Description
Photo Extractions Photoshop Elements: Selections and Masking (1)
Photo Extractions Photoshop Elements: Selections and Masking (1) | 2 Session Recordings | Adobe Photoshop Elements
Photo extractions in Photoshop Elements open up a whole new level of creative possibility — and this is where that process begins.
Part 1 is the first class in this multi-part workshop, designed to give you a solid, confident foundation in selections, masking, and extractions in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023. Specifically, across two sessions, you will explore the mindset behind good extractions, master the key selection tools available in Elements, and discover how to work with masks in ways that bring your digital scrapbooking and photo artistry pages to life.
As a result, by the end of Part 1, you will have the core skills and the confidence to move forward into more advanced extraction work.
Note: This class is conducted in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023. Register for the Adobe Photoshop CC version here.
Session 1: Selections and Masking Foundations
First, you will build a clear understanding of how selections work — and how to use them with purpose in Photoshop Elements. Rather than jumping straight into tools, this session starts with the mindset behind good photo extractions, so that everything else falls into place more naturally. Specifically, Session 1 covers:
- An introduction to photo extractions and the right mindset for creating them
- Understanding selections — what they are and how they work
- How to create and move selections, and convert them into masks
- Different methods for adding, subtracting, and intersecting selections
- Guidance for using the Refine Edge panel for cleaner results
- Multiple ways to test your selections before committing to them
- Mastering the selection options in the Tools Panel for better extractions
- When and how to use the Marquee, Lasso, Polygonal, Magnetic, and Magic Wand tools
- Adding and removing segments, plus how to close a selection cleanly
- Useful shortcuts to speed up your process from the very first session
Session 2: Advanced Selection Methods and Guided Edits
Building on Session 1, you will then explore a wider range of selection methods — including some of the most useful tools in Photoshop Elements that are often overlooked. In addition to further shortcuts and creative applications, this session covers:
- Guidance for using the Smart Brush Tools effectively
- How to save, load, modify, and copy selections for a more flexible workflow
- Using Grow and Similar — two underrated tools for faster, more efficient selections
- Making selections using the Perfect Landscape and Change Background guided edits
- Tips and tricks for better extractions using Select Subject
- Using Guided Edits to create artsy backgrounds for your digital scrapbook pages
- How to bring in Transform tools, Blending Modes, Adjustment Layers, and Masking to enhance your extractions
- Further shortcuts to make your extraction process faster and more efficient
What Is Included in this photo extraction in this Photoshop Elements class
- 2 class session video recordings of 1.5 hours each — recorded via Zoom and ready to download in MP4 format
- Watch on your computer using any media player, or load into iTunes for viewing on smart devices
- Step-by-step demos of all tools and methods in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2023
- A wide range of digital scrapbook and photo artistry examples to support every guided approach
- 13-page written course notes in PDF format — available before the class begins
Ready to Start Your Photo Extractions in Photoshop Elements?
Every confident extraction begins with a strong foundation. Consequently, the skills and methods you build in this class will support everything that follows — in Part 2 and in every page you create from here on out.
Recommended Resources:
- Photo Extractions Photoshop Elements: Selections and Masking (2)
- Digital Scrapbooking Products by Anna Aspnes Designs
- Start Digital Scrapbook Classes: Which Classes Should You Take First?
Photo extractions in Photoshop Elements change the way you see every image in your collection. However, that shift starts here — with the right tools, the right mindset, and a clear step-by-step process. Let’s make the magic happen.
Joann Dietrich –
that was a lot to take in but one thing I wish is that you would have supplied the photos that you used to extract so that we could practice with.
Anna Aspnes –
These are now part of the class materials. A mix of my photos and links to resources to avoid any copyright infringement. Thanks for the feedback. It matters 🙂
Maggie Tyler (verified owner) –
I completed Part One and am watching Part Two now. When you showed how to use the Smart Brush, I realized I had never used that tool. Thanks for all the suggestions on what to do with that tool. It was very helpful and I have used it several times and am having a lot of fun with it. Great information!
