Expert: Kamal Krishna - 6/11/2007

Question
QUESTION: Dear Sir,
   I am using Photoshop No. 7.  And need help in creating drop shadows.  If you have the time I would be very appreciative if you would give me step-by-step directions in how to create drop shadows.  Again please let me stress the importance of step-by-step directions thank you respectively Stuart Arno

ANSWER: Hi Stewart,
Please follow the steps below for adding drop shadows for text or objects in photoshop.

1)Select the layer that has to have shadows from the layer palette (f7)
2)Go to the menu "Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow..."
3)Once you have selected that, you have a shadow created for you layer already, you can further alter the properties to customize it the way you want. Here's to explain that in detail:

Blend Mode: How the shadow color should blend with the colors/image below it. By default you have black color selected here, you are free to use any color.
Opacity: Adjust whether your shadow should be solid or transparent.
Angle: Direction of the light that is casting the shadows.
Distance: How far the shadow should be casted.
Spread: How strong the shadow should be.
Size: How much should the edges of the shadows should be blurred.

these details should be sufficient for now :-)

Let me know for further guidance.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Sir,
  first thank you for your timely response.  Unfortunately the drop shadow still does not work.  I am sure it is something I am doing wrong.  So permit me to go step-by-step and you can correct my mistake.
I opened up a photo of a butterfly.  I select the butterfly with the pen tool.  I then open up the layers.  At this point I cannot open up the layer that has the drop shadow in it.  I first have to create a new layer.  Only then can i open up  the layer with the drop shadow in it.  So what I have now is my photo opened up with the butterfly selected with the pen tool.  I make all my adjustments on the layer that has the adjustments on it for drop shadows click OK and nothing happens please tell me where I am going wrong
         respectfully Stewart Arno

Answer
Hi Stewart,
Here's what you have to do,

after you have selected the butterfly with the pen tool. (Make sure you closed the path, i.e first and last click should be at the same place while using the pen.)

Then right click and select "Make Selection". To get a selection around the butterfly.

Press (ctrl+J) or Layer>New>Layer Via copy. To have the butterfly image in a new layer. Now this layer is ready for a drop shadow.

Now follow the steps i explained earlier (from 2)

Feel free to let me know if you have further difficulties. :)