3 Replies Latest reply: Dec 2, 2010 7:25 AM by Mike Gondek RSS

    Isolate shadow

    Jacoblarspeter Community Member
    Jacoblarspeter Dec 2, 2010 6:36 AM

      Hiya. Was wonderin if there is a way (pref easy way) to isolate a shadow. Drop-shadow is pretty basic and doesn´t really do it for me. I whant to be able to isolate the shadow and drag it into any direction. I´ve always had to create a new layer and either paint a new object or put a copy of the original there an fill – blur – drag.

       

       

      Jac

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        • 1. Re: Isolate shadow
          charles badland Community Member
          charles badland Dec 2, 2010 6:48 AM (in response to Jacoblarspeter)

          Create a Drop Shadow effect. Then go Layer>Layer Style> Create Layer.

          • 2. Re: Isolate shadow
            c.pfaffenbichler Community Member
            c.pfaffenbichler Dec 2, 2010 6:48 AM (in response to Jacoblarspeter)

            If Drop Shadow is insufficient I would recommend

            • converting Layer to Smart Object

            • duplicating that and moving back

            • applying Gaussian Blur

            • applying Layer Style Color Overlay with black (or Gradient Overlay)

            • transforming this »shadow«-layer as one likes (command-T)

             

            For fairly decent perspectival shadows some additional painting will probably still be necessary.

            • 3. Re: Isolate shadow
              Mike Gondek Community Member
              Mike Gondek Dec 2, 2010 7:25 AM (in response to Jacoblarspeter)

              You can drag the drop shadow around in layer style while the layer style palette is open.

               

              If you need more complex shadows than what is available in the layer style, then making layers underneath (as you have been) and illustrating the shadow give you the best control for multiple light source, gradating, perspective.