Removing backgrounds from photos is a necessary but tedious process that can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with images that are not well prepared. Even legitimate pictures can require significant manual or semi-manual correction. By the way, if you want to get great results in just a few clicks, you should try the AI Background Eraser in the Luminar Neo photo editor.

Therefore, it is critical to pay attention to image preparation to minimize the time and effort required for background removal. Neglecting this crucial step can result in a time-consuming and frustrating editing process. By following some tips, you can easily, quickly, and accurately remove backgrounds from your photos without getting into trouble.

Why Remove the Backdrop From Images?

While backgrounds can be an important part of many images, removing them can often lead to more visually striking and impactful results. Instead of providing context, eliminating the backdrop can create a sense of focus and emphasis on the subject, making it more visually compelling. So, the main element of the composition can stand out and the image can become more versatile, making it easier to use in different contexts.

While some images rely heavily on their backgrounds, in many cases the removal of the backdrop can take a good photo and turn it into something truly exceptional. There are various purposes for which you can use the Background Eraser tool in different photo editors:

• One of the most important ones is to enhance the visual appeal of the image by isolating the subject from its surroundings. This is particularly useful in product photography, where the item needs to be presented cleanly and professionally.
• In addition, you can simplify the picture, making it easier to focus on the main subject and giving you more flexibility to use the image in different designs.
• Removing the background can also help you blend the model into different backgrounds or create a new composite photo. Regardless of the purpose, removing the backdrop from a picture can greatly improve its overall quality and impact.

You may have captured a spontaneous moment of your significant other strolling down the street with a big smile on their face, only to notice an unsightly telephone pole in the background that appears to be sticking out of their head. Or you may have taken a serene snapshot of your children building a sandcastle on the beach, only to spot the gaze of a stranger in the background, potentially detracting from the beauty of the image.

These types of unwanted elements in a photo can be distracting and diminish the overall impact of an otherwise great shot. You can fix the situation manually, or simply use the Remove Background AI tools.

General Tips for Removing Background From Picture

To achieve the best results, it is important to prepare your photo for background removal. Here are some steps to follow:

• Start by choosing a high-resolution photo that is clear and has good lighting. The better the quality of the picture, the easier it will be to eliminate the backdrop.
• Use a selection tool, such as a lasso or magic wand, to mark the subject in the photo. Ensure the selection is as accurate as possible, as any missed areas will result in a poorly edited image.
• Refine the selection to make sure all edges are smooth and all areas that should be included in the selection are included.
• Look closely at the photo for any imperfections that could cause problems when removing the background, such as stray hairs or reflections.
• Save the file in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or TIFF, to ensure that the backdrop can be easily deleted.

Which photo editor should I use to get the best results? If you do not want to spend money on Photoshop and do not have enough time, then of course AI-based software like Luminar Neo is the best choice. Another completely free option is GIMP. This is a popular free and open-source image editing software that provides various tools for editing and enhancing images. One of its features is the GIMP Background Eraser tool.

It all depends on the amount of time you are willing to spend on image editing and the quality of the result you want. Professional photographers increasingly recommend AI photo editors. You should also take care of some more nuances to make the result more realistic.

Lighting Conditions

It’s important to have high contrast between the foreground and backdrop. Low light can make it difficult to accurately select the subject, resulting in incomplete or messy background removal. That’s why it’s essential to make sure the photo is taken under optimal lighting conditions to achieve the necessary contrast between the subject and its surroundings.

Avoid Shadows

It’s best to minimize or avoid any shadows or reflections that may appear in the image. These elements can be misleading and potentially interpreted as part of the foreground, leading to inaccuracies in the final result. Shadows and reflections can distort the shape and size of the subject.

Clear Foreground

If the foreground or edges are blurry, it can cause inaccuracies during the background removal process, which may result in some blurry areas being removed by mistake. It’s important to remember that any blur in the original image will be present in the final result. That said, Luminar Neo’s Background Remover AI tool can handle the most complex tasks with no imperfections.

The Main Object

Be aware of the positioning of any objects being held or carried by the model. To aid in the background removal process, it’s helpful to photograph the subject against a smooth, uniform background, such as a photo studio, wall, or floor. This will allow you to see the shape and outline of the element you want to separate from the backdrop. This allows you to select and remove the background while ensuring that the subject and any accompanying objects remain intact.