Replace a Dull Sky - How to quick Tip

The most beautiful outdoor photo may look dull because of the overcast sky. In this quick tip I will show you how to improve the photo  by simply replacing the problem area.

First, let’s open the original photo in Photoshop or other software that will create layers.... I’m going to use an image I made of CityCenter in Las Vegas of Aria Resort Casino and Veer Towers on a rainy day. Make a copy background layer so no damage is done to the pixels on the original image.

 

 Veer Towers are twin 37-story condominium towers with the towers leaning in opposite directions

Now, in Photoshop go to Select » Color Range and click the sky near the top to sample a color, in this case the dull grey area. Set the Fuzziness level to 85 and press Ok.  Marching ants will select the area to be replaced

 

Invert selection ...notice black replaces the white sky

Load the sky picture you’d like to use in Photoshop. I will use a sky image from my library. Press Ctrl+A  (alt+A on PC) to select all, and Ctrl+C (alt+C on PC) to copy selected area. Then, switch back to our original image, and go to Edit » Paste Special » Paste Into. Name the new layer Sky.

Let’s adjust our new sky, so it would match the original image a little better. Go to Layer » New Adjustment Layer , Curves and add a new adjustment layer. Make sure you check the Use Previous Layer to Create Clipping Mask box. Adjust the curve as on the image above.

For a more dramatic look you can play with different skies to create a totally different effect....such as a sunset.....

Which image do you like better...please leave your comments below...

©2011 David Zanzinger, all rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means and imposes fines for violation. Call 310-980-5156 for assignments, licensing and more information. Thank you very much 

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JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE

©2010 David Zanzinger, all rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means and imposes fines for violation. Call 310-980-5156 for assignments, licensing and more information. Thank you very much. david@zanzinger.com

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©2010 David Zanzinger, all rights reserved. Federal copyright law prohibits unauthorized reproduction by any means and imposes fines for violation. Call 310-980-5156 for assignments, licensing and more information. Thank you very much. david@zanzinger.com