How can I rescue this photo?

Hi,

just got back from holiday, and have a photo I am pleased with:

http://rintindalin.co.uk/P1110847.jpg

Is there any way I can "fix" it though, by making the rocks in the foregroud less dark, without bleaching the hills in the distance?

I have access to Adobe Photoshop Elements (early version, can't find out which because going to Help > About doesn't give version number) and Adobe Photoshop 5.5.

I'm sure I could do something with curves or adjustment layers or similar but just need a nudge in the right direction.

Thanks

Jim

I would make a gradient in quick mask mode, from left to right, where the gradient goes from black to transparent. Go out of quick mask mode and inverse the selection and adjust the curves a bit. Like drag the middle of the curve up a bit, towards the left top corner.

Another way to go about it, is to 'paint' your selection in quick mask mode and going back to the normal image mode and adjusting the curves again.

The second technique will be more precise.