How to create easy Shadows in Photoshop

Here is a simple way to create a shadow for an object, in your Photoshop project. A shadow gives the item in your picture, a more stand out look. For this example, I used Photoshop 7, but it works the same way in other Photoshops I have used.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Photoshop
• Photoshop File

1. 

   First choose the layer you wish to have shadowed. I chose an wood eagle, but it can be an item or shape, that has a see through portion.

2. 

   Choose the Marquee Tool and make a box around your item.

3. 

   Switch to the Move Tool and then nudge your Marquee with an arrow key. This will change the shape of your Marquee to match your item.

4. 

   Without removing your newly shaped Marquee, create another layer, below your item. Fill the Marquee with black, this will create the base shape of your shadow.

5. 

   Now remove your Marquee. Go to Filters-Blur-Gaussian Blur and blur your shape. I use about 3.4, but you can have more or less blur, depending on how fuzzy you want your shadow.

6. 

   Next go to the Layers window and change the Opacity of your shape. I use about 65%, but you can also play with this, to let more or less of your background show through.

7. 

   Last step is to move your newly created shadow layer to the side and up or down, depending on where you would like your shadow to be. I nudge mine, using the Move Tool, to get my shadow to where I like it. And that is it. You now have a shadow behind your item or shape, that will make it stand out from the picture, giving it a more 3D effect!

Tips & Warnings

• As with anything you do in Photoshop, it is a good idea to make notes of your steps & settings, once you find a process that achieves your goals. This way, the next time you want to make a new shadow, you’ll remember just how to do it!

[starlet67]

on 3/16/2009 Good use of photos with instructions!