Shadows

[e-mailsucks]

Hi everyone. I'm a Jasc Paintshop Pro X user. I've now switched to Photoshop Elements 3.0. Very impressive program. What I would like to try and do is;
Make a layer of an object, then place it on a beach scene in an evening photo. I would then need to have the first layer cast a shadow as though it was really there. I've read about drop shadows in Elements, but haven't seen any tutorials on copying & pasting images on another layer and then making a shadow. Any info would really be appreciated.

Thanks from
The New User

[Wendy]

Hi,

First cut out your image and then copy it to the new layer.
Use the lasso to select your image then do Edit>Copy and Edit>Paste.

Now you have the image on its own layer and its time to do the drop shadow.

Duplicate the image layer, and make the selection active (Ctrl click on its thumbnail in the layers palette) then fill the lower layer selection with black ... this will become your drop shadow
It will need to be softened a little so do Filter>Blur>Gaussian blur.
Move the shadow into place with the move tool (you can use use Image>Transfer>Distort if the shadow need distorting ... this is a good way to make the shadow go across the floor, just as our shadows do)
Last thing is to reduce the opacity until it looks like a real shadow.

You will have to experiment but hopefully this will start you off

Wendy

[e-mailsucks]

Thanks Wendy. I'll try it when I get home. You've been most helpful.

Brian

[Wendy]

Hi Brian,

Glad to help ... if you get stuck jut let us know and someone will walk you through it


Wendy