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Photoshop Backgrounds, Patterns, Textures & Tutorials

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Shadows in Perspective

By Rick Wetzel

Too often the beginning Photoshop user relies on Drop Shadow to create a little drama and realism. In this tutorial, we will consider the light source and place a shadow in perspective. I started with these two images.


image courtesy AbelStock.com
Image - Patterns & Textures from Portugal

STEP 1

I wanted to combine these two photographs and create a convincing graphic effect.

The stock image from AbleStock came with a mask which allowed me to quickly knock out the white background . If you make your own mask, be sure to save the path...you'll need it later.

I placed each image on their own layer. After scaling each image (Edit>Transform>Scale), I distorted the cobblestone photo and put it into perspective (Edit>Transform>Perspective).

STEP 2

Create a new top layer. Reselect the knock out path and fill with black.


STEP 3

With the transform command. edit>transform>scale, select the middle handle and drag the selection box down. We want to compress the shadow to simulate overhead light..


Drag the shadow layer behind the cyclist layer and above the cobblestone street layer. Use a 2 pixel Gaussian Blur and dial down the opacity to about 30.


STEP 5

To complete the tutorial, I created a new background layer and filled tan.