Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
TIP: Save a New Default
If you come up with some settings you like, click the Save As Defaults button in the
bottom-left corner of the dialog, and now it will open with your settings.
Fixing Shots with a Dull Gray Sky
Nothing ruins an outdoor shot like a dull gray sky, but luckily, in many cases, you can
save the shot by darkening the midtones a bit, and adding a blue tint or gradient to the sky.
Here's how to do both:
Step One:
Here's a shot where the sky is really blah. Not totally 100%, but close enough. Also, the
clouds are a little dark, so even if you went into Camera Raw and lowered the exposure,
those darkish clouds wouldlooklike rain clouds, andyou'dhave awhole different problem
to deal with (an underexposed photo with the rocks in the shadows). So, this technique will
work pretty well for this image. You'll start by making a selection of the sky and your first
thought might be to use the Magic Wand tool. Now, if the sky was just a flat sky with no
clouds, that would probably work out okay, but in this case (a sky with clouds), you're
much better off using the Quick Selection tool (it'll select that sky in all of 5 seconds). So,
get the Quick Selection tool
(W)
from the Toolbox, click it on the far-left side of the sky,
then drag it over to the right side, and—BAM!—it's selected (as shown here).
Note:
If it
selects too much, just Option-click (PC: Alt-click) on the area you want to remove.
