Enhance a bland sky in a photo

For more exciting skies in landscape images, you can fit a graduated neutral density (ND) filter over the camera's lens. This makes a dull sky look more dramatic as it becomes gradually darker towards the top of the frame.

We'll show you how to edit the mask of a Levels adjustment layer with the Gradient tool so that the darker tones get lighter towards the horizon. By editing a mask you can alter the strength and location of the gradated tonal adjustment with ease.

We'll also show you how to use adjustment layers to selectively boost the colours.

1. Add a Levels adjustment layer

Open your image Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels. Click OK. The sky consists mostly of midtones, so drag the grey slider right to a value of 0.47 to darken the sky and create more intense and dramatic colours.

2. Set up the Gradient tool

Choose the Gradient tool. Press D, go to the Tool Options, and click the Gradient Editor. In the Gradient Editor dialog, click the Foreground to Background preset.

3. Draw a gradient

Click the adjustment layer's mask, click at the top of the image and draw a line down to the horizon. Hold down Shift as you draw to make sure the gradient is straight.

4. Fine-tune the look

You can re-draw the gradient on the mask until you're happy with the result. As a finishing touch choose Image > Adjustment > Hue/Saturation.