Basic Chroma Key Technique in Photoshop
   
 
Getting Started
  The most important aspect of a successful Chroma Key is an evenly lit background. As I've mentioned, the most common Chroma Key backgrounds are a very bold, dark blue or a hideous green - as seen below. There are a ton of these available from various makers. If you really want one, take a look at eBay...
 
   
 
Having said that, since we're NOT working in video, I'm going to use a slight variation on the theme. The image I have selected is NOT in front of a blue or green screen, but rather was photographed on "Thunder Gray" seamless background paper. I chose this image for a couple of reasons, but suffice it to say, we'll cut out the "Thunder Gary" and make the background "chroma-key friendly" before we start. For the record, the camera original was 4X5 inch Kodak Ektachrome 100 Plus (EPP).
  You'll note that the background is pretty evenly lit, not perfect, but pretty even. When shooting for Chroma Key, try to use a background that has different color values than your subject, and keep the illumination as even as possible - especially behind the subject.
   
 
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