#1
|
||||
|
||||
Shadows and Photo Effects
I'm just starting to get back into scrapping again after a hiatus and I'm still using shadow styles from way back when. I notice that some people have more definition to their shadows and although I know how to adjust them, I'm curious if everyone tends to use more of a style approach like I do to this or if you adjust shadows with every layout. Any tips on making my elements/papers pop a little more with shadows? I'm using PS CS5.
Also was wondering if you tend to use photo effects a lot and if so which are your favorites from the store? I get impatient and don't want to fiddle around with my photos too much so actions are usually a good way to go for me.
__________________
|
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Can you give me some examples of layouts that have the look you're interested in achieving? That would be helpful.
I use some basic actions that I made myself to boost brightness and sharpen (usually my actions are just: levels, high pass filter, curve, and a transparent color overlay of some sort). I also have a B&W action called "Gorman Holbert BW Conversion"... it's awesome, can't remember if I bought it or got it for free. I also grabbed some free ones online... CoffeShop, MCP, and a few free ones by My 4 Hens. If you google 'free photo actions' you can find some good stuff. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
There are some awesome shadowing tutorials in the Tutorial section you might want to check out before purchasing actions. These really help give you some different looks.
I also like to search on You Tube to find someone that shows you how to do it step by step.
__________________
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
I guess I feel like many times my layouts look flatter to me and I've tried adjusting shadow settings since then. I have slightly darkened and increased the size of the shadows for certain objects on a layout, but I'm always second guessing myself. Maybe I'm just being too critical lol. I may have to play with making some new actions, too, like suggested.
__________________
|
#5
|
||||
|
||||
I think your shadows are perfectly fine. However, you might want to try to play with them a bit. I personally don't use styles/actions for shadows. Instead, what I do is the following:
1. I start applying shadow to the top elements of my layout (usually a flower). 2. I copy this "layer style" (right click on the layer-->copy layer style) 3. Paste this shadow (layer style) to all elements and then adjust each that I don't like enough because sometimes the layer style that I pasted is either too dark or too light; too shallow or too deep so I adjust it to my liking. I sometimes like to make a layer of that shadow style and warp it a bit for a more interesting look (e.g. on ribbons' ends). Do check the tutorials, I believe they're very good.
__________________
Creating for Blagovesta Gosheva
Guest for KCB - August/September 2016 and 2017; June/July 2019 Guest for Studio Basic Designs - January/February 2017 -- Mama to Albert |
#6
|
||||
|
||||
Andrea, I would definitely check out our tutorial section on shadows, there are lots of great tips included. I wrote a couple of them way back when. There are a lot of effective techniques and there is definitely no one size fits all for everyone
__________________
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
Quote:
__________________
Last edited by SeattleSheri; 07-09-2015 at 04:12 PM. |
#8
|
||||
|
||||
I love using pre-made shadow styles, and usually I'd tweak them a bit to fit the page that I'm scrapping. I'd use pre-made shadows when I put papers & embellishments, and then after I'm done, I'd take a final look at the overall page and tweak some element/paper shadows if needed.
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
I pretty much only use Jenn Barrette's styles from the shoppe for my shadows, Im lazy like that.
https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/s...d=21075&page=1 |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
I also so not use actions with shadows. I enjoy playing around with the adjustments. Like Anelia, I start with the top elements. Most of the time copy/paste the layer style to most elements. Thanks for the tutorials learned some new things too.
|
#11
|
||||
|
||||
Here's a tutorial I wrote, about how I do my shadows: https://www.sweetshoppedesigns.com/t...ghten-up-baby/
At the end of the tutorial there's a link to a free shadow style by Krystal. I use hers ALL the time because I don't like really dark shadows. I like the page to look more natural. I see some lovely pages in the gallery that are overwhelmed with super dark shadows, and often think that if they'd only lighten their shadows a bit they'd have a stunning page.
__________________
|
|
|
Making your memories sweeter
Copyright © 2016 Sweet Shoppe Designs – The Sweetest Digital Scrapbooking Site on the Web | Site by Lilac Creative