Photo manipulation

[Runmonty]

I always said I would not replace skies in post production. However, I am starting to rethink that. The new Photoshop sky replacement tool is really fun and creates opportunities for some creative plays.

This is a black and white photo with a colour sky replacement

Untitled by Dwayne, on Flickr

[mbrager]

But you already had a beautiful sky in a similar image. Didn't you remove the sky in the black and white image for the effect?

[Runmonty]

The original black and white version was taken with a totally blue sky (grey after BW conversion). It was taken on a different day to the one you have added

I agree the photo you have added is a nice enough sky and I wouldn't plan replace that.

Certainly I could have taken a black and white sky (or converted a colour sky from a different photo) to to add to the black and white photo. In fact I was heading down that path before I made the photo above.

I kind of liked the effect of the blended colour and black and white photo. Like I said a creative play. One day in the future, I may look back on this and cringe (like I have with some of my early HDR or spot colour)

Since I have shared it on social media I think most people haven't realised it is a photo manipulation and think the foreground is white.

More generally, the Photoshop sky replacement tool is very effective. I have always been aware of the sky and its impact on photos (you will see multiple comments on this forum where I speak of the sky), but in "playing" with the Photoshop tool, I still amazed by the difference in photos.

[Marko]

Moral judgments aside It looks fantastic, that's for sure.

[Runmonty]

Thanks Marko

Moral judgments aside

Don't worry I have been beating myself up about this, and have been internalising and questioning my worth as part of society.

(but then again if the photo looks good???!!!!)

[edG]

I only feel it is wrong if you are not up front about. If you replaced the sky, added fog or mist, changed the colour of a persons eyes or remove blemishes or scars and it enhances the image just be honest. Just my 2 cents.