How to Create Custom Photo Booth Backdrops

Hello jeffmdeen

I don't have any iNtel Mac, so I verify try this, but, if you don't get better help here, try using an image editor app like PhotoShop or PhotoShop Elements to open or create the image you want to use.

Make any desired changes and cut out the openings wherever you want.

Then use the File > Save As menu to save the file as a "transparent" GIF or PNG file. See Help in your image editor software If you need details instructions for saving the "transparent" file.

EZ Jim

PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

Disregard my post above, jeffmdeen

I have been doing some more checking and found that my first idea is useless for what you want to do. (Thanks to Ralph Johns for setting me on the right course!)

Creating custom effects and backdrops is done via Quartz Composer.

BTW, to use your eyes and mouth in another picture, you want to use an "effect" rather than a "backdrop." A backdrop puts YOU in FRONT of the picture rather than behind it looking through the transparent parts.

From this Apple Discussions thread, I found the detailed instructions Jan Riggert offers on his site. (Kudos, Jan!)

To try your hand at creating your own effects, install Quartz Composer from your Leopard install DVD if you have not already done so, and give it a go.

EZ Jim

PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

You're welcome.

Thanks for letting us know.

Jim

You can also do this in Preview,

Choose Instant Alpha from the Select menu on the toolbar and click and drag in the area of the background you wish to remove.
Use the Extract Shape tool to select a specific area of the image to keep, automatically excluding the rest.
Open Preview, select Help from the menu on top of your screen and have a look at the new features.