Reflections

Here we will learn how to get realistic water reflections.

This will work for any object, not just for text. Here is another example. There are many variations of this effect, for the sake of illustration we will use the text.

Step 1

Start with a gradient. Tip: To constrain the gradient to 90 degrees hold down the shift key.

Step 2

Add your text or image

Step 3

Make a copy of the text by dragging to the new layer icon

Step 4

On the copy go into free transform by pressing Ctr/Cmd+T. Mac: Option+Click>Flip Vertical. PC: Left click >Flip Vertical.

Drag the reflected copy below the original

Step 5

Free Transform again and stretch image by dragging down on the bottom middle handle.

Step 6

Add a layer mask to the reflected copy and fill with a black to white gradient

Step 7

Should look like this

Step 8

Filter>Blur>Motion Blur. Angle -90

Step 9

Make a selection around the bottom part of the background layer. Image>Adjust>Levels or Ctrl/Cmd+L Adjust the sliders to lighten the surface

Step 10

Free Transform again - Perspective

Step 11

Select the background. Open Hue Saturation box. Colorize to add some color to the background.

Step 12

Merge the reflection layer with the background by clicking on the box between the eye and the thumbnail, a link should now appear in the box. Click on layers>merged linked.

Step 13

Make a selection around the bottom part of the image by using the rectangular selection tool

Step 14

Filter>Distort>Ocean Ripple. Adjust settings to suit