Leave the Contour option on its default setting. To do this, decrease the level of Distance and adjust the Spread and Size settings. To create the appearance that the subject is sitting on its background, add a drop shadow that looks like it’s attached to the subject. This is useful if you want the subject to look like it’s free-floating or slightly removed from the background. The distance setting will detach the drop shadow from its subject. Set the Distance of the drop shadow by adjusting the slider. You can use Photoshop’s default Use Global Light setting: this will help you achieve a consistent look if you need to add the same drop shadow to other layers. If the light source for the drop shadow is coming from above the subject, move the dial or enter a number in the Angle box to simulate the angle of the light source. When the background behind the image layer and drop shadow is light, the opacity will need to be set lower.Ĭhange the angle of the drop shadow depending on where the light source is coming from.įor example, if the light source is coming from below, manoeuvre the Angle dial to mirror this. When you set the opacity high, you’ll have a darker shadow – this is useful if the background behind the drop shadow is dark or if you want to simulate an intensely bright light. Set the Opacity of the drop shadow by adjusting the slide bar or adding a percentage in the box beside it. In the Drop Shadow box, set the Blend Mode to Normal.Ĭlick the Color box and select a dark color. You can use the Drop Shadow Dialog Box to create real or surreal shadows. Step 3 – Customize the Drop Shadowįor this tutorial, we are going to create a realistic drop shadow under the orange. The Drop Shadow box gives you options to select different drop shadow effects. Move the Layer Style window so you can view the image in the canvas window and the Drop Shadow effect box at the same time. When selected, the Layer Style window will appear containing the Drop Shadows box. (Use this Photoshop Tutorial if you need to remove a subject from its background.) Step 2 – Open Drop Shadows EffectĪt the bottom of the Layers Panel, click the FX Icon and select Drop Shadow, or navigate to the top menu bar and select Layers > Layer Style > Drop Shadow.
You won’t be able to add a drop shadow to a subject that is not cut out – the subject will need to be in a separate layer in the layers panel. Select the image you wish to add a drop shadow to and open it in Photoshop.