How do you create the shadowed effect behind photos?

[Coffeebean]

Hi ladies! This is going to seem like a silly question, but how do you create the shadowed effect behind photos in PS? I have tried drop shadows and outer glow, but I think I am missing something b/c it never looks right when I do it. Thanks!

[angleigh]

Are you asking about the shadow that people put behind pictures, elements, and paper to give it that "dimensional" effect?


To get that look I know alot of people will use a Low Drop Shadow then go into the layers pallete click on the "f" besides the layer name and adjust the shadow, generally to a low setting. Keep in mind you also want all your shadows to go in the same direction. This is something that you really need to watch if your working with an element that already has a shadow on it.

Another way to do shadowing is by hand. Dianne, one of the designers here, gave us some great instrustions not that long ago on hand shadowing. Those can be found HERE (http://www.scrapartist.com/scrapforums/showthread.php?t=43)


Hopefully that answers your question. If not please let me know, or if you have any other questions regarding this just ask.

[DianneRigdon]

The most common error I see is either having the shadow too dark, or too far away from the subject. For it to look realistic, you need to have it pretty light....the closer an element is supposed to be to the background, the smaller and lighter the shadow should be. There are a lot of variables in the drop shadow layer style, at least in pscs. Play with opacity, size and distance, until it has the right look. Of course, I have gotten into the habit of painting them manually - you can read about it here (http://www.scrapartist.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=513&cat=500&ppuser=33). I do so because it lends an air of authenticity that is hard to recreate with "canned" shadows. HTH!

[Coffeebean]

Looks like I was on the right track, that is good to know. I will play with this more today. I never thought to do it by hand. Hmmmm.

[DianneRigdon]

:o :o :o Angie and I posted at the same time, otherwise I would not have been so forward! LOL. Great advice, Angie! ;)