OK, let’s start with a nice simple tutorial for Photoshop. This tutorial goes through the steps of taking an image, creating a reflection for the image then putting a perspective effect onto the image.

First we create a new Photoshop file larger than the original image we wish to use (in this case I’ve created an image 800×800 pixels). Then simply use the paint bucket tool to block fill the base layer in white.

Next, we grab the image we wish to manipulate, in this case a view of our home page (400×332 pixels):

and we paste this into our original document. We then double click on the layer image in the layers panel so we can add a simple drop shadow layer style.

The next step is to duplicate our image layer. You can do that by pressing Ctrl+J or by going to Layer and selecting Duplicate Layer. Flip the image by going to Edit, Transform, Flip Vertical. Now use the Move Tool (V) to drag the image below your original image.

Now we need to add a layer mask to the new layer. First we need to select the layer transparency. To do this, right click on the layer image in the layers panel and click on “Select Layer Transparency”. Now increase the selection by clicking on Select, Modify, Expand and expand the selection by 5 pixels. Next, to add the layer mask, simply click on the add layer mask button in the layers panel.

Now we need to edit the layer mask to create the reflection effect. To do this, place your mouse over the layer mask image in the layers panel, hold down “alt” on the keyboard and click with the left mouse button.

Using the Gradient Tool, draw a black to white gradient from the bottom of the page upwards (Hold Shift while you draw the gradient to get a straight fill). I would recommend drawing the gradient from about a third of the way down through the existing white block to well above the white block (as shown).

You should see something similar to the following:

By clicking on the original image in the layers panel you should get back from the layer mask view, and see something like the following:

Now the complicated bit is done, all we need to do is add in a bit of perspective and shrink the width of the image. First off we link the layers together so any transformations we do affect all layers. To do this click on the link icon (as shown below) to link the original layer with the currently selected layer:

Now use Edit, Transform, Perspective to apply a perspective effect to the image. In this case I clicked on the top right hand drag point and holding shift down moved the point down. Next using Edit, Transform, Scale shrink the width of the image using the middle drag point on the right hand side (again, holding down shift).

The final image should look something like the following:

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 4:10 pm and is filed under Photoshop. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.