[Snowyowl]

On several occasions I've tried to improve the background in a picture (using PS7) and always find it very tough to do. I use the magnetic lasso to outline the subject, Invert the selection, then use Gaussian Blur. I find it difficult to accurately follow the edges of the subject and tend to chop off small pieces like feathers that stick out or the edges of petals. The attached is one of my more successful efforts but I would like to hear how other people approach the job. Are there some tips or techniques that would make things easier or is my way completely wrong? Changing the brightness of a sky is a similar problem for me, I usually end up with a thin band separating earth and sky. I've seen the results that other people get and they are impressive. I don't do these tasks very often but there are times when it would be really useful.