

Note: If you see Lighting Effects immediately below the Filter tab, as in the image below, do not choose it.

With your Spotlight layer selected, choose Filter > Render > Lighting Effects… from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window. With the new layer highlighted in your Layers panel, choose Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object from the dropdown menu at the top of the application window. Right-click (CTRL-click on a Mac) on the Background layer and select Duplicate Layer. With your image opened in Photoshop, find your Layers panel, located at the lower right-hand side of the application window by default. Keeping the original image Background layer also gives you the ability to blend your manipulated layer with your original image. Not only does this ensure your lighting effects are non-destructive, but it also allows you to mask certain portions of the lighting once you've applied the effect. Whenever you work with lighting effects, it's a good practice to both duplicate your image layer and convert your new layer to a smart object. Step 1: Convert your image layer to a smart object This effect can be as subtle or as overt as you want, but the more subtle the light, the more natural it'll look. This is useful when you really need your product to stand out against the setting in which it was photographed. We're going to begin this Photoshop lighting effects tutorial by mastering a simple yet powerful filter: the spotlight.įirst, let's go over using the spotlight effect to call attention to a particular area of your photo. How to make a spotlight effect in Photoshop In this tutorial, we'll go over some simple manipulation techniques using Photoshop lighting effects. Adjusting your photo's lighting effects is a quick and simple way to enhance your image, call attention to a particular product within your image, create consistency across images, and convey a specific mood within your photograph. Step 2: Add a new lighting effect if desiredĭigital image manipulation is the process of using software such as Photoshop to edit or modify your photograph after it's been taken.ĭigital image manipulation techniques can range from easy and quick to difficult and complex, depending on your photograph's needs.How to create a lens flare in Photoshop.Step 3: Apply a Gradient Map adjustment layer.How to change the color of a light in Photoshop.Step 4: Add more layers, and spotlights, as desired.Step 1: Convert your image layer to a smart object.How to make a spotlight effect in Photoshop.The following tutorials will show you several simple manipulation techniques that you can start using right away, even if you are relatively new to Photoshop. Luckily, you can use Photoshop CC 2019 to apply easy and simple effects that make a big impact. Even the best product photos can use a little help before they are ready to be posted on an ecommerce website.
