Photoshop Elements >

Gradients >

Be sure to check off as you go along.

1) Preserve your original file.

If you haven't already done so, go to Preserve Your Original File.

2) Create a Background copy layer.

If you haven't already done so, go to Create a Background Copy Layer.

4) Darken the sky using the Levels adjustment layer.

If the landscape, the foreground, becomes too dark, ignore it.

Optimize the sky.

The gradient will block the effect of the Levels adjustment layer on the landscape.

5) Select the Gradient tool.

6) in options bar/Tool Options, select the Foreground to Transparent gradient from the Gradient Picker palette, as described in the previous section.

• The gradient type is Linear.

• Mode is Normal.

• Opacity is 100%.

• Reverse is not selected.

• Dither and Transparency are selected.

8) Make sure the Levels adjustment layer is active (highlighted).

9) Click, hold, and drag a line from the horizon line, or thereabouts, to the top of the photograph.

The mask created with the gradient will appear in the Levels adjustment layer mask thumbnail.

Where the mask is black, the effect of the Levels adjustment layer is blocked.

As the mask changes from black to transparent, the effect of the Levels adjustment layer is revealed.

If you haven't already done so, go to Masking.

10) Judge the sky.

Compare the two versions by deselecting the eye icon of the Levels adjustment layer.

You can adjust the sky by:

• Tweaking the Levels adjustment layer.

Double click the icon in the Levels adjustment layer to reopen the Adjustments panel.

• Lowering the opacity of the Levels adjustment layer to reduce its effect.

The Opacity box is at the top of the layers stack, to the right of the Blending Mode box.

It probably has 100% inside.

Here are the two versions side-by-side.

If you haven't already done so, go to Saving Files.

Next, we'll use a gradient in a sky that's obscured by trees.