Let's Talk Shadowing!

[usaf_wife10]

I printed out one of my digi pages today, and it looks TERRIBLE! I don't think I understand shadowing. Can someone explain how to do shadowing correctly? I'm using Photoshop Elements 9. Thanks!

[taracotta7]

In all honesty, I would totally buy Jenn's shadows (https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/sweetshoppe/product.php?productid=21075&cat=399&page=1). This is what saved me from myself when I was trying to figure it all out. I would just use her shadows and not adjust at first. It made my pages look a million times better.

Once I was more comfortable, then I would start to adjust the shadows. It is all part of the growing process. You will get there. It just takes time. But seriously......Jenn's shadows where the best few dollars spent EVER.

[jacinda]

Have you checked out the tutorial section? https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/tutorials/index.php/2011/12/getting-started-common-mistakes-of-new-scrappers/

[nanienamou]

I'm all for shadow actions that you can eventually tweek (or not) to you liking, just like Tara said. :)

[Darcy Baldwin]

I ♥ Jenn's shadows - and then created a couple of specific ones for myself, and that's all I do. I don't mess with shadows a lot more than what Jenn has done :)

[MommaTrish]

best shadowing tip (directed to printing) I ever had - go darker than you think you should - it'll print better.

[NeverendingJen]

I love shadow actions. I have several sets, and Jenn B's are one of my favorites. My main one is a free set from Megan T that I've had forever, and I've tweaked and saved them for how I like them even further.

[heathergw]

another fan of Jenn's shadows :)

[SeattleSheri]

If you want to post one of your pages, I would be happy to give you some pointers :)

[cardinalskate]

I can't get either Jenn's or Megan's (or Carly's) to load in PSE 10. I've tried and tried. I very well could be doing something wrong, but I got Peppermint's to load. I *usually* like to work with 3-4 sets, but I'm making do with only Peppermint's right now, until I can get it figured out.

[Paula]

I took Peppermint's class and learned about shadowing from her. She's the queen of shadows.

[DeepGirl]

Jenn's shadows and also those of Krystal :)

[LeeAndra]

Reason #37 Why I Love SSD:

Everyone is proud to be a (shadow) cheater. :D:wub:

[heathergw]

Reason #37 Why I Love SSD:

Everyone is proud to be a (shadow) cheater. :D:wub:

heck ya!!! :D

[Lyd]

Well, even though I DO use styles as a jumping off point for my shadows, I do TONS of tweaking, and my shadows take me almost as long to do as the rest of the layout. I have Jenn's and Peppermint's shadow styles, and I apply those as I create the layout, just to give me a basic feel for how I want things to be. Once the layout is finished, I go back and do my tweaking, and pretty much every single paper and element gets tweaked in some way. I also apply a very slight shadow in the opposite direction of my main shadows (this results in lots and lots of layers). My shadow work takes tons of time, but I love the way it makes the layout look so real! I really think it's worth playing with and learning how to do what you want. But, it does take time to find a method that you really love.

[MommaTrish]

Reason #37 Why I Love SSD:

Everyone is proud to be a (shadow) cheater. :D:wub:

*cough* is NOT a shadow cheater...

[Julie Billingsley]

Have you checked out the tutorial section? https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/tutorials/index.php/2011/12/getting-started-common-mistakes-of-new-scrappers/

yes, I highly recommend our tutorial section! A lot of time and love went into those tutorials!

[k23m]

Well, even though I DO use styles as a jumping off point for my shadows, I do TONS of tweaking, and my shadows take me almost as long to do as the rest of the layout. I have Jenn's and Peppermint's shadow styles, and I apply those as I create the layout, just to give me a basic feel for how I want things to be. Once the layout is finished, I go back and do my tweaking, and pretty much every single paper and element gets tweaked in some way. I also apply a very slight shadow in the opposite direction of my main shadows (this results in lots and lots of layers). My shadow work takes tons of time, but I love the way it makes the layout look so real! I really think it's worth playing with and learning how to do what you want. But, it does take time to find a method that you really love.

wow. I commend you for the time you spend on your shadows!

I have created a couple of styles - one for papers and one for larger things like flowers and ribbons. Its not perfect, but its quick and easy and looks good. Sometimes I will tweat if there's an element that doesnt look right.

[ripal]

When you all say that you tweak it a bit, what do you mean? Create whole another shadow layer, warp, erase, stretch kind of tweaking? Or tweak something on the style you're applying? If so, how?

Thanks!

[seatrout]

I've just bought and downloaded Jenn's shadows. I have installed in PSE9, but when I go to use them it says

' could not load the actions because the file is not compatible with this version of photoshop'

Can anyone help?

Thanks

[mrshobbes]

When you all say that you tweak it a bit, what do you mean? Create whole another shadow layer, warp, erase, stretch kind of tweaking? Or tweak something on the style you're applying? If so, how?

Thanks!

I do the same as Lydia, and yep, i've done everything you've mentioned, haha! It all depends on the element/paper and where it's resting, its color, its position on the layout, etc. I go entirely by what I see. I also mix and match shadows--like I've used a metal style for buttons or even tweaked an alpha style for ribbons (lowered opacity, etc)