New Shadow Tutorial!

[SeattleSheri]

I'm going to be writing a series of shadowing tutorials. I write my tutorials in PS CS5, but hopefully some of the principles will translate to other programs. The first one focuses on the basics and also includes how to install layer styles and how to apply layer styles to multiple layers.

Basic Shadowing Techniques: Layer Styles

 

[Lyd]

Awesome tutorial, Sherri - it covers all the important basics in wonderful detail. I sure wish there had been something like that when I had first started scrapping!

 

[farrijc]

I am very excited about this! I have never really taken the time to learn how to take my shadows to the next level, and I am ready

ETA - I already learned something new. I do all my shadows on linear burn but have been noticing how dark they are on some backgrounds. I didn't think to switch back to multiply, so I am going to give that a try! Looking forward to the next tutorial.

 

[*Celeste*]

i love how you went through each part of the box and explained what it does. i've never seen one like this before. looking forward to your next one!

 

[heathergw]

That is awesome Sheri! I too loved how you explained each section of the box

 

[hollyxann]

Great tutorial Sheri!!!

Thanks for posting this.

 

[LJSDesigns]

Great tut Sheri.

 

[Joy2Scrapbook]

Thank you for the shadow tutorial! A very clear explanation, I look forward to learning more.

 

[SeattleSheri]

Thank you so much ladies! I'm going to also do tutorials on customizing shadows, etc .... if you have a technique you are particularly interested in, please let me know!

 

[nun69]

Sheri awesome tutorial, I woudl love to see more on dodging and burning {I think that is what people do} to give your shadows some more depth.....

 

[mrshobbes]

Oooh Sheri, that was brilliant! Can't wait to see your other shadow tutorials!

 

[farrijc]

Thank you so much ladies! I'm going to also do tutorials on customizing shadows, etc .... if you have a technique you are particularly interested in, please let me know!

I would be happy to learn what you do... use the warp tool? smudge tool? put shadows on their own layers?

 

[Davita]

I would be happy to learn what you do... use the warp tool? smudge tool? put shadows on their own layers?

Yes this and I also struggle with shadowing things like lace, vellum and stitches....things that need a more delicate shadow but still need depth.

 

[abm234]

This is on my list of things to do this weekend!

 

[seatrout]

Thank you so much ladies! I'm going to also do tutorials on customizing shadows, etc .... if you have a technique you are particularly interested in, please let me know!

some help in shadowing acrylics would be great - I can't make it work at all

 

[SeattleSheri]

Thanks for the ideas ladies! I think a tutorial is in the works for acrylics (semi-transparent objects).

In PS, the way I shadow semi-transparent items is as follows:

Apply layer style
Detach layer style
Select alpha/embelishment (enable marching ants) & invert selection
--- OR --- use your magic wand and click anywhere on the canvas outside of the alpha/embelishment
Click on drop shadow layer
Apply layer mask

This essentially hides the shadow under the element, but retains it on the exterior of the element. If you wanted to get really fancy, you could change the opacity under the element/alpha so that it's slightly visible, since theoretically, that part of the element would still cast a shadow, but I never worry about that

 

[kim21673]

Thanks for the ideas ladies! I think a tutorial is in the works for acrylics (semi-transparent objects).

In PS, the way I shadow semi-transparent items is as follows:

Apply layer style
Detach layer style
Select alpha/embelishment (enable marching ants) & invert selection
--- OR --- use your magic wand and click anywhere on the canvas outside of the alpha/embelishment
Click on drop shadow layer
Apply layer mask

This essentially hides the shadow under the element, but retains it on the exterior of the element. If you wanted to get really fancy, you could change the opacity under the element/alpha so that it's slightly visible, since theoretically, that part of the element would still cast a shadow, but I never worry about that

BRILLIANT!!!! Thank you so much for that tip!!!! :thumbup:

 

[LeeAndra]

YES! This is amazing, Sheri! THANK YOU!

 

[JulieB146]

If you have PSE, like I do, and don't own a copy of PS, there are a couple of ways to detach the shadow style from the object: you can buy actions at a couple of other stores that do this. PM me if you want to know where.

Also, they way I usually do a shadow of an object, since in PSE you can't detach a shadow from an object, is to duplicate the object, make it dark/black, and gaussian blur that layer. You can then do what you want to that shadow layer.