Manipulating a 'Drop Shadow'
(Page 3)

Clive R. Haynes FRPS

With the Drop Shadow layer active go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur.
Adjust the slider until the amount of blurring is appropriate. Make certain the 'Preview' box is ticked.
The next task is to fade the drop shadow as it extends from the subject.
We'll use Quick Mask and Gradient tools again.
Create a Layer Mask for the Shadow layer - see below
 
Above: The extent of the Gradient on the Layer Mask will be seen in the Layer Mask thumbnail

Tip: There is a way of 'tuning in' the amount of 'fade' that's needed that's a lot quicker than repeatedly trying different Gradient settings.
Once the Gradient has been applied to the Layer Mask the amount of 'fade' can be altered by using 'Brightness and Contrast' on this Layer, either via Image > Adjust > Brightness / Contrast or by creating an Adjustment Layer which can be returned to later if necessary.
The 'useful' Brightness / Contrast box to 'fine tune' the amount of 'fade'

By now, you should know a lot more about the application and manipulation of Drop Shadows.

We'll give our model a holiday and transport her to Lake Tahoe in northern California
Unlikely? What the heck - she's worked hard on this demo!
 

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'Delving Deeper into Layers' Topics
Layer-to-Layer Cloning
Adjustment Layers
Clipping Groups
Layer Masks
Layer Styles and Effects
The Text / Typing Layer (information being prepared)
Moving / Copying an Adjustment Layer to Another Image
Know-How Contents
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