Lighting

In this video, PHLEARN shows you how to quickly enhance the lighting in your photos.  Learn how to make light sources brighter, adjust the colors, and add a realistic glow–all with the power of Channels, Adjustment Layers, Blending Modes, and more! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8DlkmJGsu4

Creating a Beam of Light - 

The key to getting a beam of light to look realistic is using multiple layers while creating it. A beam of light will be most intense in the center of the beam, so by making three different curves layers that get smaller and smaller it gives the light a sense of depth. It’s also important to apply a gaussian blur to the layer masks so the light doesn’t look unreasonably hard edged. 

Adding Fog The second part to making the beam of light believable is adding fog to the image. The only way a beam of light can really be visible is if there are many small particles in the air for it to reflect off of. By using a combination of adjustment layers and Filter - Clouds, we can create a texture around the light that gives the illusion of a foggy day. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8PpbgU-BQQ

ADVANCED: Creating Dramatic Lighting 

This video uses filters, blending modes, mask, channels and the camera raw setting to create this effect

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHSMRxbU1kA

Creating Shadows 

In this video you will use a selection of the shape to create the shadow. This is the basic strategy to get you started.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_GOfAc3qTE  (basic)

At this link you will find a video and written instructions by Colin Smith.  He shows you different ways to make shadows to blend people with the background environment 

ADVANCED:  Creating the Perfect Shadow 

Shadows can be difficult to create because they are very complex. Shadows start out dark and fade out as they move farther from the object. The easiest way to replicate the complexities of a shadow is by creating multiple layers with multiple shadows and blending them together. Learn how to use the Gradient Tool and a few layers to create realistic shadows in this episode. Use the Gradient Tool to Create Shadows Shadows are darker at their core and fade out as they get farther from the center. You can achieve the same effect using the gradient tool. Start by selecting the gradient tool and picking the ‘Foreground to Transparent’ gradient in the ‘Gradient Editor’. Next, choose a radial gradient and on a new layer, click-and-drag outwards to create a radial gradient. Next, transform the gradient by pressing ‘CTRL/CMD + T’. Flatten the radial gradient out and size it accordingly to the object. If needed, change the opacity of the gradient or use the eraser tool to remove excess shadow. Opacity and Hardness The areas closer to the object will cast harder, darker shadows and the areas farther will have lighter, softer shadows. To replicate the effect, create different layers with different gradients on them. Move the layers into place to achieve a realistic shadow. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=med_7bUSHpo   

Colour Correction

This tutorial will show you a great way to color correct in Photoshop by establishing the white, black and grey points. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nzc82SCrzA