How to Create Backdrops in Photoshop

Enhance images with a backdrop.

Creating a backdrop for an image is a simple way to add a vibrant and interesting aspect to a standard image. Backdrops are also useful for amateur photographers who want to have a professional-looking background without having to spend the tremendous amount of money to purchase one. In these steps, you will use a vivid backdrop to enhance a standard graphic, but this technique can be used for a variety of purposes.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Adobe CS3 or later
• Image to paste on the backdrop

1. Image 1

   Create a canvas to use for the backdrop. Set the RGB canvas at 400 by 1000 pixels with a print resolution of 150 dpi, as shown in Image 1.

2. Image 2

   Assure that the menu toolbar is configured with colors f85800 and fbc4a6 as in Image 2a, and click the Paint Bucket as in Image 2b.

3. Image 3

   Click "Filter" and move the mouse over the "Render" option. Click on "Clouds," and the canvas will change appearance to look like Image 3.

4. Paste in the image selected for the backdrop. At this point, it is of value to create a lighting effect to draw attention to the image.

5. Image 4

   Click on the backdrop layer, then click "Filter," move the mouse over "Render" and click "Lighting Effects."

6. Image 5

   Configure the lighting effects by setting the Lighting Type to "Omni." Position and size the effect on the area to be highlighted. Set the Intensity to 39 and the Ambience to 21. Then click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• Different-color backgrounds can be generated in similar ways by adjusting the colors on the toolbar. Many high-resolution photographs should have a background of 8 by 10 inches at 300 dpi and use a backdrop with black as the front color and white as the back color.

Resources

• Adobe Photoshop Exchange: Backdrops