2. I added a highlight to the image from the sun’s direction, and I gave a washed out lighting effect to the entire image (to achieve the kind of atmosphere I wanted) and adjusted the saturation of the image (if necessary, use the Gradient mask to fine-tune those layers).  I then added in a smoke layer to create a feeling of depth (you can use some smoke/cloud sky photos from the internet or hand paint them with the blur/smudge tools) (Fig.019)

3. An overall adjustment to the Levels and Hue/Saturation was made, and I added in some more smoke to achieve the atmosphere I wanted. (Fig.020)

4. Finally, I touched up some of my textures (see below for the close-up views) (Fig.021 & 022)

Part IV – Final Conclusion:

If you want to create an apple, it won’t turn out like an orange.  This is the basic skill that you have, and besides the technique there is also a space for our imagination to play around.  It is in our own hands; focus on what you want to achieve and find out ways to solve all the problems you face and the goal is the result, not the tools.  There is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, but there is Van Gogh’s sunflower, as well.  Sometimes I will spend some time to think when I am walking by the water, or sitting at my LCD monitor, and this helps me a lot.

Thanks for your time and I hope this ‘Making Of’ has been enjoyable.  See you!