Anna Aspnes –
Love to hear this Maggie. There is nothing better than being able to use what you learn to improve your pages 🙂
nicklen (verified owner) –
I agree with Maggie, I also had never used the smart tool before and I had fun playing with it. I felt that you described all of the tools very well and some new interesting ways to use them to create masks. I have did a lot of extractions over the years and have found my favorite way but it is good to see other options. I learned a few new tips as well, I wish that you would have gone into the refine brush for extracting hair a bit more but you said that you would cover that more in the next class. Overall a very good class
Anna Aspnes –
Always looking for new ways to wield the tools in Photoshop and Elements to the artistry. And yes! I will be doing a deep dive into the different options for dealing with fur and hair in Part 1 of this series.
Lori Smith (verified owner) –
Like many people with various software, I used PSE and extractions in a way that suited my scrapping. Anna covered the basics and also filled gaps in my knowledge so now I have a broader understanding of how and when to use the tools. Great class!
Anna Aspnes –
Always love to get a thumbs up from my resident PSE guru. Excited now to share the next part in the series 🙂
Janet Niles (verified owner) –
Another great class, Anna. I have been doing digital scrapbooking for quite some time but was always a little insecure when it came to extracting. I did it but not with all the knowledge you have given us. I was amazed with all the various ways in which we can extract. Thanks again, for a great resource.
Anna Aspnes –
And there is still MORE to come if you can believe it. We start with the basics and move on from there 🙂
Melissa Thompson (verified owner) –
Very helpful. Found out the main reason I found extractions problematic was I wasn’t using all the tools correctly. Case in point was the elliptical marquee. A lot harder to manage when you’re not using the shift key. Going through both classes again to now to find out what other gems I may have bee missing. Looking forward to the next series
Anna Aspnes –
The details matter. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Teresa Schwartz (verified owner) –
Haven’t yet had a chance to view the videos, but I see you’ve made some additions. I’m hoping to get to it this weekend and I know it will be great. Thanks for all you do.
Anna Aspnes –
I hope you enjoy the class. Looking forward to hearing what you think!
Priscilla Stewart (verified owner) –
I saw this class live but plan to rewatch it. I’ve scrapbooked for many years but never knew about the smart brush. I can’t wait to try it out. Love all the new (to me) info. Can’t wait for the next class
Anna Aspnes –
Repetition deepens the impression 🙂
jessie.trotter (verified owner) –
I’ve kind of been out of touch with my scrapbooking lately and was having to re-learn some techniques. This was a great review of things I used to know, but there was so much more that I didn’t realize was available. Thanks for the detailed coverage of those tools. Looking forward to see what happens in the the next class!
Anna Aspnes –
There is nothing quite like a class to kickstart that spark. So glad the class has inspired you.
Maggie Tyler (verified owner) –
I watched both sessions and followed along with everything you did. It takes me a lot longer to go through the videos, but by practicing while you are teaching helps me learn the skill sets and try out new things. I have made several pages using many of the techniques you taught. Just like you do not like the Refine Edge, I have never liked the Lasso Tool. I always felt I did not have enough control using it. I have decided to practice using it and have gotten a little better, but I still don’t like it. Thanks so much for all the good information that I have put to good use!
Anna Aspnes –
There are so many tools in Photoshop and I love that you are trying them all with an open mind to find what works best for you.
Nancy Peralta (verified owner) –
Extractions class was fantastic. Now to try out and practice the techniques. You certainly put an exorbitant amount of time
Into this class. Thank you so Much. I learned a lot especially how to use the Lasso Tool for extractions. I loved how you summed it all up in Class 3 today. I really enjoyed learning how to use the hair brushes on my dogs and make whiskers for my cat. I am enjoying trying those out!
Loved your layouts. Overall the class was fantastic and I learned so much. I am practicing the techniques and they are working. I had no idea how much the selection tools did.
Anna Aspnes (verified owner) –
Happy you enjoyed Nancy and I can’t wait to see what you create 🙂
Mingo08 (verified owner) –
I’ve been using PSE for about seven years, but even in the first session of this class, I’ve learned so many things about simply using PSE more efficiently. I’m already making better, cleaner, extractions using the tools I’ve learned thus far. Anna does an excellent job presenting the material and giving her class an “honest” take on what works for her and why you should try the various tools she presents.
I’ve been taking “bite-sized” chunks of the sessions, then using what I’ve learned and reviewing the bits that needed some more processing. I’ve also put some specific photos aside for using during the class demonstrations. This gives me a place to look for something similar on which to try the techniques. My extractions are taking about 20% of the time they used to take – and I’ve not finished both sessions yet!
I highly recommend this class – and I’m looking forward to working through the second PSE extractions class as well.