CS2 clone stamp question

[LCPete]

Hi how do you get a decent result using the cloning tool in CS2 with difficult backgrounds
I've had a go with the crow in this shot using the clonestamp and healing brush its not bad but its still obvious where its been done, esp if I zoom in
I would like to get a large print done of this shot but I think that the cloned area will show
Is it possible to get better than this or am I too fussy

Before

after my attempt at cloning

 

[Terrywoodenpic]

You can always do it better, However there come a time where only you will notice it, as you know where to look.
I doubt any one will know you have done any thing to your shot, even with a large print.

 

[Scarecrow]

I'd say that was a fairly easy background for cloning purposes - it's an OOF green blob. Cloning is much more difficult when the background has any sort of definition.

Looking at your cloned picture, I'd say that it's difficult to see where you have cloned the crow out, and that it would be impossible if the original picture wasn't there for comparison.

 

[LCPete]

Thanks very much guys it does look like I was being overcritical of my attempt
Pete

 

[Simmotino]

As others have already said, there's not a lot wrong with the original effort.

I always find the longer you take the better it looks. I have shots I've taken ages cloning out stuff with, only to get bored half way through and you can see which bits I did first!

Using a small brush with a decent feather on it will give the better results I find, especially on backgrounds such as yours.

 

[Edsport]

There is another way you can do it. Make a copy of your image and have both open in photoshop, select part of the background and copy it, go to other image and paste then move it on top of the crow.

 

[LCPete]

As others have already said, there's not a lot wrong with the original effort.

I always find the longer you take the better it looks. I have shots I've taken ages cloning out stuff with, only to get bored half way through and you can see which bits I did first!

Using a small brush with a decent feather on it will give the better results I find, especially on backgrounds such as yours.

Thanks Simmotino I did not realise about using a feather on the brush I've just had a go and see what you mean .Still learning photoshop , I was having to go over it with the healing brush :bonk:
Pete

 

[AR101]

Just make sure the brush is soft and large I would say. What you did looked ok to me, although it was a tad sharper and more blotchy (rather than creamy) than the surrounding area.

Another tool to perhaps try out would be the healing brush tool.

To be honest, you have the right idea already, these things do just take practise to make look natural