Advanced shadow tips- Density

Here's where we separate the dtp wanna-be's from the pros. Objects closer to the ground plane cast a darker shadow than those further away. You can test this by simply making a lighter shadow and offsetting it more from the object. The object then looks like its coming up higher off the ground plane.

For objects resting on the ground plane, shadows get darker as they get closer to the object, and lighter as they move away. This can be done with an airbrush tool, paintbrush, or any tool that darkens or paints. In Photoshop, the burn tool is a perfect choice in that it darkens and saturates the overall area without making it look blotchy or flat.

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