Here's a thought regarding the layers. Consider changing the sky's layer mode to MULTIPLY. The sky in the main image is pretty white. By using MULTIPLY, the blue sky's darker tones will replace (override) the white sky in the base image. Use SCREEN to get the opposite result (light pixels replacing darker). Also, try making selections from the Channels (red, green, blue) individually. Each channel is a black and white of that color so when you select or click on a channel while holding down these two keys: Command-J (Mac) or Control-J), it should select whatever that color space includes. Then click out of the channel mode (after turning all colors back on) to use that selection in a new mask. Understand how to invert the mask's selection to flip it to its inverse.
Yes sirAnd you're right. Luck has very little to do with this. Persistence and more persistence are key. If you're systematic about learning specific tools (modes, layers, channels, masks, etc.), it all will come together eventually
GotchaI almost forgot the ABSOLUTELY most important step: DUPLICATE your image before you alter it. An easy way to "cover your backside" in case you do something you wish you hadn't is to open the image, then click on the single layer ("background"), then (Mac) Command-J to make a duplicate of the selected layer. Now modify that to your heart's desire. If you screw it up, just delete off the extra layers so you just have "Background" and you have your original image. Use the Adobe Photoshop Help menu item to look up key words as you explore the menu and panels. The Multiply, Screen, etc. are under the "Normal" in the Layers Tool panel.
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