Please help me fix my backdrop

[Aitchess]

Hello, I am trying to fix up the backdrop in this image. This is uncropped raw edited. I am hoping to smooth out the backdrop and remove the shadow from the backdrop as well. I tried following the tutorial " Preventing banding in backdrops" but I am having difficulties with getting it to blend well. Unfortunately a light got moved during this shoot and I didn't notice until after. So I have multiple images I will need to smooth the backdrop and remove some shadows from the backdrop as well. (Shadows from people, the loveseat, etc)  I appreciate any assistance you can offer! Thank you!!

[Damien Symonds]

https://max.mailbigfile.com/52d394cc14648c457693e76107c46e68/listFiles.php

[Liverbird]

I looked at this because I too have issues with backdrops sometimes and your mailbigfile result is awesome. Do you have a tutorial just on gradients, I have tried to follow your instructions previously but cannot for the life of me get it right. Thanks

[Aitchess]

Thank you so much. I've been playing and trying to learn and I have a few questions. I have discovered I can copy/paste the gradient but it doesn't always give expected results. Am I correct in my assumption that I should click on my gradients if copying between files and click "fit to document" to make sure the aspect is aligned? Thanks.

[Aitchess]

Just now, Aitchess said:

Thank you so much. I've been playing and trying to learn and I have a few questions. I have discovered I can copy/paste the gradient but it doesn't always give expected results. Am I correct in my assumption that I should click on my gradients if copying between files and click "fit to document" to make sure the aspect is aligned? Thanks.

and then I have to mask for each file separately to get the best results, correct?

[Damien Symonds]

11 hours ago, Liverbird said:

Do you have a tutorial just on gradients

If you go to my search page, and begin to type "Gradie..." you'll find a few resources.

[Damien Symonds]

9 hours ago, Aitchess said:

Thank you so much. I've been playing and trying to learn and I have a few questions. I have discovered I can copy/paste the gradient but it doesn't always give expected results. Am I correct in my assumption that I should click on my gradients if copying between files and click "fit to document" to make sure the aspect is aligned? Thanks.

I honestly don't know, sorry.

9 hours ago, Aitchess said:

and then I have to mask for each file separately to get the best results, correct?

Yes.

[Aitchess]

8 hours ago, Damien Symonds said:

I honestly don't know, sorry.

Yes.

You helped save a lot of time in second guessing. I was on the right track following your tutorials but obviously something wasn’t adding up until I had your assistance. Thanks so much! I’m almost done with the backdrops and found this helpful as well to blend the backdrop better on the photos that didn’t technically need a full replacement. I just lowered the opacity of the gradient and continued to mask each photo.