How I Use Photoshop’s AI Generative Fill to Change Photo Backgrounds

Introduction

In the world of photography and editing, finding the right background can make or break an image. Thanks to Adobe Photoshop's AI-powered generative fill feature, swapping out backgrounds has never been easier. This tool has become an essential part of my editing process, particularly for my car photos. Here’s a walkthrough of how I use generative fill to transform a simple iPhone photo of my truck into a captivating image.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Image Adjustment

Initially, I start by adjusting the raw image to correct the overall brightness and color. In the Camera Raw window, I usually enhance the shadows and tweak the color cast to achieve a balanced look.

2. Making a Selection

The most straightforward way to make a selection in Photoshop is to use the Select Subject button. Photoshop does a commendable job detecting edges, although some areas may need fine-tuning. In my example, the front wheel and bumper were missed.

For a more precise selection, I turn to the Pen Tool, which allows for easy tracing of curves. After creating a closed path, I right-click to choose Make Selection. If Photoshop overshoots any parts of the background, I can hold the ALT key to subtract from the selection, or choose the option when converting the path.

Once the subject is entirely selected, I make sure to hold Shift to add any needed areas, tracing carefully to avoid including parts of the background.

3. Copy the Selection

With the foreground accurately selected, I go to Edit and then Copy to save a snapshot of the selection since we will be replacing the background.

4. Background Replacement

To replace the background, I invert the selection using the Select menu or the shortcut icon. Then, I use the Generative Fill prompt to insert a new scenery, thinking of something like "snowcapped mountains with a lake."

While some generated results are impressive, I often generate several options for comparison. Occasionally, the edges of the AI-generated image may have unwanted artifacts, which can be a common issue.

5. Fine-tuning Edges

To enhance the image's integrity, I remove the subject entirely from the scene. This involves creating a merged copy of the original image using the shortcut Command + ALT + Shift + E (or Control + ALT + Shift + E on Windows).

I then draw a selection around the blank area and use Generative Fill without a prompt to regenerate the area. Often, the AI fills in with trees or bushes, and I may find a clean variant after a few tries.

6. Pasting the Subject Back

After filling in the background, I paste the previously copied subject back in place using Object > Paste Special > Paste in Place. This ensures that the subject maintains crisp edges.

If faint outlines remain, I utilize the Layer Matting options to clean these up by entering a value of just one pixel. This refinement keeps the image looking professional.

7. Comparing AI to Stock Images

You may wonder why I don’t just paste a stock image into the background. The benefit of using AI-generated backgrounds is that Photoshop automatically aligns color grading, perspective, and lighting to ensure cohesion in the image, saving extra steps normally required to match separate stock images.

8. Hiding Artifacts

Even in a perfect merge, low-resolution artifacts can arise at times. To help disguise this, I apply a faux lens blur and depth of field effect. I merge the latest generative fill layer with the underlying merged copy and then go to Filter > Blur Gallery and select Tilt Shift to align focus on the subject.

By adjusting the blurriness, I can create a subtle effect that softens any low-resolution artifacts present in the generated background.

9. Final Touches

A final merge of the layers leads to the use of the Camera Raw Filter for any last tweaks to brightness, color, and contrast. A subtle vignette helps tie the background and subject together seamlessly.

Conclusion

What started as a simple iPhone photo in a car park has transformed into an impressive, wallpaper-worthy image thanks to Photoshop's AI generative fill. These steps illustrate how efficiently the AI can enhance photography, making it a go-to tool for any photographer looking to elevate their images.

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Keywords

• Photoshop
• AI Generative Fill
• Background Swap
• Image Editing
• Photography
• Selection Tool
• Camera Raw
• Blurriness
• Depth of Field

FAQ

Q: What is Photoshop’s AI Generative Fill?
A: It is a feature in Photoshop that uses artificial intelligence to help users fill areas of an image with generated content, such as backgrounds or objects.

Q: Why should I use generative fill instead of stock images?
A: Generative fill automatically aligns color grading, perspective, and lighting for a more cohesive image, eliminating the need for meticulous adjustments often needed with separate stock images.

Q: What if the AI-generated edges look blurry?
A: You can refine edges by removing the subject temporarily, using generative fill to regenerate the area, and then pasting the subject back with crisp edges.

Q: How do I make precise selections?
A: The best methods are using the Pen Tool for curved edges or the Lasso Tool to add or subtract from your selection as necessary.

Q: Can I improve the overall quality of the AI-generated backgrounds?
A: Yes, applying faux lens blur and depth of field effects can help disguise any low-resolution artifacts present in the background.