How would you extract this image from the background?

[ugeb318]

I've searched and watched videos on the subject, but nothing I've encountered works.  I have a bunch of images similar to this where I have to extract the item from the background.  Because of the similar tones in the background and product, edge detection via magic wand and quick selection seems to be difficult for Photoshop.  I've tried image->calculations with various parameters, but rarely get anything useful for extraction.

Sometimes the item will have a little color, but even with select->color range it still doesn't select things as I hope.  The only foolproof method I've  used is just outlining with the polygonal lasso, but it's very tedious and time-consuming.  I'm using Photoshop CS6.

How should I go about extracting a clean image?  What techniques might I be missing?

I can provide another couple samples if helpful.

Thanks!

[davescm · Accepted solution]

With a shape like that it is the pen tool every time.

Create a path then double click on the mask icon in the paths panel to create a vector mask

Draw with Pen tools in Photoshop

Dave

[ugeb318]

You did a great (and fast) job of extracting that!  I can definitely see the benefit over the polygonal lasso since you can modify the handles.  I guess I can't get rid of all the tedium, huh?

Thanks for the help!

[davescm]

You're welcome.

The pen tool takes a bit of practice but is well worth the effort for the return it gives you in very quickly drawing smooth curved paths and making sharp masks.

Dave

[Trevor.Dennis]

Forum regular Michael Hoffman has an excellent series of tutorials on using the Pen tool.  There are five parts. The other parts will show in the side bar from the first one below.

This graphic might also help:

Good luck, and have fun.

[ugeb318]

Great, thank you for pointing to those tutorials.  I'm definitely checking them out.