(following Tips #45, #46 and #47)...
When planning a shadow across a scene, to add that killer touch of
realism (the pros do this) make sure the shadow is "colored"
according to the area it crosses over. You may have to create
several sections of differently colored shadows, then blend them for
the final effect.
Also, what does the shadow cross? Does it run across several
different levels or planes in space? In that case it will not be a
continuous shadow. It will drop and contour to the levels it's
projected on.
Picture the shadow of the tennis player on the court. What happens
when the shadow crosses over the racquet lying on the court? Of
course, it contours up and around, over the handle. The shadow
actually curves and conforms to the shape of the object.
When you see flat shadows cast over contoured or shaped objects you
know the person behind the wheel is an amateur.
What about negative space? If your shadow crosses an opening... such as
a doorway or window -- what happens then? Some artists won't think about
this. How about if it runs across a table and off the edge? To build a
visual sense of logic, take a strong light (or simply walk outside on a
bright sunny day) and look around you. Take some objects and stack them
up in different arrangements. Watch carefully what happens to the
shadow.
We were shocked when we saw the "800 Flowers" web site...
art obviously done by a computer geek rather than a knowledgeable
artist! Go there and take a snoop. As an initiated reader of
Photoshop Tips & Tricks, you'll recognize the deadly deed right away!
Eventhough someone recently called this site a "Killer" site... we have to
question that validity. You may think people don't see those little mistakes...
but they do.
Then someone in a workshop asked how to get into Photoshop
without taking the $$$ hit. Here are some ideas if you can't
quite make the pay: Tip #49...