Real Look Long Shadow Panel for Photoshop

Thanks for that info Chris.

Just as a note, Photoshop CC, for a long time, has given you the option to place your drop shadow on its own layer. You have the ability to Transform, add any filters, change blend mode and color - just like a regular layer.



Just right click on the layer style and select create layer

A properly applied shadow makes all the difference when placing something/someone in a picture.

Several times, I have used a really good method from the old Elements Village for making very realistic shadows with normal Elements tools.

Copy/Pasted from my Notepad Elements Village archives; I don't know who to give proper credit to for the method described.

"Making a Shadow

First cut out your image and then copy it to the new layer.
Use the lasso to select your image then do Edit>Copy and Edit>Paste.

Now you have the image on its own layer and its time to do the drop shadow.

Duplicate the image layer, and make the selection active (Ctrl click on its thumbnail in the layers palette) then fill the lower layer selection with black ... this will become your drop shadow
It will need to be softened a little so do Filter>Blur>Gaussian blur.
Move the shadow into place with the move tool (you can use use Image>Transfer>Distort if the shadow need distorting ... this is a good way to make the shadow go across the floor, just as our shadows do)
Last thing is to reduce the opacity until it looks like a real shadow."

If anyone knows the original author, please make mention of it.