Original
Re-sized from 747x1000 pixels . . .An MK image -- used with permission. . .
The 747x1000 pixel, 100% quality jpg file of Original is available here [520KB].

Workflow Summary -- Detail Reference: A Contrast Mask Method & PWP

Step1:   Created a Composite-SoftLight 'overlay' [contrast mask] image where the 50% tones were the 'wispy' tree branches.   Using it, performed a Composite-SoftLight blend to preference.

Step2:   Created a 0 -> 80% shadow tone range mask [isolated the foreground and trees] and performed preference HSV,V and HSV,S ColorCurve curves.

Step3:   'Sun-Dappled' the foreground and trees.   See the Detail Reference Step5.   Rather than painting an intitial image area mask, the shadow tone range mask from Step2 was used.   Then 'Overlap - Apply' the Mask Tool Brightness Curve.   A slightly warming filter color, RGB = 100, 98, 90, was used rather than white

Step4:   Created a 0 -> 40% shadow tone range mask [isolated the deep shadows of the foreground and trees] and performed preference HSV,V and HSV,S ColorCurve curves.

Step5:   Created a Gradient Outline Mask, staying a large brush diameter above the treeline and trees, and performed preference HSL BrightnessCurve curve to increase sky contrast.

Step6:   Performed slight AdvancedSharpen [luminance only] to preference.

Step7:   Performed HighPass blur on the HSV,V channel and re-Combine with the original HSV,S and HSV,H channels to add subtle mid-tone shading.   See this DL-C message board thread.   The resulting image of this step is Enhanced Version1 shown below.

Enhanced Version1 -- the resulting Step7 Image [perhaps a bit 'overdone'!]
Re-sized from 747x1000 pixels
Place your mouse over the image to compare with the Original image version. . . .An MK image -- used with permission. . .

Step8:   Observing that the Version1 image may be overdone for some preferences, the image was Composite--Blend-ed with the Original image using image area masks for the sky/clouds and the foreground grass to focus attention more towards slightly muted Fall tree colors.   The resulting image for this step is Enhanced Version2 shown below compared with the Version1 and Original images.

Enhanced Version2 -- the resulting Step8 Image [a Composite-Blend with the Original image]
Re-sized from 747x1000 pixels
Place your mouse over the image to compare with the Version1 image version. . . .An MK image -- used with permission. . .
Place your mouse over the image to compare with the Original image version. . . .An MK image -- used with permission. . .