Version: 2.0 Level: Easy Objectives: Learn how to create
realistic, perspective shadow effects for your images. Tools & Techniques: Selections,
Layers, Threshold, Gaussian Blur, Layer Styles
This is a terrific lesson for creating the special effect
of having depth and perspective to your images
Step 1: Getting Started - Duplicating the Layer
We'll use the image we selected from the Inverse
Selection tutorial. You of course are
free to use any image you like, but you'll need to first
remove the image from its background.
Duplicate your image by either:
Clicking the More button in the top right corner of the Layers
Palette
Clicking and dragging the image layer down to the "Create
a New Layer" icon at the bottom of the Layers
Palette
Step 2: Applying a Threshold to the Image
Turn off the visiblity of the top layer by clicking on
the "eye" icon
Select the first layer
Go up to Image > Adjustments > Threshold...
Drag the slider all the way to the right or enter 255 for
Threshold Level
Step 3: Blurring the Image
Go to Window > Filters > Blur and select Gaussian Blur
Click Apply to apply the
Gaussian Blur
Enter a value around 4.5 for the Radius
Step 4: Distoring the Image
Turn the top layer's visibility back on
Be sure you're still selecting the first layer and go up
to Image > Transform > Distort
Select the top, middle handle and drag down and to the
right
Use the arrow keys to nudge the shadow image in place with
the top image
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