked with a copy of the original photo - and when I had removed and replaced the necessary bits, then I cropped the ovals to put in the layered picture - that should overcome the wobbly edges, shouldn't it?

.....dee

[PrueM]

Hi Dee,
Yep    Always easier to do everything you can on the original scan, then copy and paste into your new composition.
Prue

[deeiluka]

Much easier that way, Prue - although I still struggled with my stupid hands. (fingers that turn at weird angles don't always like doing fiddly things.     )

I am quite pleased with how the picture has turned out.  I now have a picture of 8 generations together, instead of two groups of 4. It is going to make a great card for my mother - one of the generations.

Many thanks for your help and encouragement.

.....dee

[mudge]

Have followed conversation with interest and managed to keep stum , as Prue did a good job on her own
However it would make a nice conclusion if you could post the final collage.  I for one am intrigued  
Mudge