Question on Selection in PS

[Frank Gruber]

I have a question on where to select the object when the part is out of focus and more or less merged with the background.
Where should the outline of the selection be placed when there is no sharp edge?
For example the carves created by the feathers as in the posted image.

Hopefully I formulated my question good enough.

Thanks in advance!

Frank

[Don Lacy]

It depends om what you want to do with the selection and how accurate it needs to be. If you are doing selective sharpening or NR then it can be lose like you have it here.

[Glenn Pure]

I agree with Don's comments. I would also add that it depends on how much softness/edge refinement you apply to the selection. For most things, I would add some edge softening. You will need to take account of this in how far you extend your selection bearing in mind that any lighting or other adjustment will be gradual from the selection boundary. Best advice here is to try different amounts of edge softening and different selection boundaries and see what works for you. It's hard to beat experience and it will vary depending on the type of adjustment you are applying. I find that selective lighting adjustments require the most care in selections and edge softening.

[Juan Fernandez]

The best way to deal with this type of situation is using a luminosity mask. You are not selecting an edge but rather a group of enebly bright pixels. It is self-feathered. Let me know if you are not familiar with this and I can send you a link with some tutorials.

[Frank Gruber]

Thanks to all for the replies!

Juan I would be interested in the links for the tutorials.

Thanks again,

Frank

[Juan Fernandez]

Frank, here you go.
http://goodlight.us/writing/luminositymasks/luminositymasks-1.html
take the time to do it in front of your computer. It sounds complicated but after you have done a couple you realize it is a very simple (and incredibly useful) tool.
Happy shooting!

[Don Lacy]

Actually luminosity mask will not work for this type of selection they are based off of tonal values only and can not be customized for a subject that has different tonal values.

[Frank Gruber]

Don, I think you are right. What does your workflow look like when you are using luminosity masks?

[Don Lacy]

I use them to target specific tonal values without applying a global adjustment. I will use them to brighten dark areas of a scene or to darken highlights independent of each other. I often use them to add contrast or color correct in a targeted way.