Create Shocking Images of Bags Applying Shadows

A great way to increase the effectiveness and professionalism of your product images, in addition to giving your customers a shopping experience, is to show images where shadows have been applied.

In product photography there are three types of shadows, and each one gives a different effect to the product: natural shadow, parallel shadow and reflective shadow. But it can be difficult to select the right one.


Look at the following guide to learn how they are applied, and what effect they give to the product. So you can make a more appropriate decision about which one you should use in your product catalog. If you would like to get a Shadow Creation Service contact them.

Consistent alignment: A yes or yes in e-Commerce

An important factor that must be taken into account when creating product images for your online portfolio is their alignment. Whether you have a small or large store, remember that all images must have the same lighting, cropped and size.


Having uniformity in this aspect is very beneficial for the appearance of your website. And remember that the main goal you have is that your customers have an extremely satisfactory experience in your store, and for this purpose, we must be consistent in the images we show them.


Look at the examples below of some online stores that have known to be consistent and very professional. Look!

Shadow Style # 1: Natural Shadow

If applied correctly, the natural-type shadow can look very subtle, as in the image below. It is one of the easiest shadow techniques to apply. It uses a single light source and perhaps a reflector on the dark side, which generally goes very well.


This tutorial will teach you how to create the natural shadow in your product images. Instructions are also included below for your convenience.


Create a new layer and fill it with a white background.

Place it under your first layer.

Duplicate the layer so you have two with the lenses.

Make a very strict selection of the contour of the bag.

Create a layer with a mask on the last layer with the bag and invert the selection so that you see only the bag, without bottom.

Change the layer with the duplicate of the bag to "multiple" in the left-most tab of your layer menu.

Create a mask on the multiple layer with the bag. Try to erase the image of the bag but not the shadow. Use a brush to smooth outlines.

Put the layers together.

Shadow Style # 2: Parallel Shadow

A parallel shadow mimics the natural light that falls on a product. It is one of the fastest shadow techniques to create and that look best.

Create a new layer and fill it with a white background.

Move your newly created layer with a white background and place it under everything.

Make a strict selection of the contour and gently treat the edges.

Create a mask of your selection and invert it to make sure that what is displayed is the product, rather than the background.

Make an oval selection around the base of it.

Create a layer with new curves below your layer with the accessory.

Adjust the curves so that your selection looks darker. Softens the edges.

Change the angle at which the shadows fall until it matches the one you see the product. Pay attention to topics such as distance and size facing the light source.

Select OK

Put the layers together.

Shadow Style # 3: Reflective Shadow

Reflective shadow is a very refined type of shadow that shows a dramatic effect to your product. You can make it tremendously attractive.


Create a new layer with only white background.

Place it behind your first layer.

Duplicate the lens layer to have two.

Make a soft selection, taking into account the edges.

Create a mask from your previous selection seeing that what should be displayed is the accessory.

Turn the duplicated layer with the product 180 degrees.

Align the bottom of the accessory to make it look like in a mirror.

Add a mask to the product face up and use the gradient to give it the required reflection effect.

Use your brush to polish the mask and remove any unnecessary objects and check the image to make it natural.

Put all the layers together and burn the file.

Adding real and consistent shadows to your products will help your customers have a better shopping experience.


These three types of shadow seem to represent a lot of work, and it is like that, but you will surely forget it when you see the results of your work when you see the appearance of your catalog, and your earnings!