1.1 Unlike some photoshoppers, I'm normally quiite happy to have posts and other distractions in my pictures but I'm absolutely incensed to clone out the signalling mast in all my Llangewydd pictures. Cloning out posts and other small distractions is normally quite straightforward with the cloning tool, but the mast at Llangewydd is a little bit more tricky and if not done correctly, could spoil rather than enhance a beautiful picture. Here are a few tips that I use when cloning.

1.2 Click here to see the original image with the signalling mast

1.3 Click here to see the cloned image with the signalling mast removed.

2.1 Work off an original image that has been edited in photoshop and saved in a loss less format like TIFF.

2.2 Open the image and copy the 'background' layer, renaming it 'cloning' layer

2.3 I would normally carry out the cloning operation after the image has been straightened and prior to levels adjustments and sharpening

2.4 Working off the 'cloning' layer, click on to the Zoom tool in the Toolbox and magnify the image to 200% full size. This will give you plenty of space to clone with

2.5 Select a relatively soft brush who's size is comfortable to work with, say around 30 points.

2.6 To avoid unsightely patterns when cloning, constantly re-select new source points when cloned areas are larger than the area of the brush.

2.7 Respect perspectiveness, cloning from source points that are of similar distance to the cloning area.

2.8 Where to Start Cloning the Llangewydd Image

2.8.1 The sky is nearly always a good and easy place to start taking out the mast, electricity pylons and wires, being careful not to clone the intersection between the trees and sky, which will be done after the trees.

2.8.2 Clone out the mast infront odf the trees and down to the bush, being careful to preserve the field.

2.8.3 Clone in the interface between the sky and the trees, where the mast was using similar source points.

2.8.4 Try and clone in as much detail as you can of the darker green bush behind the mast using source points of this through the mast.

2.8.5 Clone out any shadows made by the mast in the field.

2.9 Double click on the zoom tool to bring the image back to full size and check the cloning for realism. Resize the image to fit the page and check for realism once more before switching off and on the 'cloning' layer to ensure that you are happy with the cloning process.

2.10 Continue with the editing process.