How can I add a sky without making the trees look fuzzy?

[Cathy Stark]

I have another image with a decent sky that I'd like to add to this one.  I am having trouble masking it in around the trees seamlessly.  I edit in elements but am considering trying to retrain my brain to edit in photoshop if there is any benefit to doing so.  Suggestions?

[Damien Symonds]

1 hour ago, Cathy Stark said:

I have another image with a decent sky

May I see it?

Be very very careful.  The complete absence of any distinct shadows in this photo makes it VERY obvious that it was taken under a heavily overcast sky.  Any attempt to add a happy sunny sky will look instantly implausible.

1 hour ago, Cathy Stark said:

I edit in elements but am considering trying to retrain my brain to edit in photoshop if there is any benefit to doing so.

Of course there are some benefits, but none of them relate to this particular editing issue.  Don't upgrade because of this.

[Cathy Stark]

Yes, it was a very overcast day.  I need to get out and shoot some sky images  - I thought I could use this and stretch it to fill the sky in my other image.  I'm mainly trying to learn the technique.  

[Damien Symonds]

Actually, I think it looks ok:

Download the PSD

It uses this method: https://www.damiensymonds.net/sky-replacement-method.html

Notes:

• You'll see I added an extra white "Solid Color" layer, because while the Levels layer does a good job at the tree line, it left some darker areas of sky at the top
• Notice that I blurred the sky.  This is SO important.  One of the most common novice mistakes is putting an in-focus sky behind an out-of-focus horizon.
• Also notice that I lowered the opacity of the sky layer.  It looked too implausible if left darker.

[Cathy Stark]

It looks amazing!  I'm going to download and see if I can walk through your steps.  I was actually trying to follow this method AFTER I posted my question for help.  Maybe I need to go back to the layers class......:(

 

Thanks!  You are the best!

[Damien Symonds]

How did you go, @Cathy Stark?

[Cathy Stark]

I think this is pretty good.  They sky might need to be blurred some...

[Cathy Stark]

Much better than my first attempt before asking for help....

[Damien Symonds]

47 minutes ago, Cathy Stark said:

I think this is pretty good.  They sky might need to be blurred some...

Yes, definitely needs to be blurred.  And it's a little too dark.

[Damien Symonds]

How did this turn out, @Cathy Stark?