sacred python
Hi. I'm new to PS and I wanted to know how I would make the crisps/chips look as if it was actually on the packaging instead of just pasted over it. So them blending in and having the same sort of shadow the packaging has or whatever if this makes sense.
slender bane
You would have two types of shadows. Drop Shadows, and contact shadows
1- drop shadows are the shadows made by the projection of the object on the ground (and any other object in the light's path), it follows the direction of the light (crisps looks like they are shot from the front with an overhead light, so it would mean your drop shadow would look like a halo around the crisps)
The contact shadows are the shdows immediately on the ground (or another object) where it touches it it's generally darker and slightly harsher
The shape of a shadow, its softness, its lengh, its darkness will depend on the intensity, coverage and direction of the light, and of course, how far is the light source from the object (search for "inverse square law on Google). Most studio settings have multiple light sources (named key lights, fill light and back light)
It's difficult to know what placing where unless you have already a good understanding either of photography, drawing, or know how to use a 3D software.
In fact the best thing to go about it would be to place a similar object in a similar setting with a similar lighting and take a quick snapshot of the scene, then you'll be able to get a reference of where the shdows shoud be
Likewise, you can build a quick scene in a 3D software (Dimension, Blender, Substance) and set up your lights and camera and see what it looks like. It's an excellent exercise.
Don't forget that you should also make sure the text on the packaging should follow the folds in the corrners
And be mindful of your cut out as well, there are some mistakes on the cut at the bottom
sacred python
Thank you very much
slender bane
You're welcome!
sacred python
You're welcome!
Apologies for the ping but what do you think of this? You're much more experienced in photoshop than me and this is my first ever project so I'm interested in what advice you'd give me to improve my packaging design. Sorry again to bother you
slender bane
Apologies for the ping but what do you think of this? You're much more experienc...
No worries. I think it's headding in the right direction: The shadow is a bit too dark (so you can check with less opacity) and also possibly to soft. The crisps are quite close to the ground" so there is not much space to spread the shadow there
check that link (or try to find other ones) to check what is determining the softness of shadoes
sacred python
thank you very much
slender bane
The cut out is way better than before!
sacred python
Appreciate it thanks
slender bane
This one seems good too!
https://www.muddycolors.com/2022/07/color-theory-part-9-the-anatomy-of-shadows/