Shadows for a newbie

[rjsherrard]

I'm working with a backlit subject and would like to create floor shadows from the object towards the viewer. Any tricks for accomplishing this?

[rjsherrard]

I'm working with a backlit subject and would like to create floor shadows from the object towards the viewer. Any tricks for accomplishing this?

[RAMWolff44]

OK, you know the basics of working with the Shadow tool SienaRob??

Make sure, if you have more than one object that is all part of this image, group them together as your first step to get this task accomplished.


Ok, now go and click on the Shadow tool and up in the upper left corner of your working task bar. Choose the Floor Shadow icon and then drag the shadow towards the OPPOSITE direction of where you want it to fall or if it's going to come mostly straight forward then watch and make sure the shadow dissapears behind the object. I know that sounds confusing but trust me on this, OK??

Before doing anything more, make sure you have your shadow settings the way you prefer. If it's a soft light then make sure the right Shadow Transparency and Shadow Blur is applied using the sliders or text box up on the task properties bar. If it's a powerful light then stronger shadow with less blur may be desired.

If you wish to change the color of the shadow then find the color you want on you color bar on the bottom of your work area and left click on it and then drag it up to where the corner of the shadow is and when the cursor changes from a turned down arrow symbol to a white box then release the mouse button and it will change the color. Make sure and keep the new color aways from the main object you are working with, you don't want it to change color!! If that happens, easily undone: Edit/Undo will take care of it, then try again!! Little tricky at first but as you get used to the interface it's like second nature after a while!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

OK, now for the fun. Go up to the Arrange menu and select Convert to Editable Shapes and this will break the shadow off from the main object. Then click into a blank area of the work space to deselect the objects. Then move your main object out of the way and there you have your shadow, albeit, turned the wrong direction......

Click on the Selector tool and make sure you have the shadow "object" selected, click on the Flip Vertically tool and then position the object and shadow as you want them. If the shadow is still trying to go to the back of the object then go up to the Arrange menu, again, and select Bring to Front.

I hope that's easy for you to understand. It's one of the features I really like about XaraX that I don't think other programs do is have a detachable shadow that can be moved to new positions.

Have fun!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Richard http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

---Wolff On The Prowl---

http://www.ramwolffsworld.com/

[This message was edited by RAMWolff on July 04, 2003 at 18:39.]

[Mark (theKeeper)]

Nothing much except some general basics...

You need to create a duplicate shape of your main subject(s), and fill it/them with your desired shadow colour. Then set this shape to use Transparency, and lower the level a bit to suite the lighting in your scene. You can also try setting the "Transparency Type" to 'Stained Glass' too. This may help the shadow blend in with any surfaces it's cast upon.

Convert that shape(s) to "Editable Objects". Then use the "Shape Editor Tool (F4)" and manipulate the control points so as to match the correct perspective of your subject(s) in the scene.

Most people also like to fade out a shadow as it gets further away from the subject... but in actuality this isn't usually the way shadows behave. It's completely dependant on the lighting conditions. So if you feel it's warranted, then apply a Linear Gradient to the shadow(s) to make them fade out. This should be fairly subtle though... don't overkill on it.

And take note of subject angles and multiple light sources, if there are any. That will require extra shadows, set to their proper perspectives/angles.

And last... you can soften the edges by adjusting the "Feather Region" using the slider at the top-right of your menu bars. When 'off' it'll have the word "NONE" written in it.

Hope that helps get you started. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/cool.gif
----------------------------------------------
:::EDIT:::
CRAP! haha RAM got in here before i could finish. DOH! Nice move RAM! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[RAMWolff44]

Yea, but Mark, you supplied the pic!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Richard http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

---Wolff On The Prowl---

http://www.ramwolffsworld.com/

[Mark (theKeeper)]

haha and you're STILL here! That's funny. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Hey do you think it's the right thing to do by using the Shadow tool? Because with that, you can't move the shadow out in "front" of your object. Xara only lets you keep the shadow around 'back' of the object.

The question concerned a "backlit" subject. That's why i chose to use a 'manual' method. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

:::EDIT:::
Ok never mind RAM, i just read further down in your description... you got that covered. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif DOH!

TAG! YOU'RE IT! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

[Egg Bramhill]

My effort.
Egg

[RAMWolff44]

http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/tongue.gif

Here is a little something I did today. My own July 4th stary sky!!

I'm back, by the way. I'm still over at PP and plan on staying there too and I'm also using RealDraw-Pro a bit here and there but my time with DrawPlus is on hold for a while, maybe by version 8 they will have the bugs really ironed out. Speed issues for DAYS!!! Heavy files just drive you nuts trying to get them to move or select them. I actually trashed a project called "Fantasy Castle", couldn't do anything with it and I was begining to HATE that project, so I start over with a program that I know will be solid. I will use RealDraw or DrawPlus to add in 3D effects to shapes that may need an extra "oommph!" added to them. I still STRONGLY think XaraX needs an update but it's speed is unbeatable, truly!!

I learn the hard way but I know allot more about vectors and filter effects and what I like and what I don't. I still like DrawPlus but I like XaraX better and I admit it!!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

Richard http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

---Wolff On The Prowl---

http://www.ramwolffsworld.com/

[This message was edited by RAMWolff on July 04, 2003 at 20:32.]

[masque]

Well I didn't really, but I did one piece of work with DrawPlus7, from your site and gave up as it just wouldn't do as it was asked. PagePlus, PhotoPlus ok they do what they say and more than you would expect but DrawPlus can't hack it yet. I even had a phone call from serif asking me what I didn't like about it, don't know where they got my number from or why they asked me particularly, but maybe they will improve or maybe they won't be able to cope as it means many backward changes to get it right, Corel could never mange to bite the bullet and do a re-write.

[RAMWolff44]

They DID rewrite the program from the ground up on this last incarnation. http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

I was having most of my issues with speed and the inability to properly select an object to move it. It was driving me batty. XaraX spoiled me with these abilities being top notch!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/smile.gif DrawPlus still has a ways to go but I do think the program has merit and for smaller, less heavy images, I may turn to it from time to time.

XaraX does not have a mesh tool or 3D filters or bump maps and a nice gallery to save ones own created effects that can be double clicked on to apply to other objects.........the list goes on.

XaraX, IMHO, needs an update to fix the brush issues that many have and a few other quirky things! XaraX has NO auto save in case of a crash (not everyone knows of the registry tweak).

No, I think both programs are excellent for what they can do and both need work in many areas of equal value. I am proud to own a license to both programs.

+I think XaraX will give me, mostly, what I need to re-create my Fantasy Castle (which I trashed that entire folder and deleted it completely using Norton, so it's gone, gone, gone and I'm fine with it!!). First I gotta take the time to study my castle book and create one on paper then I can create in pieces using the pencil drawing as a 'blueprint'. I really like the lighting effects that RealDraw-Pro, as well as the bump maps, so if I get the castle well on it's way in XaraX I may have to export some objects as high quality PNG's with alpha so I can take advantage of the features in RD-Pro and then import them back into XaraX. That's the plan anyway!! http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

I certainly understand your frustration with DrawPlus but I still don't think you gave it a really good trial period, plus you only had the trial, right?? Or did you order the full version with the extra disk which came with all the other tools and wizards??

Richard http://www.talkgraphics.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

---Wolff On The Prowl---

http://www.ramwolffsworld.com/