Becoming proficient in Photoshop opens up all sorts of possibilities. This nice portrait of our friend Kevin Li is great example of a good image hiding in a so-so photograph. Taking the shot using spot meter provided just enough exposure on his face while leaving the background black. Framing the shot in the viewfinder so that the microphone boom is off his body makes the editing simple and easy.
Before (above)… After (below)
To accomplish this task is Photoshop Elements you simply crop close around the subject.
Then paint out the elements you don’t want in the final image using a paintbrush set to black.