Some images really lend themselves to selective toning, which can further enhance the overall result. The starting image below is a good example of what can be achieved through toning and selective coloring.
This image will required some minor adjustments in Photoshop to the Levels and the only other slight problem you have is the distraction of the lifebelts as shown below. These or any other small distractions can be removed using the cloning tool and the importance of these little touches shouldn't be underestimated..
Start by copying your image background layer by dragging it over the Create a New Layer icon as shown above.
Call up your Hue Saturation palette shortcut Ctrl U,or Image > Adjust > Hue/Saturation and make sure you tick the Colorize box. Using the sliders select a value of around 25 for the Hue and 23 for the Saturation. This will tone your image to a subtle sepia.
Try experimenting with these settings and you will find all sorts of useful toning colours.
To make the driftwood more of a focal point you can bring back its colour through the sepia layer. To do this you can use the Layer Mask.
With the layer mask applied the foreground and background colours on our Tool box change to
Black and White.
Spraying black will mask the upper layer allowing the layer below to show through. Spraying white will remove the mask and should you make a mistake. Choosing a paint brush with a soft edge and you can begin to mask the sepia layer as shown below.
Tip: to change between the background and foreground colours try using the X key it's much quicker.
The layer mask clearly shows the area that has been removed. Once you have finished the masking process you can remove the layer mask via Layer > Remove Layer Mask and click on the Apply tab. Alternatively you can drag the mask into the bin and Photoshop will give you an option to apply it.
To bring the best out of your sky try using the Burn Tool. Just like the traditional darkroom tool the burn tool can be used to darken areas of the sky making it far more dramatic. The effect has to be built up gradually so keep your setting low, around 8-10% .
The finished image.
Try using this simple toning technique to enhance some of your own images.