new to program and very frustrated.

[dijt77]

This is the first "photo" program I have ever used and I am getting very frustrated :( Can someone please explain layers to me. I know this is probably a very basic part of the program, but I just can't figure it out. I have gone to the help section...and still don't understand how it works.

I also need some general suggestions on how to get rid of unwanted items in the background.

Thanks for your help!
di

[Mary]

Welcome to the forum - I think most of us here issued those same words when we started!!

There is a great intro to layers in the Tutorial section of our site. http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/walkthrough/learningcenter.php

I found it a good place to introduce myself to layers. Let us know how you get on with that and someone here will fill in any blanks you still have.
:)

[MikeH]

Hi di...

Programs like Elements can be daunting or frustrating when you first use them but with patience, practice and as much help as you want from here :) you'll soon get the hang of using it.

Layers isn't a very basic part of the program... actually it is an important feature in Photoshop but one that you can master without too much difficulty. The tutorials that Mary posted are a good start, there is also a video tutorial on layers under Video Tips in the public area:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/videotips/

There are several ways that you can remove unwanted objects from backgrounds - it really depends on the photo.

For example, take an object that is distracting and you want to remove it but keep the remainder of the photo. You can use the clone tool to copy small areas of the picture and use them to replace the object.

Or... you might want to remove the background altogether and replace it with something else. In which case by using one of the selection tools you can select the background, remove it and then put another one in it's place.

Do you have an example of what you want to remove?

Mike

[Wendy]

Di,

If you want to post an image so that we can see it then if you don't have webspace of your own you can always use Pixentral:

First use Save for web to save a copy of your image (File>Save for Web)
There is a box on the right hand side where it says New Size. Make the longest size 750 pixels and the other side will be done automatically
Make sure that the preset box (right at the top) is set to jpg.
Then use the quality slide to reduce the image to around 200 K (you will the size under your image at the bottom of the screen)
Save it with anothe name.

Here is a screen shot to help you:

http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?pic=1nYbZRHtg4wW7QaJztfby6CZqLsDs0

Now go to the Pixentral site and follow the instructions ... don't forget to copy the URL so that you can post it here. The URL is just above your image when you have uploaded it to the site :)

It sounds much more complicated than it really is:

http://www.pixentral.com

Wendy

[dijt77]

Thanks so much for the suggestions!! I will visit both of the sites that were suggested. I will post a pict in a few days.

Mike, I figured out how to remove the background, but how do I find something to replace it with?

Thanks!!
Di

[MikeH]

Di,

Can you tell me about the picture and what you are trying to do..?

Mike

[Wendy]

Di,

If you are looking for a portrait background ... then here is a link to a mini tutorial a wrote a while back:

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1872


Wendy