Creating Shadows: This isn't the bike that featured in my last composite, but its the same make and a sportier version. Taken at the Bagshot Chippy and dumped outside the Peace Pagoda...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

This isn't the bike that featured in my last composite, but its the same make and a sportier version. Taken at the Bagshot Chippy and dumped outside the Peace Pagoda in Milton Keynes (I'm hooping to meet the man that did those stone carvings later this month). Unfortunately the pagoda was taken in my jpeg days, so limited and I'd be surprised if it uploads without some sky issues.
The point of the post is neither bike nor pagoda, but the bikes shadow - my first serious shadow shape created in Ps. Took a couple of attempts due to the severe distortion required - so what do you reckon?

(Download)

Dave Chinn

magnetoman wrote:

This isn't the bike that featured in my last compo... (show quote)

Love the lighting and color tone Dave !!! While I still struggle with shadows, I find with practice I'm getting better. However, I still have a long ways to go for near perfection. I'm amazed at how you are able to create the shadow & clean up between the spokes and rim. I consider the shadows a job well done. I also love the bike itself. I've been looking for one myself and I'm still not convinced that I will get one.
Dave

R.G. Loc: Scotland

If you hadn't mentioned the shadow I wouldn't have thought there was anything manufactured about it. I like the way the shadow's softness increases the farther you get from the bike.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Dave Chinn wrote:

Love the lighting and color tone Dave !!! While I still struggle with shadows, I find with practice I'm getting better. However, I still have a long ways to go for near perfection. I'm amazed at how you are able to create the shadow & clean up between the spokes and rim. I consider the shadows a job well done. I also love the bike itself. I've been looking for one myself and I'm still not convinced that I will get one.
Dave

Cut-out with the pen tool, instructions from an Aaron Nace free video, and shadow as per Colin Smith free video. I recommend both these tutors, between them they cover most Ps requirements. Thanks for your comments Dave.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

R.G. wrote:

If you hadn't mentioned the shadow I wouldn't have thought there was anything manufactured about it. I like the way the shadow's softness increases the farther you get from the bike.

Thanks RG. I followed Colin Smith's free video and it worked well for me. An ideal method where you want the shadow form rather than just a gentle brushed-in darkness.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Amazing work Dave..although I'm a bit stumped by all the dots of the spokes.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Frank2013 wrote:

Amazing work Dave..although I'm a bit stumped by all the dots of the spokes.

I think it's paint chips Frank, but I'm only on my iPad at the moment - Big Mac is having a fit whilst doing a complete back-up. Only 20 hours to go!

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Super-cool, Dave. I just can't imagine ever having the patience to attempt something like this

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

Super-cool, Dave. I just can't imagine ever having the patience to attempt something like this

Glad you like it Linda - I tend to learn how, then re-do it properly. Can be time consuming but this one was fairly simple as I already had the bike cut-out. My problem seems to be remembering what I've learned!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

magnetoman wrote:

This isn't the bike that featured in my last compo... (show quote)

Very good work. Extremely convincing. As soon as I push send, I'm going to Google where I hope to find Mr. Nace and Smith. Pen tool, huh? Sounds intriguing.
Erich

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ebrunner wrote:

Very good work. Extremely convincing. As soon as I push send, I'm going to Google where I hope to find Mr. Nace and Smith. Pen tool, huh? Sounds intriguing.
Erich

The pen does require perseverance but it's well worth it Erich. Aaron Nace trades as Phlearn, and Colin Smith as Photoshop Cafe. Good luck!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

magnetoman wrote:

The pen does require perseverance but it's well worth it Erich. Aaron Nace trades as Phlearn, and Colin Smith as Photoshop Cafe. Good luck!

I watched a few videos. Using control and alt keys correctly seems to be key. Also guiding PS to know which way you are going. I'll be practicing.
Erich

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Frank2013 wrote:

Amazing work Dave..although I'm a bit stumped by all the dots of the spokes.

See what you mean now Frank - in the spoke shadows! It's due to the extreme distortion required to get the shadow where it had to be - it's affected the tyre as well. I chose a rather awkward angle from the sun - had to match the existing pagoda shadow y'see! There may be a better way to distort, but I don't know it, needless to say.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

magnetoman wrote:

See what you mean now Frank - in the spoke shadows! It's due to the extreme distortion required to get the shadow where it had to be - it's affected the tyre as well. I chose a rather awkward angle from the sun - had to match the existing pagoda shadow y'see! There may be a better way to distort, but I don't know it, needless to say.

Thanks for clarification Dave.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Can only say well done young Dave. Its convincing enough not to know its a composite so a success. Not that I have done much of this myself but I read somewhere that the warp tool can be very useful. Personally I find it a real pain to use but I'm not the most patient soul around. Also another tip I read but have not tried is to keep flattening the shadow layer so you distort a new image a bit at a time rather than getting the whole thing done from the original if that makes sense lol.