Photoshop Creative Studio 5 question

[lizard0924]

I'm trying to "fix" a topside photo that has a washed out sky. Does anyone know how to tone down the brightness of just the white in the photo without compromising the rest of the picture?

I must admit, this is the first time I've even opened PS CS 5 and there is way, way, way too much going on in that software program for a mere mortal such as myself to comprehend. I'm almost scared of the program (or at least the UI).

[Bric Martin]

Try going to your develop mode (Upper right). Scroll down until you find a window that has your colors. Use the slider below the color you choose, probably blue for the sky, and slide it left to right. If you don't like the adjustment just double click and it should return to the original.

[SeattleYates]

I'd suggest opening the photo in Camera Raw (even if it's a JPG, you can still do so - just open Bridge, find the photo and right-click to choose "Open in Camera Raw"), and use the "Recovery" slider (second one down). It is designed to do exactly what you want - recover over-exposed parts of a photo. If there's any detail (i.e., if the white isn't totally blown out), it will recover it. If not, it'll at least tone it down so it's not so overwhelming.

[lizard0924]

Thanks! The suggestions solved the problem as best as it could be solved. Appreciate your input!