By Mike McHugh and Wayne Rankin
Can you define a perfect picture? Every photographer has his or her own ideas of what components make up a perfect picture. However, most will agree that an unwanted object, in an otherwise perfect shot, can drive many photographers crazy.
This problem can very easily be resolved using the Photoshop Elements Healing Brush. Much like the Photoshop Healing Brush in the more expensive program, the Elements Healing Brush can remove an unwanted object, such as a stranger in your family vacation shot or scratches, wrinkles and skin imperfections, with the click of the mouse.
The Healing Brush works similarly to the cloning tool, removing unwanted or imperfect objects from an image. The difference: the Healing Brush analyzes both spots and blends the character of the source spot with the area to be removed. The cloning tool would leave a stamp pattern, which is not always an optimal look.
When you examine a photo that needs an item removed, look for good areas around the unwanted object to clone. Keep in mind that if there is a complex background behind the object, the Healing Brush may not be the best method.
You may be asking yourself, "If I am cloning pixels, why not use the Cloning Tool, instead of the Healing Brush?" The reason the Healing Brush is usually a better tool is because it utilizes better information in regard to the image's texture and color, ultimately creating an overall better, non-repetitive look.
In this example shown in Figure A, the first thing we will do is remove the swimmer in the middle. Next, we will remove his reflection.
FIGURE A
You just can't have too many old men in swimsuits! (click for larger image)
To begin, first create a duplicate layer. This way, you can work on the newly created layer and compare back to original. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of the original layer, just in case you decide that you do not like the changes you have made.
Next, select the Healing Brush tool (it looks like a bandaid) and choose a large setting. To keep the proper grain going with the brush, pick the Aligned option in the Healing Brush tool bar, found at the top of Figure B.
FIGURE B
Have too many gray-haired old men in your life? Heal them away with the healing brush! (click for larger image)
Pick the source point where the tool will pick up the color and texture sampling to replace the unwanted object. To do this on a PC, simply hold down the Alt key and click. On a Mac, Option click.
The aligned option keeps the sample source moving in the same direction with the brush. If that option is not picked, the sample source will be from the one spot that is sampled with the Alt click or Option click.
As you select your source point, be sure to choose a spot on the photo where no other objects will interfere as the tool and the source move together. It is best to keep the tool very close to the cloned area, but also far enough away as to not sample any of the area that you wish to clone out.
As you can see, the Healing Brush allows users to remove unwanted people, but it can also remove unwanted wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. Practice with this tool. The more you use it, the better you will become and the more envied your photographs will be, as well!
Mike McHugh is Australia's Premier Photoshop & InDesign Trainer and co-author of the new How to Wow InDesign book. As a Certified Adobe Expert and Certified Training Provider, Mike has been partnering with Adobe for almost three years. Mike is often called upon by Adobe Systems to speak at functions and provide support for Adobe customers. Wayne Rankin is the recipient of many awards, both in print and new media, and has been published in many Australian and international publications. Wayne co-founded the Australian Graphic Design Association {AGDA) in 1988, and served as National and Victorian president for four years. He is also a member of the National School of Design's Advisory Committee at Swinburne University of Technology. For more information visit http://www.software-cinema.com.