You may have figured this out already, but I love post processing. I love spending time in my digital darkroom with the music blasting in my headphones and then getting all sorts of creative. I think of it a bit like painting, just on the computer and with pictures.

I get asked all the time how I overlay skies, so I thought I would share a couple tips with you on how I photoshop a sky as well as offer a couple video tutorials below to further help you achieve a strong image with a sky overlay. 

Photoshop Overlay Tip #1

When overlaying a sky to an image, be sure to watch how the light falls in the image and then choose a sky that compliments the lighting. A daytime image will probably need blue skies rather than an evening sky depending on the direction of the sun. A cloudy, overcast day gives a little more flexibility as you can overlay a blue sky, an evening sky, or a cloudy overlay and it usually looks great. (Just be sure to match up the light and shadows)

 

Tip #1 Choose a sky that compliments the lighting.

Photoshop Overlay Tip #2

While I will be the first to admit that I LOVE overlaying skies to my images, sometimes they aren't needed. Take this image below as an example. The sky is blown but my eyes are drawn to the subjects. I think that adding a sky here would distract from them rather than adding to the image.

Always ask yourself if adding a sky will improve the image. Will it add to the image to make it stronger?

Here's another image that had a bit of the sky already just straight out of camera. I didn't want to add anything to it as I felt the image was strong enough on it's own.

Photoshop Overlay Tip #3

And lastly, it does take some practice so I recommend having some fun with it and pull some images out and give it a go. Check out the videos below to see how I apply them in photoshop. 

Practice, practice, practice!

Photoshop Video Tutorial Example 1

Here's a short video tutorial as well on applying actions.

How to Photoshop a Sky from Jean Photography on Vimeo.

 Photoshop Video Tutorial Example 2

CS Bundle 2 from Jean Photography on Vimeo.

 

Get Jackie Jean's Sky Overlays Complete Collection Now!

Are you ready to get all of Jackie's beautiful sky overlays so you can use them in your photos? Click here and use discount code "BeautifulSky35" during checkout to take $35.00 off the Sky Overlays Collection. Hurry though this offer expires Sunday. Checkout now and start adding gorgeous skies to your images today!