Step 1

Download and open in Photoshop the large sky photo – 2240px * 1680px. Rotate the Canvas, choose Image > Rotate Canvas > 90° CW.

Step 2

Then choose Rectangular Marquee Tool , choose Fixed Size with Width = 1104px and Height = 1428px and create selection of the area like on the screen shot. Go to Image > Crop.

Step 3

Duplicate sky background layer and apply Auto Contrast adjustment to it, Image > Adjustments > Auto Contrast. Apply Multiply Blending Mode to this layer and Opacity 75%. Add Layer Mask to the duplicated layer – click small icon in the bottom of layers palette. Make mask active and fill it with the linear Black and White gradient.

Step 4

Create a new adjustment layer, click small icon in the bottom of layers palette, choose Color Balance from the drop down menu. Apply following settings.

Step 5

Insert soil sphere, select outside area and remove it. In order to load selection of white background, you may use Magic Wand Tool. Rotate this shape to move dark part of the sphere on the left side, Edit > Transform > Rotate.

Step 6

Add Layer Mask to the soil layer and erase selected area with small round black brush. You may correct erased contour by using white brush.

Step 7

Create a new adjustment layer, click small icon in the bottom part of layers palette, choose Levels. In order to apply levels changes just for the soil shape, right click to adjustments layer and find "Create Clipping Mask". Set levels adjustments and erase left part of adjustment layer with large soft brush.

Step 8

Then create one more adjustment layer clipping mask – "Selective Color" in this time. Apply setting like on the screen shot. Process layer mask with soft brush to create crumbly, spotty texture.

(editor：admin)