Cast Shadows vs. Drop Shadows

Both drop shadows and cast shadows can (when applied properly) add depth to an image. Both can add that 3D effect we often seek. To determine which to use, consider whether the foreground object, the subject, is parallel to or perpendicular to its background. When the foreground and background are parallel, use a drop shadow. When the subject is standing on the background, use a cast shadow.

Drop shadows are easy -- so easy, they're almost automatic. In fact, they ARE automatic. Use the menu command Layer> Layer Style> Drop Shadow. (Remember that a drop shadow cannot be applied to a background layer. In the Layers palette, double-click the layer name "Background" and rename the layer. Also keep in mind that you'll then need to use the command Image> Canvas Size to expand your image so that the shadow has some place to fall.)

Creating a cast shadow takes a few more steps. Here's my favorite technique (using PhotoSpin's image #0450019 as the subject).

1. Add or create the subject on a new layer.

2. Command-click (Mac) or Control-click (Windows) on the layer's thumbnail in the Layers palette to make a selection of the content of the layer.

3. Select> Transform Selection. Drag the handles of the bounding box to reposition the selection. If the shadow is to fall toward the viewer, drag the top-center handled downward past the bottom of the bounding box. You can also hold down the Command key (Mac) or Control key (Windows) and drag a handle sideways to skew or distort the selection.

NOTE: If the subject is translucent, such as a glass filled with beer, you'll want the shadow to carry a tint of the subject's color, as shown in PhotoSpin's Image #0020079.