Add a Realistic Drop Shadow in Photoshop
Create convincing shadows by first generating a Drop Shadow, splitting it to its own layer, then shaping, blurring, and fading it. These three steps yield natural softness and transparency that matches real-world lighting.
Step-by-step instructions
Create a basic Drop Shadow
Select the subject layer
Layer → Layer Style → Drop Shadow
Set Opacity: 100%, Distance: 0, Spread: 0, Size: 0 → OK
Separate the shadow to its own layer
In the Layers panel, right-click Effects → Drop Shadow → Create Layer → OK
Hide/show to confirm the shadow is now on a separate layer
Position and angle the shadow
Select the shadow layer
Edit → Free Transform (Ctrl+T / Cmd+T)
Right-click → Flip Vertical, then drag to position at the subject’s base
Rotate slightly to align
Right-click → Skew to match the light direction; Right-click → Scale to elongate
Press Enter/Return to commit
Blur the shadow with Field Blur
Filter → Blur Gallery → Field Blur
Click once near the far end of the shadow and increase Blur Amount
Click near the subject to add a second pin; Ctrl/Cmd-double-click that pin to set Blur to 0, then add a touch of blur if desired
Click OK
Fade and fine-tune the shadow
With the shadow layer selected, click Add Layer Mask
Select the Gradient Tool (G) → black-to-white, Linear, Mode: Normal, Opacity: 100%
Drag upward across the shadow to fade it as it recedes
Window → Properties → adjust Mask Density to taste
Lower the shadow layer Opacity slightly; optionally use Edit → Free Transform → Warp for local tweaks
