Sierra morning-WC

First, Kathy, I think this is very striking. Looks like a painting of the west. Really well composed for the trees and bg. As to the variation in the sky tones, I would try to lighten the area between the trees and URC via the dodge tool, but I would defer to others more expert in post processing for better suggestions.

Kathy, this is a lovely look at those glorious cottonwoods. The yellows sing grandly and the background of snow drifted mountains and sky add nicely. Yes, you've got "the classic polarizer problem".

If you're using Photoshop for post processing, I would suggest that you; 1) invert the image, 2) shift to the channels menu and select on the blue channel (shift click), 3) use that selection to create a new channel and 4) then un-invert the image. Now add a soft light layer filled with 50% grey, select on the new channel mask, and dodge through that onto your 50% grey layer using pure white at 10% (or less) opacity. Watch for streaking, but be aware that some (even a lot) of the streaking is in how PS is showing you the image, not in the actual image. To be sure about the results, you may need to save and reopen the image. Those who know and use Tony Kuyper's methods will see that this a slight variation, using a specific color channel. If you try this and still have questions send me an email.

Kathy, good color here from the cottonwoods. I know this area very well. Although the light is a bit strong, this is excellent for the amount of light and time of day. And yes, could easily be a best of 2014 choice IMO.

To get rid of any vignetting and if using PS then use:
Filter > Lens Correction > Custom > Vignetting (Adjust sliders for Mid Point and Darken or Lighten). Looks like the vignetting is a bit heavier towards the right top, but the Mid Point slider can be adjusted for that as needed. Very slight move on that slider I would think.
When using the Lighten Slider usually only 10 to 20 adjustment is more then enough. Good luck with the fine tuning. Make slow adjustments here, it's not off by much IMO.

Striking Sierra scene, Kathy. I don't find the blue sky variation in this image to be particularly jarring as the trees break it up into small enough pieces that the effect is probably only noticeable to the photographer.

Beautiful colors here Kathy, with the yellows and blues. I like the composition a lot too, using the two trees to frame a distant peak. I myself don't find the sky objectionable but would like to see a bit more space for that left-leaning branch. Happy shooting in 2015!

Hi Kathy The lighter sky in the lower sections looks natural to me... i would not touch it... this is a beautifully taken landscape image


Albert Darmo
Canada

Thanks to everyone for feedback and suggestions. I tried the 3 different ideas for improving the sky colors, and of the 3, Mark's complicated PS corrections seemed to work best. At the end of the day, I got enough comments that suggested it was fine as is, that I think I'll just leave it! But it's always great to see how people cope with such a common problem (vignetting) and to get your ideas, even if it is just to leave well enough alone. Thanks again!