Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

I went to my first air show, and it was a madhouse. Free to all with a $5 parking fee. The day was in the 90's and felt like 130 on the tarmac and runways. Of course, I got there in between the morning and afternoon shows, so only got 1 photo of a plane in flight. Bummer! After a couple of hours the heat and fighting the crowds I gave up and didn't stay for the afternoon exhibition. I did get some shots of the static planes but there were so many people it was difficult, however I did get a neat cloud formation that I used to change the background in my Garden of the Gods image.

First off, let me tell you I'm a complete novice at PP, previously consisting of mostly cropping and straightening. Well, I purchased PSE 2018 and swore to myself I would learn the program, and with the help of Photoshop Elements 2018 for dummies by Barbara Obermeier, (highly recommend) and a 15 hour training course on DVD by Simon Sez It. (also recommend) Now that is prefaced, a couple of months ago me and a photo buddy took a road trip down to Colorado Springs to shoot The Garden of the Gods, and it was the worst day ever for pictures due to the low overcast clouds and heavy smoke from the numerous wild fires. So, I get to the point in my PSE study of how to change the background. How am I doing so far guys and gals?

Shot with a Canon 80D & 24-105L IS USM II

This is the cloud formation I captured at the air show

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Many people were camped out under wings to avoid the heat

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A whole lotta people!

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A beautiful stagger wing

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Another wonderfully restored Piper

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The only plane that flew while I was there

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This plane looked like it just rolled off the assembly line

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This is typical of the shots I got at The Garden of the Gods

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And this is how my rudimentary PP attempt turned out

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PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

That's a great save! That tiny halo effect is tough to remove. I figured it out once, but it was terribly tedious and a couple years ago... I don't think it was a refine edge tool. Nice work!

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Thanks. I'm having a lot of fun studying the program and with over 16,000 images I have practice material.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

Good deal! I have learned a lot over the years, from classes on CreativeLive.com. Ben Wilmore is one of my favorites... along with Matt Kloskowski. Have fun!

Rob48 Loc: Portland, ME

I think you pulled these off nicely, Michael.

Jakebrake Loc: Broomfield, Colorado

Thanks again Rob.