How to correct this photo?

[cdawson017]

I am newer to using photoshop (CS5) and need help.

I am trying to lighten the lower right hand portion of this photo to show my son's excitement at the combine coming over the hill but with no luck. When I lighten overall, sky/field/combine get really blown out. I have played with gradients and the dodge tools just a little but still it ends up looking funny. Any suggestions?

[Tito87]

Try the Highlights/Shadows sliders. See what happens.

[DanielLane]

open it in photo raw tools (you can do this even with a jpeg). use the adjustment brush and lighten it up with exposure and brightness. make sure to use a low flow and lots of feathering on the brush and build up to the desired lightness

[ArmySoldier777]

Both are good options, I know of a few more complicated ones, but I'll see if these ones help you out before I start writing out a list on those lol

I know this isn't SYS or Critique, but I just wanted to say that for some reason I'm really drawn to this image...with a tighter cropping I think it'd look great.


David