An easy way to correct a distracting background in Photoshop is to just replace it with a solid color and then add a little grain for a more realistic look. Adding grain is simple using Photoshop's Grain Filter.
- In Photoshop open your image and change your distracting background to a solid color. This can be done several different ways;
- select the background, use the Brush tool and paint over the old background,
- or Erase away the old background,
- or use the Replace Color function, Image > Adjustments > Replace Color,
- you can use the Clone Stamp,
or try a combination of all of these things. Depending on the edge of your subject, some methods will work better then others.
- Next select your new solid background and create a new layer.
- Working in the new background layer, choose Filter > Texture > Grain.
A "Grain" pop-up window will open. Here you can play with the grain by adjusting the Intensity, Contrast and Grain type. To apply the filter simply choose the OK button and the Grain window will close.
(This view includes the subject. Normally you wouldn't want to add more grain to the subject.)
Viola new background on right. If you get ambiguous you can even add a little shadow.
