I'm a little late to the party but I have some thoughts about this amazing picture. I think it could be a scene from a sci fi movie. I can imagine the aliens just on the other side of the mountain where they live in the worst of elements to take over all mankind. Did I take it a bit to far?

Okey so I took a good look before I found out what you really did. I was sure you replaced the sky because of two things. I didn't believe the mountain tops on the left would be that bright with the sky being that dark even with the lightning. I also saw some brush strokes at mountain top edges. I was quite sure you added the man in the picture because he was so dark. Now knowing you didn't, did you add black or exposure to him that through me off?

I took your picture and replaced the sky to see how it might have looked on the original picture. It then looked more natural, although I understand that is not what you were going for but it made me feel better that I did understanding what you did.

If I understand correctly you did replace the sky and then added lightning bolts. If this is correct you did a superb job blending them in.

Having said all this I am not knocking your work. You did a fine job and you can sell it as a book cover in an up coming sci fi thriller.