Question about the action that releases shadows for PSE...

[mariewilcox]

I've been debating about getting the action at Pickleberry Pop that does this but once I actually release the shadow onto its own layer what exactly can I do differently in PSE that I can't do without the action?

Yes, I'm totally shadow challenged!

[heathergw]

you can change the blend mode on it... I really like linear burn for shadows

you can use the smudge tool to make 3D items like flowers and strings and stuff look more natural.

[mariewilcox]

Thanks Heather - the linear burn is what I was hoping it would allow me to do

[mariewilcox]

One more question - will the photoshop tutorials about shadows be relevant when using this action? In other words can I use the PS tutorials with the action and they will make sense?

[heathergw]

Yes and no...

the distance and opacity and size you'll have to tweak prior to using the action... after you've gotten it the way you like it, then you'll run the action on it but won't be able to tweak those numbers anymore... and you'll only be able to adjust the color, opacity, blend mode or use the smudge tool

my recommendation is to do the whole layout the way you normally would, with all the shadows the way you want them... then highlight all the layers that you want to tweak and run the action... after you've run the action, change the blend mode to linear burn or whatever you want... I think Sheri uses Multiply... and then for the 3D things like strings and curly ribbons and flowers and leaves, you can play with the smudge tool to make them stand out a bit more

[mariewilcox]

Thanks Heather - that all makes sense. I wouldn't need to adjust papers and things like that so much as the more detailed things like flowers, ribbons, strings.

Thanks so much for your time!