adding canvas

Could somebody please tell me how to add canvas to a picture? I am using Photoshop Elements 5. There have been many times when a flying bird ends up too far to one side of the frame. It would be so helpful to add more canvas to give more room for a bird to fly in to. I have read all the help and instructions and I don't seem to get it. Thanks.

Use the crop tool. Extend it from the corner to add the amount you want. Then use the stamp tool to fill in the added space with background that matches the adjacent area. Utube seems to have videos to teach how to use these tools. My solution may not be the most expedient bot it works for me.

I use PSE6 and here is how I usually do it if the background is clean. This assumes you have excess canvas opposite the side that is too close.

1) duplicate the base layer of the image
2) use the drag tool to move the new layer away from the edge where you want the added canvas.
3) use a soft eraser tool to blend the new layer onto the one below
4) if you still need more space then duplicate the new layer with the soft edge and move it a bit further
5) repeat until you have the space that you want
6) flatten the image
7) if necessary do some more cloning to touch up

It may not be elegant but it works.

Thanks Patrick and Dan for your assistance. I will give these methods a try.

I did it! Thanks again.

If anyone else if having issues, there's a step by step with pictures in this thread. It's older, so it's Element 4, but the basic steps are the same.