Adding Background color

[Firemaine]

I am just starting to use Photoshop CS2.
When I took the before photo there was no backgroun except for the wall from the house.
I added a background and cleaned up th flag holder from the fence.
Are there any other Ideas?
And how did I do?
Thanks to all in advance

Before
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scfd/414653782/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/414653782_caf6a60219.jpg" width="500" height="322" alt="Cards" /></a>

After
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scfd/416654879/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/416654879_662933b801.jpg" width="500" height="322" alt="Cardscloud2" /></a>

[Nicole]

The sky looks better, but I have a problem with how you fixed the flag holder. It would've been good, but, if you notice, the piece of wood the flag holder was on actually runs vertically, so you've changed it to horizontal, but only for part of the piece of wood. In either case I'd say make sure that it is consistent. So, either change it all to horizontal where that one board is, or change that board to vertical grain. It's just that one board that's bothering me :p

Where you fixed the wood above that board looks good though :) And I like the subtle changes to the background. Definitely looks more sky than house without being overpowering.

[jiminyClickit]

Firemaine,

Flag holder did not bother me; the fix does, and the "scuffed" look to the right of it.

To replace the holder, since you have little left to clone, try cutting a section out of top of vertical board behind it, paste into place, reverse it, lighten/darken if you think it will be obvious copy. Clone repeats are dead giveaway. Sky is good - no matter what you do, this is a winner pic.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/417270978/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/417270978_da73230b4e.jpg" width="500" height="322" alt="CardsX" /></a>

I'd still keep the flag holder.

[Firemaine]

jiminyClickit: Thanks for the advice and ideas. I see what you mean and the fix you did does look better.

[jiminyClickit]

Firemaine,

You're welcome. It's all about practice.

[Chico]

I know it's late for a reply...
I do like what you did with being new to CS2. One thing I believe the picture needs is a blur brush treatement...50% or so soft and small enough to cover both the background and the birds edges. Then Blur the edges and you'll see the cardinals will look like they belong in the picture and they weren't plastered on :]

[Firemaine]

Chico: Thanks for the tip. I will try it, and keep practicing.

[DrEvil]

VERY VERY nice picture I must say. If I was to add my 2 cents.
Just crop above the horizontal piece of wood. This might further respect te rule of 3rds and draws more attention to the birds.
Cheers,
Doc