[EdelineM]

Any tips how to do the best realistic shadow ??

[Ro]

What software are you running? This is really important to know.

[HisThao]

Edeline, good question! I think realistic dropshadows really give a digital layout more depth and visual "weight."

For the colors of dropshadows, I would recommend using the eyedropper tool to select a color that is a few shades darker than the surface that the dropshadow will be on. For example, if an embellishment will be on a red surface, choose a dropshadow for it that's a darker red color. Play with the opacity too and shape too. I like a subtle, soft shadow--all going in the same direction, usually an angle of 120 degrees.

[Ro]

That's why it is important to know what software you are running. In PSE 2, 3, and 4, you can't do what Thao just suggested. I created some shadow styles to help get around this problem which can be installed. They give you some color variants, soft greys, etc. because the shadows that come default with PSE 2, 3, and 4 are very harsh.

If you have PSE 5, Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, you can alter the shadows in the manner that Thao suggests.

[talina]

Another hint: keep in mind the SIZE of what you are applying a shadow to. For example, if it is a big, "bulky" embellishment, like a silk flower, that would stick up off of a "real" page, give it a bigger shadow. If it is something closer to the page, like a staple or flat button, use a smaller drop shadow.

HTH!

[crush4dolphins]

You can do similar to what Thao said with the colors with PSE . Although you have to duplicate the layer (Ctrl J), change color or leave black, move below original, add Gaussian Blur, arrow down 1 pix and over 1 pix, lower opacity, and can use the smudge tool in areas to make it more realistic. HTH

[EdelineM]

Ro, on Jan 24 2007, 01:54 AM, said:

That's why it is important to know what software you are running. In PSE 2, 3, and 4, you can't do what Thao just suggested. I created some shadow styles to help get around this problem which can be installed. They give you some color variants, soft greys, etc. because the shadows that come default with PSE 2, 3, and 4 are very harsh.

If you have PSE 5, Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro, you can alter the shadows in the manner that Thao suggests.

Oh that shadow you have not working with PS CS2 ??
I am using PS CS2 ...

[EdelineM]

HisThao, on Jan 24 2007, 01:04 AM, said:

Edeline, good question! I think realistic dropshadows really give a digital layout more depth and visual "weight."

For the colors of dropshadows, I would recommend using the eyedropper tool to select a color that is a few shades darker than the surface that the dropshadow will be on. For example, if an embellishment will be on a red surface, choose a dropshadow for it that's a darker red color. Play with the opacity too and shape too. I like a subtle, soft shadow--all going in the same direction, usually an angle of 120 degrees.

oh thanks Thao I will try that later..

[EdelineM]

talina, on Jan 24 2007, 02:11 AM, said:

Another hint: keep in mind the SIZE of what you are applying a shadow to. For example, if it is a big, "bulky" embellishment, like a silk flower, that would stick up off of a "real" page, give it a bigger shadow. If it is something closer to the page, like a staple or flat button, use a smaller drop shadow.

HTH!

oh wow thanks for the tips..

[Wxchic]

Edeline, if you are using PS CS2, then the options are unlimited. I found the best way to imitate shadows is to look at a real paper layout, one with bulky embellisments, and the works. Put it under a low light and really look at the shadows. You will be amazed at what you see.

[Syndee]

I have had great luck with Ro's shadow styles in both PSE and CS2! It makes it so easy!

[ruralscrapper]

I use PSE 4... but I have a questions. Which shadows of Ro's do you buy. I look at them the other day and then I was confused which one to buy or it to buy them all. Any suggestions? TIA

[EdelineM]

wxchic, on Jan 24 2007, 01:59 PM, said:

Edeline, if you are using PS CS2, then the options are unlimited. I found the best way to imitate shadows is to look at a real paper layout, one with bulky embellisments, and the works. Put it under a low light and really look at the shadows. You will be amazed at what you see.

that is one great idea Theresa.. i might have to browse the paper gallery and find out how to do the variations

[crush4dolphins]

ruralscrapper, on Jan 24 2007, 12:21 PM, said:

I use PSE 4... but I have a questions. Which shadows of Ro's do you buy. I look at them the other day and then I was confused which one to buy or it to buy them all. Any suggestions? TIA

I have been wondering the same thing.

[Hummie]

I have a tutorial on making custom shadows. I use PSE. However, it does not detail some of your questions, like on what color to use, how deep to make the shadow, etc.

You can also get a free eyecandy program that will make colored shadows.

[Debbyo]

Hummie-that was great! I'm printing it off so that I can refer to it when I scrap something that would look benefit from this look. Thanks for the link!

[thecroppincow]

I think it is important not to go too dark with the shadows also. I've seen some shadows on other sites that the designers did not allow the background papers to show through and it ended up looking really fake. So make sure you use an opacity setting for the shadow that allows you to see where the shadow is falling. Just like in good photography, you still want to see details in your shadows.

[Syndee]

crush4dolphins, on Feb 17 2007, 08:22 PM, said:

ruralscrapper, on Jan 24 2007, 12:21 PM, said:

I use PSE 4... but I have a questions. Which shadows of Ro's do you buy. I look at them the other day and then I was confused which one to buy or it to buy them all. Any suggestions? TIA

I have been wondering the same thing.

I have all of Ro's shadows- I use them all. They are fantastic and make life sooo much easier!!!

[MovieStar]

Wonderful suggestions here!!
Thanks.