Changing the background of a picture can be a great way to enhance your photos and make them more visually appealing. With the right photo editing tools, it’s easy to replace backgrounds in photos or make subtle tweaks to existing backdrops. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps for changing backgrounds in photos using Photoshop and other popular photo editing software.
What You Need to Change Photo Backgrounds
Before you can start swapping out backgrounds, you’ll need a few things:
- The original photo you want to modify
- A background image to replace the existing backdrop
- Photo editing software like Photoshop, GIMP, Pixelmator, or other options
For best results, make sure your original photo has good separation between the main subject and background. Portrait photos work great since the subject stands out from the background clearly. Landscape shots can be trickier to modify since there may not be a clear distinction between the foreground and backdrop.
Your new background image should be high resolution and match the perspective and lighting of the photo you want to modify. Choosing backgrounds with similar colors and ambiance will yield the most natural composite.
How to Change Photo Backgrounds in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for photo manipulation and offers sophisticated tools for changing backgrounds seamlessly. Here are the steps to swap photo backgrounds in Photoshop:
- Open both the original photo and new background image in Photoshop.
- Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to carefully cut out the main subject from the original background.
- Right click your selection and choose Layer Via Copy to copy the isolated subject to a new layer.
- Delete the leftover background on the original layer so only a transparent background remains.
- Drag the subject layer onto the tab of the new background image to combine them.
- Use the Eraser Tool to clean up any leftover background remnants and refine the edges of the subject.
- Make final color/tone enhancements like Curves and Hue/Saturation to blend the results.
Following these steps closely will make changing backgrounds in Photoshop almost seamless. The key is taking time to isolate the subject accurately in step 2. Rushing this part can lead to messy edges and give away that the photo is manipulated.
Photoshop Tips for Changing Photo Backgrounds
Keep these tips in mind for the best Photoshop background swap results:
- Use high resolution images for best quality
- Add slight gaussian blur to new backgrounds to blend better
- Pay attention to shadows and perspective when choosing new backgrounds
- Use Layer Masks for non-destructive editing
- Try Mixer Brush Tool for natural-looking subject blending
Changing Photo Backgrounds in GIMP
GIMP is a popular free and open source photo editor. The workflow for replacing backgrounds is similar to Photoshop:
- Open both images in GIMP
- Use Fuzzy Select Tool to select the main subject
- Copy and paste the isolated subject to a new layer
- Delete the leftover background from the original layer
- Drag the subject layer onto the new background tab
- Refine the edges with Eraser and Clone Stamp Tools
GIMP’s selection tools like Fuzzy Select and Scissors Select make extracting subjects easy. The Clone Stamp tool is great for retouching edges without destructive editing. Overall the process is very similar to Photoshop but uses GIMP’s tool equivalents.
Tips for Changing Backgrounds in GIMP
Follow these tips when swapping backgrounds in GIMP:
- Use the paths tool to outline tricky subjects like hair
- Feather your selections slightly to blend better
- Use the Perspective Clone tool for natural blending
- Change layer modes to Multiply/Screen as needed
- Add Layer Masks for nondestructive editing
Other Ways to Change Photo Backgrounds
While Photoshop and GIMP offer the most control, there are a few other ways to modify backgrounds in photos:
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps like Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Mix, and Background Eraser provide easy ways to change backgrounds on your smartphone. The selection and blending options are more limited but the apps are fast and convenient.
Online Photo Editors
Many free online photo editors allow quick background changes right in your web browser. Options like Canva, Fotor, Ribbet, and Befunky have automatic background removal tools to easily isolate subjects.
Green Screen Replacement
Taking a photo against a solid green backdrop allows easy swapping to new backgrounds using chroma key compositing techniques. This requires planning ahead to photograph with green screen.
AI Photo Editors
New AI-powered online tools like Photolemur and Meitu can automatically detect subjects and replace backgrounds very convincingly. This utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze the image.
