Adjusting BlownOut Sky

[mdbassman]

http://www.pbase.com/mdbassman/image/78245951

I would like to darken the blown out sky in the above image. Can anyone provide some steps to accomplishing this without modifying the rest of the image?
Appreciate any advice.
Dan

I am using PSE 3.0

[NYBOB1]

Hi Dan,here (http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=222) is a very easy method if you have Grant's tools installed.

Bob

[Buffalo Tony]

you could try replacing the sky like this but then you might want to work on the reflection

[EJB]

Two minutes work...I deleted the old sky and inserted a new one.
The edges of the trees require more time
The replacement sky needs to be very mild so as not to contrast against the reflection in the water.
HTH:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/EJB986/th_Newsky.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/EJB986/Newsky.jpg)

[TonyW]

Dan: Lots of ways to do it but a quick one is to use a Fill Layer with Gradient selected and the Blend Mode of the layer set to darken. Apply a Blue to Transparent gradient and Adjust the Opacity stop to suit the picture - you can also drop the opacity of the layer down some. Here's what the layers look like:

1030

And the end result. There are more complex ways but this is quick and easy and usually works OK. If you don't like the blue you can just edit the gradient fill layer.

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/19p0x7qzdzl7KSPiGo6Ssc9aflrrlS0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=19p0x7qzdzl7KSPiGo6Ssc9aflrrlS0)

Tony

[Daviskw]

Hi there

All good advice above... many methods to try

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1zSyhYDD7efh1mb1nzOc10BbBoe0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zSyhYDD7efh1mb1nzOc10BbBoe0)

Grants tools using the selective color to change whites to cyans

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1uYkxjrJ3hNrwJn30nhi6eeWmg77Z51_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1uYkxjrJ3hNrwJn30nhi6eeWmg77Z51)

Total sky replacement using the selection tool of choice

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1zIcb8RqDyGaK56RLOh4y81gKk5mD1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zIcb8RqDyGaK56RLOh4y81gKk5mD1)

Overlaying a sky then changing layermode to darken... masking or erasing what is not needed.

Three quickies above... just remember if you change the sky you should reflect the changes in the water as well.

Butch

[JulieM]

Just want to say that it is a great photo! Hope you get the sky the way you want...

[kroberts]

Dan,

The photo is beautiful, even with the sky as it is!:) Looks like there are several good options to choose from to replace the sky though.

[mdbassman]

I am overwhelmed with the fine response here. I guess I magnified a simple "fix".
Thank you everyone for your input. The "adjusted" images are fantastic!! Now I will work on the image. I do not have the addtl tools recommended so I will have to work within PSE.
Thanks again!
Dan

[mdbassman]

Hi there

All good advice above... many methods to try

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1zSyhYDD7efh1mb1nzOc10BbBoe0_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zSyhYDD7efh1mb1nzOc10BbBoe0)

Grants tools using the selective color to change whites to cyans

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1uYkxjrJ3hNrwJn30nhi6eeWmg77Z51_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1uYkxjrJ3hNrwJn30nhi6eeWmg77Z51)


Total sky replacement using the selection tool of choice

http://www.pixentral.com/hosted/1zIcb8RqDyGaK56RLOh4y81gKk5mD1_thumb.jpg (http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?picture=1zIcb8RqDyGaK56RLOh4y81gKk5mD1)

Overlaying a sky then changing layermode to darken... masking or erasing what is not needed.

Three quickies above... just remember if you change the sky you should reflect the changes in the water as well.

Butch

Remarkable work here Butch! Is the workflow involved? "Quickies"???? For you maybe Butch!! There is nothing simple for me! Was the sky from another image?
Appreciate your advice and input! Well done
Dan

[mdbassman]

I tried a "google" on Grants tools but couldn't find it> Help??
Dan

[kroberts]

This thread (http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showpost.php?p=181276&postcount=2) gives more info and the download link.

Hope that helps!