Tip #1458: Quick Sky Enhancement
… for Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Tip #1458: Quick Sky Enhancement
Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com
Gradients, combined with blend modes, can quickly create amazing looks.
Here’s a fast way to improve the look of a cloud-filled sky, using a simple gradient and a blend mode in Premiere.
Take a look at the middle image in the screen shot. It is an OK shot of the sky, but doesn’t have any “pop.”
- Create a simple gradient in Photoshop, similar to the screen shot, that roughly corresponds to the position of the sky.
- Stack the gradient above the clip with the sky in the timeline.
- Apply Effect Controls > Opacity > Blend mode > Overlay to the gradient clip. This darkens the sky and brightens the foreground.
As you can see in the right side of the screen shot, the sky is a LOT more dramatic!
EXTRA CREDIT
If you don’t want the foreground brightened, either replace the white in the gradient with transparency, or use an Opacity mask to cut the gradient at the horizon line. (This was what we did here.)
Great tip. Just wondering, is it possible to replicate this process by staying in Premiere and using the 4-color Gradient effect?
Best, as always,
Loren
Loren:
Anything that creates a gradient would work.
Larry