Cropping images

Hi people.

I am trying out some things on Photoshop 6 and I wonder about the best way to crop images neatly?

The following image is an example I want to work on :



What is the best way to cut out everything except for the following (I am so sorry for the crudeness of the cutout!), but neatly so that it actually looking like it was simply shot on a white background and originally shaped like so :

Use the lasso tool for the machine-thingie on the right.
Use the pentool / elliptic marquee tool for the round thingie on the left.

(random tip: holding SHIFT down while selecting adds to the potentially existing selection)

Cool a vinyl lathe.... what are you going to do with that picture?

thanks Paavo

i am just playing with it marble

respects for knowing what it is ;)

Originally posted by PaavoPerkele
Use the lasso tool for the machine-thingie on the right.
Use the pentool / elliptic marquee tool for the round thingie on the left.

(random tip: holding SHIFT down while selecting adds to the potentially existing selection)

i know its hard to explain when i'm not there, but maybe you could go into more detail?

i mean, on what parts should i use the elliptic and how?

i just cut out the machine with the lasso tool and thats fine, a bit jagged in places because of my hand but thats probably down to not being used to it.

i tried using the elliptic tool before but i couldn't get it to the exact shape and angle of the record, i was gonna do that and then select "inverse" then use the eraser....

If you don't have immaculate mouse control and you don't have a graphics tablet, use the pen tool to make a path, then right click and choose "make selection" or whatever.

The pen tool will give you greater precision and lets you make perfect curves.