Semaphore Lights Effects

Create a new file (File>New) that must have 1280x1024 px and 72 dpi. Use immediately after that the Paint Bucket Tool (G) to paint the made layer in black color.

Next we have to select the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) with a radius of 10 px and draw the basis reserved for many - colored lights that would compose our picture. The color in this case is black.

Apply the next parameters on the last made layer by making a mouse click on the processed layer in the layers' panel: Blending Options>Drop Shadow

Blending Options>Inner Glow

Use now the Ellipse Tool (U) to represent the primary layer of the colored small lights.

Make three copies of the last represented layer and select Free Transform option to place the copies exactly the way shown next image. We have to apply also the next parameters for each layer.

The parameters for the Red light: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

The parameters of the Orange light: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

The parameters of the Green light: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

The parameters of the Blue light: Blending Options>Outer Glow

Blending Options>Gradient Overlay

Gradient's parameters:

On the next stage we'll create a new layer (Create new layer) and select the Paint Bucket Tool (G) to paint the new layer in black. Select after that the Brush Tool (B) to represent the colored luminescence, coming from the lights. This layer should be placed lower than the layers containing the colored lights (on the layers' panel).

Select for the last created layer next option: Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur

Create one more new layer (Create new layer) and choose the Paint Bucket Tool (G) to paint it in black. The new layer will be placed lower than the layers containing the colored lights (on the layers' panel). Use after that the Eraser Tool (E) and Opacity of 20% to erase the elements as below for getting the same result:

Click to enlarge

The picture is finished!