Blending Sky in Multi-image Composites?

[Pokie]

Looking for suggestions in blending sky in multi-image composites.
I have several multi-shot panoramas that when stitched show some very noticeable banding in the sky.
I did what I could to keep the exposures the same - no polarizer, manual exposure, manual focus. The banding isn't horrible - and might not be noticed anywhere except for blue sky. But it is blue sky.
Any help appreciated. My painting skills and cloning skills aren't getting it done!

Pokie

[Bonish Photo]

Might try to Google "Blending Images Together with CS2...CS3" or what ever program you're using.

I know both Photoshop and a few other programs have software built in to accomplish this, but I dont know how to tell you to do it.

Good luck, and make sure to post some of the results when you get them worked out

[digitaljohn]

sometimes I have found my lenses have a slight fall off at the edges. When doing panoramas I crop equally into each image and that seems to work well. I don't know if your pano program outputs in layers but if it does give it a try. Hope it works.

[Pokie]

I'm getting closer, but not quite got it yet.
What I have are multi-image composites I shot at Cape Final, North Rim Grand Canyon.
Interesting - in the OP Landscape Annual, Jack Dykinga says the best shots of the canyon are from Cape Royal.
Cape Final is very close to Cape Royal and offers a similar view - spectacular, I'd say.
I've figured out I'm dealing with 2 problems - one is lighting differences based on the different angles.
I've managed to clone them away.
The other problem is the fall-off near the edges - good tip, John.
I've wasted the cloning work because I've figured out that I do need to backup and start over - crop first, merge second, and then clean up the edges a bit.
I'll get there.

[Pokie]

Not quite there yet - I've gotten rid of horrible vertical banding in the sky, but still have some horizontal banding I need to deal with.
I think I need to lighten up the lower left corner. Area was in deep shade on a contrasty afternoon.
Appreciate any thoughts on what could be done to finish this out.