Refine Edge help and suggestions?

[Rufkraft]

Greetings out there in Guru land,

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on a refine edge/mask. I have a project which requires masking of a bunch of piles of dirt..yes, dirt. I basically need to make the edge as clean as possible for the images will be transferred onto a black background. I have been through it a few times and can't seem to get it right. I've watched tutorials with people using refine edge for hair and such but it hasn't stuck.

Does anyone have a preference on a tutorial video that explains refine edge and the use of smart radius? Or can someone direct me to a past thread on the matter? Or possible just help out on the thread? Any help is greatly appreciated! I've attached an image as to get an idea what i'm working with. This dirt has worms in it.

Thanks!!!

 

[Rufkraft]

I guess my main question is after selecting the dirt and applying a mask what steps do i need to take to remove the white, just the white background, without affecting the similarly colored, off white pixels in the soil? Thanks!

 

[gedstar]

Hi Rufkraft

I think using the Color Range option would be a better way to go


http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/selections/color-range/

 

[dv8_fx]

You can also try using either levels or threshold (or both) to create a selection mask ..... https://www.photoshopgurus.com/foru...djustments-post1533711047.html#post1533711047

 

[Rufkraft]

Awesome. Used levels to make a selection then modify>contract&feather with a little brush editing. Thanks @dv8_fx! The color range is new to me and looks like a lot of fun. Thanks @gedstar! Here are my results:My next one to work on! Whoo!

PSG rocks!

 

[Rufkraft]

So my workflow for these projects today:

1Duplicate x2
2:Levels
3:Threshold
4:color range>apply selection
5:modify>contract
6:clean up mask with sponge brush
7:Repeat

Thanks again for the help! Cheers!