Washed out sky is frustrating!

[wbrook13]

This is one of my favorite shots from a recent visit to a plantation, but the sky looks terrrible!
Is there anything I can do to fix this image? If not, what can I do to prevent this in the future?
Thank you, in advance, for all your advice.

Canon EOS 50d
ISO 100
Exposure: 1/30 sec
Aperture: f/3.5
Focal Length: 18 mm

[Photosbykev]

Bracketted exposures and then process as a HDR or use graduated neutral density filters to balance the exposure.

Personally I would use filters but HDR is cheaper.

As to the image, either reshoot it and learn from the mistake or just bin it.

[digirebelva]

What did the sky look like before PP...you may want to try simulating a GND filter in Photoshop if there is enough in the orig to work with.

Basic Graduated Neutral Density Filter | Photo Effects | PSHERO

[wbrook13]

There was no detail in the sky in the raw image. It looked just like it does here. I am just learning how to use Photoshop Elements 7, and don't know how to simulate a GND filter.

[wbrook13]

I have ordered a GND filter; but have not received yet. This plantation is a 5-hour drive, so it will be awhile before I can re-shoot. Thanks

[mwanafunzi]

The options provided above are quite handy. i.e to use a filter or to get multiple exposers of the same seen (bracketing) and blending them (various ways this can be done).

The problem with bracketing, at least for me, is that a tripod is necessary; to make sure that your images are aligned.

I think before you take that route it would probably be best to learn about the historgram and how it can help you when taking your shots. Luminous landscape provides some very good information on
understanding the histogram and ways to get around the digital photography limitations. Some of which have been mentioned above.

[wbrook13]

Thanks mwanafunzi. Can all these things that have been mentioned above be done with PSE 7?

[Photosbykev]

Originally Posted by mwanafunzi

The options provided above are quite handy. i.e to use a filter or to get multiple exposers of the same seen (bracketing) and blending them (various ways this can be done).

The problem with bracketing, at least for me, is that a tripod is necessary; to make sure that your images are aligned.

I think before you take that route it would probably be best to learn about the historgram and how it can help you when taking your shots. Luminous landscape provides some very good information on
understanding the histogram and ways to get around the digital photography limitations. Some of which have been mentioned above.

Personally, I would argue that a tripod should always be used, if you want maximum quality and control over your photography without having to compromise.

A tripod gives you full control over the exposure and composition rather than be restricted by what is a 'safe' handheld shutter speed or having to increase the iso, or open the aperture, to get a reasonable shutter speed. With a tripod you can select the optimum aperture for the DoF you want, the lowest iso for best noise control, and then, because the camera is tripod mounted, the correct shutter speed can be used even if it is very long.

[zona5101]

To "fix" the image that you have, a pp mentioned adding a graduated filter in post. This will work fine...if there is some detail hidden in the overexposure, otherwise it will just darken the sky...(and that may be all you want to do to get a more balanced image). Another post processing option is to replace the sky. I do not know if ps7 allows you to work in layers but in ps you would make a selection of the sky and paste another sky into the selection, move it around, change the opacity and all that to get it exactly how you wanted it.... Or you could use the "clouds" filter...or you could make a custom brush...

[Athas_orm]

Originally Posted by zona5101

To "fix" the image that you have, a pp mentioned adding a graduated filter in post. This will work fine...if there is some detail hidden in the overexposure, otherwise it will just darken the sky...(and that may be all you want to do to get a more balanced image). Another post processing option is to replace the sky. I do not know if ps7 allows you to work in layers but in ps you would make a selection of the sky and paste another sky into the selection, move it around, change the opacity and all that to get it exactly how you wanted it.... Or you could use the "clouds" filter...or you could make a custom brush...

Yeah that would be my suggestion. Take some shots of the sky you like and blend it in with the current sky. Its cheating but it depends on how bad you want to "fix" it