Gradient or Cloning?

[JessicaSalazar]

I can't for the life of me figure out if I should be using gradient or cloning to edit the background.  I've read several of your articles about gradients, but maybe I'm just not getting the right angle.  Please help!  I have at least 4 of these that I need to do.  Thank you!

[Damien Symonds]

Never clone, it's too risky.

[JessicaSalazar]

I mentioned closing because of this article: http://www.damiensymonds.net/2010/10/role-of-masks-when-cloning.html

[JessicaSalazar]

Should I use the "balloon background change" method instead?  I think I was getting it wrong because of the all various shades behind them.  

[Damien Symonds]

No, only this: http://www.damiensymonds.net/preventing-banding-in-backdrops/

[Damien Symonds]

Also, off topic, but very important: http://www.damiensymonds.net/png-file-format

If you can post the actual photo, rather than a screenshot, I'm happy to help.

[JessicaSalazar]

Is the link to help me with my website?  

That would be great!  Which format would you like?

[JessicaSalazar]

Oh!  I think I got it!  I have about 6 markers on my gradient, but the colors match! Now to buy a new backdrop and get rid of that damn seamless paper!

[Damien Symonds]

1 hour ago, JessicaSalazar said:

Is the link to help me with my website?  

No, it's because you posted the image here as a png!!!!!

[JessicaSalazar]

Oh, oops!  I just did a quick screenshot - I forget those are png files.  I normally don't save anything as pngs.

 

[JessicaSalazar]

Damien, I think I need your help on this still. Here is the jpeg file for both the RAW edit and then with the gradient.  I can get the left side just fine, but the right side behind grandma is totally messing me up.  I just can't get the light at the right angle on that side.  Can you help me please.  Please let me know if you need something else other than the jpeg.  Thanks!

[Damien Symonds]

I think this would suffice.  How about you?

[Damien Symonds]

Download the PSD

[JessicaSalazar]

This looks great!! And you went to a -37 angle!  I just couldn't get it right!  Do you have any tips on trying to figure out the angle other than just  moving the dial and seeing where the colors go?? 

[Damien Symonds]

There's no science to it.  That just seemed to be an angle that was suited to the angle at which the light is flowing in the photo.

[JessicaSalazar]

Perfect!  Thank you sooo much!!  By the way, any comments on my raw edit??

[Damien Symonds]

Yes, but not here.

[JessicaSalazar]

Got it!  Thank you again!!