Expert: LizaL - 5/16/2006

Question
Creating a reflection of a cylindrical object on a glassy surface
asked by scottlum on 05/15/2006 07:59PM PDT
This question is worth  500 Points
  

Hi,

I would like some advice on how to create a reflection of a cylinder, for example, a can on a glossy surface in photoshop.

Simply flipping the image and skewing it will not work, due to the curve bottom of the can.

If you place a can on a mirror and look it its reflection, you will know what I am referring to.  Flipping the can or cylinder object in photoshop does not produce a true reflection because the bottom of the can does not "match up" with the reflection.


Is there a filter or plug-in i can pruchase to do this?  Or is there an easy, step-by-step approach?

Thanks!

-scott  

Answer
Hi Scott,

I'd feel most comfortable referring you to a few links where people have achieved a good 3D/reflection effect! I used to use a dedicated 3D program (RayDream Designer), but found as my business grew, I didn't need to do much 3D, so I've gotten out of it.

You're right, simply flipping and skewing will not achieve a true 3D rendering. I used to teach art, including illustration, drafting and perspective drawing (by hand!), and it takes a sharp eye to pick up the detail needed for an accurate 3D drawing. Same thing applies to the computer, only using a computer is sometimes easier!

But let me share what I've found:

1. This is a glassy orbs tutorial that you might be able to adapt to what you need/want to do. I've seen this tutorial in a LOT of places online, so it seems to be a preferred example.

http://www.photoshopcafe.com/tutorials/orbs/orbs.htm



2. I refer to this site quite a bit, for my own personal use, as well as recommending it to others. It's pretty concise.

http://home.zonnet.nl/epragt/tutorials/photoshop/index.jsp.htm


The tutorial I'd suggest you look at first might be:

http://home.zonnet.nl/epragt/tutorials/photoshop/effects/transperantreflectingsp...

I know you want more than that -- you need a reflection *below* your cylinder -- but you might be interested in how they achieved the 3D look.



3. IMHO: I find this site really hard to navigate, but if you're willing to wade through, you'll find some great information. I particularly like Jennifer Apple's tutorials.

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials.html


You might be interested in looking at this glass ball tutorial (it takes you to a different site):

http://www.lunacore.com/photoshop/tutorials/tut009.htm

For that matter, that whole Lunacore site has some decent tutorials, as a whole:

http://www.lunacore.com/photoshop/tutorials/tutorials.shtml



4. Just for general info, the Photofoolery site has some fun tutorials:

http://www.photofoolery.com/tutorials_sp.php


5. I've always liked CBT Cafe, too, for tutorials.

http://www.cbtcafe.com/photoshop/index.htm


Hope some of these tutorials give you some good hints.



You mentioned buying plug-ins, and sure, you can do that. You can also find free ones online, but to me, you get what you pay for... ! Some of the plug-ins can be expensive, though, so be prepared!

1. This ThreeDLuxe filter looks interesting, but it's $109. You might want to download and try a demo first.

http://www.andromeda.com/main/threedluxe.php



2. This site has some free and shareware plugins, and I saw a 3D one you might want to investigate.

http://redfieldplugins.com/



3. And of course, Adobe has to weigh in with what they'd suggest! BTW, although you probably already know this, Alien Skin is always worth investigating. I've got Eye Candy and it's pretty cool.

http://www.adobe.com/products/plugins/photoshop/index.html



Hope this helps!

Lisa