Tricky Image Cutout

[tymora11]

I'm a newcomer to Pdn (about a month). I'm beginning to get the hang of it, but I've run into a snag with a picture I'm trying to make. I'm using a stock photo from dA in the image, but I can't seem to get it to either go transparent the way I want, or to blend the edges without obscuring other areas of the image.

Basically, what I need to know is:

is is possible to get the image's background entirely transparent without removing the semi-transparent area?

if so, how?

and,

how can I get her edges to blend into the backdrop better? Feathering makes her fingers narrow into claw-like things at the top.

This is the image I'm trying to use, so that you hopefully will better understand what I'm talking about.

[atypicalcarl]

One tip I've stumbled onto that might help: Enlarge the image before you use the wand or feather effect. You'll get far more control over the tool and effect. Zoom in to see small areas and work on them manually, using the eraser. Feather the selection after you've deleted all want removed, then resize back to the small original size. Hope this helps.

[Ouchy_S]

Check out this tutorial my friend viewtopic.php?f=34&t=28790

[Simon Brown]

Since atypicalcat has posted a non-transparent version, i've added transparency to it.

[tymora11]

Check out this tutorial my friend viewtopic.php?f=34&t=28790

I already did.

[tymora11]

One tip I've stumbled onto that might help: Enlarge the image before you use the wand or feather effect. You'll get far more control over the tool and effect. Zoom in to see small areas and work on them manually, using the eraser. Feather the selection after you've deleted all want removed, then resize back to the small original size. Hope this helps.

I'll give this a try. By the way, the quote function tells me the URL you used to repost the image is on photobucket. It should be removed from there; the stock is limited to credit and on DA,