Making a Whodunit Shadow with Clipping Path Technique

A shadow is a created with a light source. Graphically it is done with a software tool with the use of a series of clipping path tools. A drop shadow brings reality to a visual and makes it more natural.

The wonders of clipping path will never cease. It is a simple tool; yet, it is so versatile that it can redeem any kind of visual from its imperfections. It is applicable in a variety of photo editing processes and across many photographic needs. At the moment we focus on how a whodunit shadow can make a picture look so smart with clipping path. Often we see shadowy figures in whodunit series or posters of films with detective themes. If you have got the picture of a dark, looming and mysterious shadow in your mind, this is exactly what we are referring to in this case. The shadow is clear and yet it can take an ambiguous form. It’s the component that appears like a surreal object near the main object...for example a detective holding a gun waiting in the dark alley with a single source of light-i.e. a torch. In such a case depending on the source of light the shadow is formed in the foreground, background, or sideways. If the background is light the dark shadow appears distinct. Any contrasting tone is sufficient to bring the clarity. But what’s important for the photo editor to know is that the light source will determine where the shadow will fall and how long or short will it be. If the light too close to the object then the shadow will be flashy. It will have less shape. If it is further away, the shadow contours will be clearer. The photo editor will have to be imaginative to know how the source of light will pull off the shadow from the picture. And then work out how he will use clipping path to create the shadow.

If the shadow needs to be created in the background then the path needs to be traced behind the object. And to do that the background will have to be simple. A complicated background will not reveal the shadow properly. For example, if there is a red brick wall, in the background the setting will have to be altered for the creation of the shadow (presuming it is the night scene and the sun has set). And is the shadow coming from the streetlight or a torch? Both light sources give different kinds of shadows. Both will need different kinds of clipping path style. An experienced editor will be able to determine the contours of the shadow and its light source. He will then decide how to trace the shadow on not only the object but also the surrounding components along with it.

There are different styles of clipping path tracing that can be applied to shadow work-Right from basic tracing to isolating a background and altering the canvas totally. Any company that offers photo editing has clipping path as its flag ship service. It is the primary tool to make a distinctive background or spruce up the subject in a digital photo. Along with this flagship service, the photo is given other suitable effects. A shadow can easily be added discreetly without anyone realizing whodunit.