Add a shadow to a portrait
In digital photography and professional retouching, subtle details often make the biggest difference. Among those, the use of realistic shadows plays a key role in creating a sense of depth, mood, and visual coherence. This tutorial offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to adding natural-looking shadows to a portrait using Adobe Photoshop.
You'll learn how to assess the light direction, adjust the shadow shape, and use blending modes to ensure the shadow feels authentic and integrated. We’ll work with layers, layer masks, and transformation tools to create an effect that enhances—not distracts from—your subject.
Whether you’re a portrait photographer, a content creator, or a retoucher looking to elevate your post-production workflow, mastering this technique is invaluable. As a visual artist, it's not just about editing for realism—it's about using every tool to guide the viewer's eye and reinforce the emotional tone of your image.
How to create a shadow in the background of a portrait
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Take a look at the before and after retouching applying the tutorial you just saw. Move the center bar with your mouse to scroll the effect. (Photos should appear below, otherwise refresh the page -F5)
