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I created this tutorial after being asked how I extracted an image and applied a shadow effect.

Here is the initial image:

[img]http://www.cortland.edu/herp/keys/images/frogs/bamerilg.jpg[img]
Copyright belongsw to Corltand.edu and it's use here is for the sole purpose of education.

To begin, load your image, and then choose the (Selection Brush) as shown:



You'll want to resize the brush on occasion in order to cover the large area of the image, and then reduce it for the smaller areas. This frog is a great subject for this type of extraction as there are not too many intricate areas to select. For more detailed objects, you will probably want to use other methods not available in Photoshop Elements, such as clipping paths.

Select Brush Size:

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Select the parts of the image you wish to extract later. In this case the Frog.



Go to the menu and cut the selection from the image:



This is what you will see: (Depending on what you have as a background color)



Now create a new file from the clipboard:



Result:

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Create a duplicate layer:




You can name each layer by double-clicking on them.
then selecting the bottom layer.



Now let's make the shadow...
We are going to turn down the lightness, and apply a gausian blur effect.
(It will help to turn off the top layer so you can see the preview of your effects, you can do this by clicking on the "eye" by the layer you wish to hide.)

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This dialogue will pop up. Turn down the Light slide all the way.





Now apply the blur effect: (I set my blur to 6 pixels)




Turn on the top layer, and nudge the image up a bit and slightly over to the left...



Here is your final image:

[CharlesS]

Thanks for that. Great to know for graphics dummies like me.

Now, if only the uni's computer lab were open during the summer so I could try it (they have Photoshop). Well, there's always next fall.

[mindwaves]

Thanks! Much appreciated to show step by step. Will try later as soon as I have some type. yeah, we PS newbies...haha

[ghost_flash]

You're welcome.

[Scifience]

Next question:

How do you cut things out so precisely? I always end up with edges that still contain many portions of the background.

Thanks!

[historylme]

that was awesome

[EnVoy]

How do you cut things out so precisely? I always end up with edges that still contain many portions of the background.

To get a precise selection you must create a mask. Either hand paint it, or thru a combination of selection techniques....