Antelope Valley scene toned?

I call this "toned" for lack of a better term. I like the burgundy sky! (time for a glass!) Here's the workflow -

Orton blur layer
Background copy - blending mode - exclusion, opacity - 100%
Hue/Sat. layer - +58 % blending mode - normal, opacity - 100%
Selective color layer - +25% reds, blending mode - normal, opacity - 100%
Gradient map layer - gray, blending mode - normal, opacity - 28%
Channel mixer layer - red + 100%, blending mode - normal, opacity - 100%
Photo filter layer - blue + 100%, blending mode - normal, opacity - 17%


Dan Brown

I really like the final image, Dan! The sky is especially nice - such rich tones! You've got a nice composition going, too.

Thanks Jules! It seems that critiques are hard to come by on this new forum. Dan Brown

lHi Dan We are getting there This so new I sometimes fail to check My suggestions is to increase the post which will increase the comments. Will be working and coming up with new images. Be out all day tomorrow but get something ready.

Never thought about trying something like this before Interesting and pleasing For my taste would suggest toning down the upper layer also, I think you will get a better match and smooth transition !!! Keep up the good work !!!

Thank Alfred. I am patient. In the repost, I applied Noise Ninja selectively to the upper half and slightly sharpened the lower half with Nik. What do you think? Dan

Dan,
I like this one a lot. Sorry about not commenting the last one I was just so suprised to see my backyard posted here.
Small world isn't it.
I took some of the poppies a couple months ago I just haven't had time to edit them. I will post some for you if you like. Like I said in PM message me next time you all are comming this way I'll check out the poppy res. to see if they are there.
Usually a real good time to go is around easter time. They are always in bloom then. The hills are on fire with them. It's beautiful.
Good job here though. Love what you did with the sky.
Sharna

Hi Dan I like the transition better it all seems to go together and blend !!! Got to try it myself !!!

Great composition Dan, like the repost a lot better.