I would love some honest opinions....

[Leontine78]

....about my layering and shadowing.
I am using Jenn's styles and life gets so much better with them. I do use different styles for different kind of elements, but sometimes I think I can be better though.

But if I am going through the tutorials they are mostly done with Photoshop and not with PSE which causes me to think: huh what? (also because I am using Dutch version).

So....how can I improve my shadowing? Or is it fine?
I would appreciate it if you check out my gallery :o

[webseitler]

I have struggled with liking my shadows for YEARS. :p So I understand how you feel!

Tell me--can you turn a shadow style into it's own layer in PSE?

[Valgal]

They look good to me. My only suggestion would be to vary them some more. Like, the lower layers would have a shallower layer than those above.

Like on this one, my photo shadows are smaller than the leaves and butterfly. I don't know how (or if you can) manipulate shadows in PSE but I like to warp mine a bit so it looks like things aren't totally flat on the page.

https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/500/medium/plants-web.jpg

[Leontine78]

Nicole, I have absolutely no idea!

Valgal, I do try to vary in size of flowers, but I won't go into the layout to play with it. I am scared that I will ruin everything.

I am just no PSE expert....I can make my layouts, resize them and all...and that's probably it. I absolutely don't take the maximum out of it.

[coopert]

Leontine, I'm not an expert at shadows, but I always love your pages. Some of my favorites!

[SeattleSheri]

Leontine, I'm not an expert and there is definitely no right or wrong, it's all about personal preference. I use PS, so I'm not sure what capabilities PSE has for adjusting shadows. I think your shadows look pretty good.

Here is a tutorial I wrote that shows the different settings I used on a page to add depth. The basic principle is that the higher something sits, the longer and softer the shadow it casts, so variability within a page is the key. It's all about playing around with them and even taking yourself out of your comfort zone occasionally.

https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/tutorials/index.php/2012/03/basic-shadowing-techniques-anatomy-of-a-page/

[joelsgirl]

I think your shadows look great!

Lately I've been thinking that maybe it's more about sharpening your layout a little than about spending hours on shadows. I could be wrong, though.

That's a great tutorial, Sheri!

[YepBrook]

I think your shadows are lovely! Like this page:
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/624/13-3D-ultrasound-web.jpg
But if you're looking to learn more... one of the best ways to learn shadows is to take a look at some "real" paper pages that people photograph or scan to share in galleries. This is how I tried to figure things out when I started digi-scrapping (before they had shadow styles or even tutorials on how to do it!). Mimicking the way the layers of paper and embellishments cast shadows is a great way to learn. You can open a window with a paper page next to your PSE window to get ideas on how it should look.

For example, this paper page of mine from way back... see how dark the shadows are under the brads??? And the shadow under the little bow kind of warps a bit and gets lighter the further it is from the paper? Just study paper pages and you might notice some realistic tricks to add to your pages.
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/peamage/410500-410999/410681_600x600.jpg

[Freckles]

I just looked through your gallery and I think your shadows are great, Leontine! Especially this page, they look very realistic.
https://www.sweetshoppecommunity.com/gallery/data/500/2-Love-of-a-lifetime-web.jpg
Like Sheri says, it's all about personal preferences. There is no right or wrong. A lot of people like to mimic the appearance of real paper pages. I personally like my shadows pronounced. I like to exagerate a little with them on flowers etc.

I don't know how shadowing works in PSE, so I can't really give advice, but I think yours are already pretty great!

Oh, and it's just now by looking through your gallery that I noticed you lifted a page of mine! :) Awesome! :wub:

[Leontine78]

Thanks ladies....I really believe Jenn's styles are awesome!

And Kim I know which layout you mean.....I think yours really rocked! And this way I learn how to cluster more.