Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Being relatively new to photoshop etc I was wanting some advice as to
the easiest method of changing a dull Sky using photoshop CS.
I have a number of quite good images that are spoilt only be a lifeless
overcast sky in the background.
A typical one might be of a bird perched in a tree with the dull sky
showing between the branches/foilage etc.
I believe their used to be a 'bucket' feature in the old photoshop
which I cannot see in the new CS version.
Although I am able to do it at present i'm not sure wether i'm using
the easiest and quickest method and would therefore welcome anyones
advice on this.
Would also appreciate if anyone knows any specific Photoshop newsgroups
etc that I can use for information.

Regards - Eos

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

> I have a number of quite good images that are spoilt only be a lifeless
> overcast sky in the background.
> A typical one might be of a bird perched in a tree with the dull sky
> showing between the branches/foilage etc.

If the sky has some cloud texture you might be able to get away with a layer
filled with a shade of blue and set to Color mode. Sometimes this works,
but not often. So...

Get (or go and take) a picture of the blue sky. The sky is not uniformly
blue, so just filling an area of a photograph with blue doesn't look at all
convincing - go and get the real thing! I have a stock of photographs all
taken at the same time at slightly different angles to the sun. I just
choose the most suitable.

Now, select the sky in your current photograph, using a bit of a feather so
soften the edges. Drop your sky photograph into the image as the top layer
and use the selection as its mask. Voila! You'll probably need to fade the
blue sky quite a bit, since the subject in a photo taken under a bright
white sky will look odd when a blue sky is placed over it. The light is
different.

> I believe their used to be a 'bucket' feature in the old photoshop
> which I cannot see in the new CS version.

That tool is there in CS, but it's just about useless for what you have in
mind.

> Would also appreciate if anyone knows any specific Photoshop newsgroups
> etc that I can use for information.

comp.graphics.apps.photoshop

--
The email address used to post is a spam pit. Contact me at
http://www.derekfountain.org : <a
href="http://www.derekfountain.org/">Derek Fountain</a>

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

> I believe their used to be a 'bucket' feature in the old photoshop
> which I cannot see in the new CS version.
>
>
Are you thinking aboat "Filters> Extract... " maby...?

Should be useable for "furry selections"

AP

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

I think what you are lookin for is with the GRADIENT Tool.
Mike
www.mikezite.co.uk

"A.P." <nobody@telenor.invalid> wrote in message
news:4249963e$1@news.broadpark.no...
> > I believe their used to be a 'bucket' feature in the old photoshop
> > which I cannot see in the new CS version.
> >
> >
> Are you thinking aboat "Filters> Extract... " maby...?
>
> Should be useable for "furry selections"
>
> AP
>
>

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

In article <1112087382.520050.270910@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com>,
"Eos" <eos9@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Being relatively new to photoshop etc I was wanting some advice as to
> the easiest method of changing a dull Sky using photoshop CS.
> I have a number of quite good images that are spoilt only be a lifeless
> overcast sky in the background.
> A typical one might be of a bird perched in a tree with the dull sky
> showing between the branches/foilage etc.
> I believe their used to be a 'bucket' feature in the old photoshop
> which I cannot see in the new CS version.
> Although I am able to do it at present i'm not sure wether i'm using
> the easiest and quickest method and would therefore welcome anyones
> advice on this.
> Would also appreciate if anyone knows any specific Photoshop newsgroups
> etc that I can use for information.
>
The Magic Wand tool is usually the first step to replacing the sky -
then use the Lasso to add or subtract from the selection. Be very
careful with foliage and the like. Enlarge the selection with Select -
Modify and then Feather will help to make the transition between sky and
foreground more natural. When you're satisfied, double click on the
image in Layers and change the 'Background' to Layer 0. Then click
Delete - no more boring sky! Save as a PSD.

Next select your background/sky - open it, click on the Move tool and
holding down the Shift key, drag the new background into the PSD image.
Reverse the layers so Layer 0 is above the new sky and see how it looks.
You may have to change the color balance, contrast or Shadow/Highlight
to get a more natural appearance of Layer 0.

Basically fiddle around with these settings. If nothing looks right,
drag the new sky layer into the trash and look for another background.

Good Luck!

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital (More info?)

Hi,

For an interesting look at masking and sky changes goto Russell Brown's
site at:

http://www.russellbrown.com/tips_tech.html

The last tip under Adobe Photoshop CS Tips is 'Atmospheric Illusions'
and discusses masking.

Also, further down, check under Photoshop 7 Tips for 'Advanced
Masking'.

Both of these are Quicktime movies and may be useful.

Best,

Conrad


--
Conrad