Cloning out difficult elements..

[Arbib]

I was taking pictures today of a cemetery, and as I was framing the picture, I noticed a trash can full and with tree branches in it...I knew I had to clone them out later...the dread....Lots of pixel cloning at 600%-800%.

I did all my post first. then started the process..I had no idea how long it would take..But I wanted to take that trash can out with the branches...

I used a simple clone tool in "aligned" mode most of the time, and the size was between 4px to 10pix for the branches...The trash can was easy compared to the branches..the Opacity and Density was at 100%. the edge sharpness was at 0-6 (A soft brush) (I use PSP 10.3) so the terms may be different from PSCS...

Before Post....



After Post


BTW, it took 1 hour to clone out the Trash Can with the long branches sticking out.

I know when I was taking out the electric line..The trees got some distortion in them..but, they are trees, and branches are every which way..I figured that it would be unnoticed..

I used a block system to clone at such a high mag. I.E., I did small squares at a time...I used the fence poles as natural dividers to clone out the individual branches that crossed over them.

The Cloning tool can be a very powerful tool to make or break a picture..And yes, it does take some time to do a complex cloning job. But the end result is worth it, if you really want a clean image.

-There are many ways to do this...Some like Layers and masks...It offers adjustment in the future. I use the Base Layer...It is less complacated..but un-revesable...USE THE "SAVE-AS" and rename the Original..then SAVE often.

Hope this helps in using this tool...

[r_fredrick_smith]

There are some ways to speed this all up. I don't know what version of PS you have, but if it is CS, CS1 or CS2 or CS3 there is a tool called the Patch tool (part of the healing brush package), and it can do wonders. Here is an example that tool about 90 seconds. I'm showing illustration 1, which was the longest which was to make a rough selection with the Polygon lasso tool or you can use the patch tool to make the selection which gets us to

Then using the patch tool drag the selection to the right in this case as seen in this next screen shot

Watch carefully the original selection as you'll see what is being replaced in it as you drag right. As soon as I got to where you see above, I released the mouse button and the first patch was made. Then I drug the same selection again to get the rest of the trash can (again dragging the selection right). You just have to experiment with the patch tool a little to see how powerful it is.

Here is what I ended up with at the end of 90 seconds

Now you can use the clone tool or the patch tool again to clean up little areas.

Even though this was a quick and dirty and hasn't been cleaned up yet, it shows the principle. It also leaves the shadow of the tree which your's doesn't. You would then play a bit with the patch tool to get rid of the shadow of the trash can.

Cheers,
rfs

[Arbib]

RFS...
I use Paint-shop Pro 10..

Not sure if I can do that..But I can drag a selection to stretch a section out. Like in an earlier topic you have to extend a BG out.

I will have to experiment with "Control+D" to activate the handles on a selection.

I used a "Object Re-placer" tool on the Trash Can. Took a little longer...3-5 minutes.

[r_fredrick_smith]

I don't think Paint Shot Pro has the patch tool. But whatever tool, you do need to make sure that the shadow of the tree isn't erased. You can see part of the shadow past where the trash can was, but just sunny grass where it was.
Cheers,
rfs

[RSStory]

I knew something was off in the edited version but couldnt place it until RFS mentioned the shadow...

As for the patch tool... I use that thing all the time.

[PhotosbyChuck]

Your cloning example is definitely more advanced since you're creating detail that wasn't in the original image.

If the patch tool doesn't exist, you might try selecting the tombstone to a new image, resize it and bring it back. You'll still need to create a left edge, however. The tombstone needs a lighter side on the left. Notice how all other tombstones in the shot have a bright left edge...but the "created" one does not.

[Arbib]

Originally Posted by r_fredrick_smith

I don't think Paint Shot Pro has the patch tool. But whatever tool, you do need to make sure that the shadow of the tree isn't erased. You can see part of the shadow past where the trash can was, but just sunny grass where it was.
Cheers,
rfs

Yes, I see that now...I erased a tad too much. you are right.

[Arbib]

Originally Posted by PhotosbyChuck

Your cloning example is definitely more advanced since you're creating detail that wasn't in the original image.

If the patch tool doesn't exist, you might try selecting the tombstone to a new image, resize it and bring it back. You'll still need to create a left edge, however. The tombstone needs a lighter side on the left. Notice how all other tombstones in the shot have a bright left edge...but the "created" one does not.

I had a tough time with that edge...I will try your suggestion.

[r_fredrick_smith]

Originally Posted by Arbib

I had a tough time with that edge...I will try your suggestion.

The edge is easy in this case. Just copy the edge of the tombstone behind it and paste it in and then transform to size and rotate to fit.
Cheers,
rfs

[Arbib]

OK, I had to select the trash can and clone within the selection... Worked fine..Then Cloned the Head Stone. and used another head stone edge to create a left edge and sun line on the top edge...I fixed the shadow too... (Used Original just for the Trash can removal and create the rest of the head stone. No other post was done..I think it turned better too..
.
The suggestions from the "Photographers" are helping me learn my editing software to a new level. Thanks..


Removing the branches took time, no real technique. The Trash Can and recreating a tomb Stone was more challenging..thanks for suggestions and examples...

And I "Thought" I would share a technique !! ...Oh Well..Live and learning