A4 - Background Removal - Part 2

The background removal tools we saw in part 1 are great when they work, but sometimes we need more precision than they offer. When this is the case, we need to manually trace around the object. The following are three similar (but slightly different) tools that work in this way.

Free Select (Shortcut Key - F)

With this tool, you place points around the image, eventually closing a loop. You can click and drag any of the points to edit them. When you're done, hit enter and you'll have a selection.

Path Select (Shortcut Key - B)

This tool works the same as Free Select to begin with, except when you close the loop you should hold down the control key on the original point. In contrast to Free Select, the path select tool gives you more flexibility in editing, since not only can you move the points, but you can also select areas in between points and curve them.

This method is demonstrated in the video posted with the previous assignment, beginning at the 2:45 mark.

Scissors Select (Shortcut Key - I)

This works in a similar way to the tools above, except Gimp attempts to snap the line between the points to the edge of the image. Therefore, this tool is best used when there is some degree of contrast between the subject and its background. Like the other tools, after completing the path, you are able to edit it.

Note - in the tool options, if you have Feather Edge enabled, make sure that the radius is about 5.

Here's a video demonstrated this technique.

Your Task

Part 1

Show me two images where you have removed the background using one of these methods (or something similar in a program other than Gimp).

Part 2

Quickly demonstrate to me an example of using one of these methods.