The Sky replacement craze

Although the ability to replace skies has been doable for years, up until recently it required some serious Photo editing skills in either Photoshop or other editor of yours choice.

Now it has come to the masses via various programs such as Luminar AI and On1 Photo Raw.

I’m not saying it is a bad thing that the new programs make it easier so that everyone can do it, but I do think sometimes people do it just because they can. The Sun Rays phase was another good example of doing it just because it was there. I saw multiple photos where the adding of Sun Rays did nothing to add to the overall view of their photo. In some cases, it was actually rather distracting.

Now I personally do not replace skies in my images, yet, but I so see when there is a case for it. But that is it, I would only do the replacement if it is absolutely necessary to create the vision of the image that you want.

I can see one scenario when you might want to replace the sky is if you are on a travel trip or somewhere you know you will not be back for a while or you won’t be back to at all and the sky is very boring such as a cloudless sky. Then I would consider it since it is a case you would not be able to return to get a better sky.

But if you do need to replace the sky, pay attention to what is in the image and the over all view and the light of the image.

I have seen several shots in photography groups I belong to on the web where the tone of the clouds added does not match the rest of the scene. Such as the clouds are the warm color of a sunset, but the foreground is a cool color. Another bad placement is when you see the light coming from one direction on the ground and another in the clouds. (pay attention to shadows and bright spots). If you replace your sky you want to pick a sky that matches the rest of the scene in tone and in the direction of the light.

So before you jump on the sky replacement bandwagon, take a serious look at your image. Does it really need to have the sky replace? Asked yourself, will my image be enhanced by a new sky. Once you have decided that make sure to check that the tone and light direction of the sky you have chosen as a replacement match the rest of your image. Some software like Luminar AI can assist you with matching the tone of your replacement sky to the tone of your image along with helping with water reflections.

In short, don’t use a new sky replacement feature just because it is there, think about how the feature will enhance your photograph. That pretty much goes for all the other options that you have, just because it is there doesn’t mean you have to use it on every single photo.

Since this is just an opinion piece, I do welcome your thoughts, just leave a comment below Do you agree with my thoughts?. I only ask you to be courteous in your statements but all options are welcome.

OK, back to your regular scheduled programming as they use to say.

Free Essential HDR Course by Macphun using Aurora HDR

Macphun announced a Free Essential HDR Course today that is using Aurora HDR in the course.

So if you have thought about using Aurora HDR or just looking into improving your HDR experience go ahead and sign up. Hey, it’s free!!

But First…..

If you don’t already have Aurora HDR, click the image below for the Stuck in Customs store where you can either buy Aurora HDR if you already know you want it, or at the bottom of the page you can download a trial version that you can use while you are taking this course.

Now that you have the software let’s get you to the course

Click here to see the course details and to Sign up for the “Become a better HDR photographer in 10 weeks” course.

I’ve signed up myself as never hurts to learn how to improve your craft and software skills. And it’s free, can’t beat that.

#AuroraHDR #Macphun #Freecourse #Software #Training #StuckinCustoms #Trail


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