is this the effect you are looking for?
[img:9464d201d6]http://www.i-ll-i.com/temp/peoplewithnobackground.jpg[/img:9464d201d6]
Photoshop: First, make sure you are NOT using the 'block' shape as erazor - use a smooth brush - as this will antialias the edges as you erase - a 'block' [i:9464d201d6]won't[/i:9464d201d6]!
But, instead of erasing the background - I would advise you to:
> create a new (blank) layer
> select the brush drawing tool. select a nice contrasting colour.
> now draw around the figures on your new layer - till you fill in all the unwanted space[size=16:9464d201d6]*[/size:9464d201d6]. (can select and fill the large areas)
> when the unwanted area is all covered with one flat colour - on your new layer, remember - hold 'Ctrl' down and left click on the layer rectangle in the LAYER PALETTE! this will select the content of your layer - not the whole canvas area.
> now go back to your layer with all the people on it - and hit the delete key.
> untick or delete the layer you were 'drawing-masking' the bg... and you are ready to go!
Hope this makes sense - otherwise - ask again
[size=16:9464d201d6]* [/size:9464d201d6]you can also select it using the polygonal lasso tool - but I often prefer the drawing method. Also, when using the lasso - make sure you have 'antialias' switched on - in the tool options bar, right under the menubar.
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