Help with sunspots

[Frog]

This one is 2 years old and I'm getting a bit better with editing but not sure best way to remove the sunspots in this shot.
Tried cloning with unsatisfactory results but maybe I just need to work on it longer.
If cloning is the way, what opacity would you use? All layers?
Using photoshop elements 6.

Larger version in gallery so the spots can be seen better. http://gallery.photographyreview.com...&ppuser=250919

Thank you!

[OldClicker]

When cloning, clone the edges and use the largest tool that fits. I use 100% opacity. You can limit the effect of the large brighter spot on the roof with some burning. I've never figured out the "all layers" thing??? If I may post an edit...? - TF

[Frog]

Sure go for it OldClicker.
I can edit color, saturation, etc. but the cloning thing is tricky for me. After I do it and magnify, I can always see the edges.
You can use the larger image in the gallery.
I have the raw file.
Please include a step by step.

[OldClicker]

Here is the image -



A don't know how to really do a step by step.

Sky - cloned some of the wispy clouds from the right side to the upper left.

Central tree - used parts of the same tree to get rid of the circles. There is still some fade from the sun showing through it, but completely rebuilding the tree would take some effort.

Cabin - Again, just used good parts to repair the bad. Concentrate on edges. Pick a good edge and use it to work your way along the bad parts. Used a large burn tool to darken the large circular light area on the cabin roof and up into the trees.

Flair in front - Two large clones of weeds nearby.

If there is a specific spot, I could give more detail of the process.

TF

[Medley]

When using the clone or healing tools, it is standard practice ( and a good habit to get into) to do the cloning on it's own separate layer. That way, if you make a mistake or don't like the way an edit is going, you can simply erase that section of the "clone layer" and begin anew.

If you use this method however, you will quickly see the reason for the "sample all layers" tickbox: it prevents you from having to click on the lower layer to sample, then switch to the upper layer to work. You can simply do all your work from the clone layer, and concentrate on fixing the image.

Frog, try reducing the opacity to 50% at the edges. If that doesn't work, try creating a second clone layer, setting the blend mode to "Dissolve", and reducing the opacity some to get a "stipple brush" effect. You can then use the brush's opacity setting to keep the stippling from standing out against the background.

- Joe U.

[OldClicker]

"When using the clone or healing tools, it is standard practice ( and a good habit to get into) to do the cloning on it's own separate layer. That way, if you make a mistake or don't like the way an edit is going, you can simply erase that section of the "clone layer" and begin anew.

If you use this method however, you will quickly see the reason for the "sample all layers" tickbox: it prevents you from having to click on the lower layer to sample, then switch to the upper layer to work. You can simply do all your work from the clone layer, and concentrate on fixing the image."

Thanks. Makes sense. - TF

[Frog]

I did a thank you to both of you this morning but my post seems to have disappeared.
OC did you use the larger file in the gallery? This one looks good.
One of you says use 100% opacity and the other says 50 so I guess I'll try them both.
Clonin is a skill I need to spend some time on to get it right. Its more than just running the tool over something you don't like with something you want to replace it with.
In this shot in particular, I have the most trouble around the edges of windows or roof line.
I'm always going over the line. Maybe I need to get a better mouse.
Doing the work in a layer is a good idea. I've only just started working with layers and don't know what all the things in the drop down mean but just practice will get me there eventually.
I was able to play with the sky, the color, the saturation, the contrast, the light and have what I liked except for the cloning. I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.
Thanks to both of you again and I hope this post doesnt' disappear.

[OldClicker]

"I did a thank you to both of you this morning but my post seems to have disappeared."

You’re welcome. With all the help you give others...

"OC did you use the larger file in the gallery? This one looks good."

Yes, I did use the Gallery image, though it is not that much larger.

"One of you says use 100% opacity and the other says 50 so I guess I'll try them both."

Medley said "opacity at the edges" and I don't think he meant the overall opacity setting in PSE6. (Note that it has been a few months since I used E6, but I still have the PDF manual. Now using CS4.) What you want is for the edges to be feathered, not hard, so that the clone blends into the surrounding area. I don't remember how this is done in E6, but it may be with the brush choice.

"Clonin is a skill I need to spend some time on to get it right. Its more than just running the tool over something you don't like with something you want to replace it with.
In this shot in particular, I have the most trouble around the edges of windows or roof line.
I'm always going over the line. Maybe I need to get a better mouse."

When doing something like the roof roof/wall intersection, include the edge of the roof in the selection - don't try to do just the area above or below the edge. I first did the area below the edge. From the left of the bad spot, I selected an area with some good looking boards and included a little of the roof edge. I then replaced the bad area by going along the roof edge, keeping it straight, for 4-6 clicks. I then did the same for the area above the roof edge, so I actually did the roof edge twice."

"Doing the work in a layer is a good idea. I've only just started working with layers and don't know what all the things in the drop down mean but just practice will get me there eventually.
I was able to play with the sky, the color, the saturation, the contrast, the light and have what I liked except for the cloning. I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight.
Thanks to both of you again and I hope this post doesnt' disappear."

Another thing is to understand what 'Aligned' does in Cloning. (Always WATCH THE LITTLE CROSSHAIRS to see where your sample is coming from when you do each replace.)
Aligned Unchecked - If you sample a spot (Alt-Click) and then click 6 different places around the image, each will be the from same sample place you sampled.
Aligned Checked - If you did the same thing, each of the 6 replacements would be from a different sample spot. Each would be from a spot the same relative distance as the first click was from the original sample. (I don't think I explained this well. Try it and see if it becomes clear.)

Good luck. If I can help, just ask.

TF

[Frog]

Ok...just spent a couple of hours(or more) on this but I'm not sorry.
It looks much different as I did work on other than the cloning.
The sky is kind of funky and the colors not so bright as I de-saturated to my taste for this shot.
The best part is that I was able to do much better on the sun spots thanks to the advice from you guys. I just kept doing little parts, changing brush sizes as necessary, magnifying to work on it and then shrinking it to view results.
I'm probably going to do it again..maybe again and again..and change color and saturation and all that stuff until I get it perfect but its way closer than it used to be.
Thanks for the help. It will help me on other photos too.

[OldClicker]

Glad to help.

Critique - I can not see any evidence of the cloning. It's good that the jet contrail goes through the center tree. The center tree, near the top needs more work and I can see spots and one large circle in the sky in the upper left.

TF

[Frog]

Thank you OC. I was getting bleary eyed when I quit. Didn't see the upper left one though I did get rid of one in that area with the spot healing brush. Yeah gotta work on that tree too.