How to Blend Subjects Naturally Into New Backgrounds
The most important part of background swaps is blending the subject naturally into the new backdrop. Follow these tips for seamless results:
- Match color tones and temperature
- Look for consistent lighting and shadows
- Use layer blending modes like multiply and screen
- Add slight gaussian blur to new background
- Brush over edges with Mixer Brush tool
Taking the time to finesse details like shadows, highlights and colors will help the final composite look realistic and not photoshopped. Small details make a big difference!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to give away artificial composites if you’re not careful. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Messy edges from rushed selections
- Perspective mismatch between subject and background
- Lighting from different directions
- Obvious repeating patterns in background
- Overdone HDR tone mapping
Study real photos closely to see how elements interact naturally. Matching perspective and lighting convincingly takes practice but helps photos look authentic.
How to Make Good Selections
Accurate subject selections are crucial for seamless background changes. Here are some tips:
- For portraits, select hair strands individually
- Use Lasso and Polygonal tools for straight edges
- Switch to a small brush for precision edges
- Refine selections with Select and Mask
- Use layer masks for non-destructive editing
Rushing the selection process results in fuzzy edges that make composites look fake. Taking your time to capture fine details like flyaway hairs will make a huge difference in quality.
How to Choose Good Background Images
The new background plays a big role in composite believability. Here are tips for choosing backgrounds:
- Match light direction and intensity
- Consistent noise/grain pattern
- Similar color tones and temperature
- Perspective and angle fits the subject
- Avoid repetitive patterns
Study the foreground subject first, then choose a background that matches the lighting and perspective. Library sites like Shutterstock offer thousands of background options to explore.
Conclusion
Changing photo backgrounds is a powerful creative tool for photographers and designers. With practice and the right techniques, compositing new backdrops can take your images to the next level.
Just remember these key points for the best results:
- Take time to make accurate selections
- Choose backgrounds that match perspective and lighting
- Blend colors, shadows, highlights seamlessly
- Refine edges carefully to avoid obvious cutouts
Follow this guide and you’ll be a pro at swapping backgrounds in no time. Have fun creating some amazing composites that wow your viewers!
| Photo Editing Software | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Photoshop | Powerful selection and compositing tools | Expensive subscription model |
| GIMP | Free open source alternative to Photoshop | Steeper learning curve |
| Pixlr | Easy online editor | Limited features |
This table compares some top options for software to use when changing photo backgrounds. Photoshop is the industry leader but has a cost, while open source tools like GIMP offer similar power for free. Online editors provide convenience but have fewer robust features.
| Subject Type | Selection Tips |
|---|---|
| Portraits | Use Refine Edge for hair, small brush for precision |
| Pets | Select fur strands individually |
| Vehicles | Use Polygonal Lasso for straight lines |
This table gives quick tips for making good selections with different subject types. Hair and fur require special care to capture fine details. Vehicles and other objects with straight edges benefit from the Polygonal Lasso tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to change a photo background?
The easiest ways to swap photo backgrounds are using mobile apps like Snapseed or online editors like Canva that have automatic background removal tools. For more advanced control, use layer masking workflows in Photoshop or GIMP.
Do I need Photoshop to change backgrounds?
No, you can change backgrounds using free software like GIMP plus numerous mobile and web apps. However, Photoshop offers the most advanced selection, masking and compositing tools for the best results.
How can I improve a bad photo background?
To improve a bad background, use Photoshop or GIMP to select the main subject, delete the old background, then composite the cut-out subject onto a new, cleaner background image.
What’s the best way to remove background in Photoshop?
Use selection tools like the Quick Select tool to carefully isolate the main subject. Refine the edges, then delete the leftover background on that layer. Copy the subject to a Layer Mask for non-destructive editing.
Is it easy to change background on iPhone?
Yes, apps like Snapseed make it easy to quickly change backgrounds on iPhone. The automatic selection tools isolate subjects fairly well with minimal effort to swap in new backdrops.
Conclusion
Changing the background of photos is an essential skill for any photographer or designer. With the techniques in this guide, you can expertly replace backdrops in your shots to create stunning composites. Take time to make accurate selections, blend elements together naturally, and choose appropriate background images for seamless results. With practice and creativity, you’ll be able to take your photos from good to great by modifying backgrounds.
