Here is the end result of this tutorial:
Here I have a scenic photo that I’ll add a reflection to:
The first thing I’ll do is extend the canvas where I want to add the reflection. I’ll go to Image / Canvas size:
Here the Canvas Size dialog box comes up. I’ll click on the top arrow because I want the added canvas to be at the bottom of the image. Where it shows the Height, I’ll add a few inches. The Height I’ll make 18. Here is the box when it first opens:
Here is the Canvas Size dialog box after the adjustments. Then I’ll click OK:
Here is the image with the extended canvas:
The next thing I’ll do is use the Magic Wand tool to select the white canvas:
I’ll click once on the white canvas to make the selection:
Now I’m going to pick a greenish color straight from the image. I’m using a greenish color, because it just happens to suit this image to give the water a greenish, murky color. I’ll use the Eye Dropper tool from the tools palette. I’ll just hover the dropper over the color I want, and click. I’ll be able to see the color I choose in the color picker box:
The next thing I’ll do is use the Brush Tool to paint in the color green into white canvas:
Here is what the image looks like so far:
Now I’ll hit CTRL+D to deselect the green section of the canvas:
Now I’m going to make a copy of the background layer. I’ll hit CTRL+J on my keyboard. Here’s what it looks like in the layers palette:
The next thing I’ll do is use the Rectangular Marquee tool to select the top part of the image. I will not be selecting the solid green section of the image. While using the Rectangular Marquee tool, I usually start at the bottom left or right corner and drag up to the opposite corner, then release the mouse:
Now I’ll go to Edit / Transform / Flip Vertical:
Now I’ll use the Move Tool to drag the flipped image down so that it covers the extra green canvas:
This is what it looks like at this point:
In “Layer 1” I’ll lower the Opacity to 60%:
See the results:
Next I’ll use some filters. The first filter I’ll use is Gaussian Blur. Filter / Blur / Gaussian Blur:
Here the Gaussian Blur dialog box comes up. I’ll use a Radius of 3.7 pixels:
The next filter I’ll use is the Wave filter. Filter / Distort / Wave:
Here the Wave dialog box comes up. The settings I used for this are: Number of Generators: 24, Wavelength: Min. 6, Max. 29, Amplitude: Min. 6, Max. 20, and Scale: Horiz. 6%, Vert. 6%. The Type I’ll keep at “Sine”, and the Undefined Areas I’ll keep at “Repeat Edge Pixels.” Then I’ll click OK:
Now I’ll add a layer mask to “Layer 1”. I’ll make sure that “Layer 1” is selected and then I’ll click on the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the layers palette:
Next I’ll go to the Gradient tool in the tools palette. I’ll choose the Linear gradient. I’ll set the Opacity to 50%:
Now I’ll drag the Gradient tool, starting at the top center of the reflection and ending at the bottom center of the reflection:
Here is the end result:
its awesome…
That is real cool, what version of photohsop did you do this on?
Hi Ed,
I used CS4 for this tutorial. I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
i am thanks to you
greeeat work 🙂
I Like In Because This Tutoriul Is Best For New User’s Of Photoshop
thank u
Its…………………awsome
Awesome, thankyou , this was so easy to follow!!
Here is my first attempt at this following your tutorial 🙂
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kez1969/4130733084/
Thanks again
Cheers
Kerri
I remember getting on here last year and asking you for help…. your tutorials are still awesome!! 🙂 I’m using Photoshop in EAST and am still using your techniques! Thanks!
~**Ducky**~
Very cool–I’ve created reflections by flipping the picture, but I love the effect of adding the gradient.
This tutorial on reflections is awesome, many thanks for sharing.
Regards
Judy
hi there friend!
your tutorial is nice! thanks for sharing your knowledge!
I DO LIKE ALL OF THEM
You are in a league of photographing that I can’t even imagine! I’m here from the Kayview Gallery link. Incredible work. Your mind is magnificent!
Greetings! I’ve been following your weblog for a while now and
finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you
a shout out from Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good work!
Remarkable PS work!
This tutorial is really helpful for beginners. I do the same process for creating reflections on my work. I also have a blog with lots of free tutorials. I invariably admire surreal digital artwork.