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hey all... i just recently posted this to the "FxZone" board to help out someone... thought you might like it. It just shows a real basic method of creating another chrome ball effect. Except mine, was done with Photoshop. While the original source image was done in 3D.
This is 100% photoshop. And the source/sample image mine is based on, can be found here: http://www.whoswe.com/
NOTE: this is explicitly a Flash site. And the person needing the help referred specifically to the 3D chrome ball on this site.
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Those images ARE done in 3D. But that doesn't mean they can't be done in PS too... with a little bit of know-how and some good ol' object study.
I'll use that chrome ball as an example...
To do that though... you really need to study the source image and break down the object into very basic parts -- which in this case is just some simple grayscale sections, strategically constructed so as to fool the eye.
Like the example image below. This is 100% Photoshop. And no fancy filters either... just the basics -- i.e. tools. I feel a bit silly trying to duplicate that exact image from that site, but it was the best way to get these points across. My apologies to the original creators of this idea.
As far as reflections go... you'd be surprised to see just how simple they can be, by using the proper (most appropriate) photo, and some gentle blurring. Reflections like the one above are NOT like the kind you see when the objects in the ball are very close to it -- like someone's face staring into the ball. The type of reflections used in this example image are distant objects. Therefore they're a little blurry, and not over-spherized. In fact, using the SMUDGE tool would be a better choice in this case to slightly 'bend' the reflected image to match the curve of the sphere's outer surface. (damn... this is gettin' long huh?! DOH!)
In my example image here, i've done just that, plus some simple gradient blending (done on multiple layers) to "haze over" parts of the photo reflection somewhat. I wish i could go into some fine details with this effect, but it would take a fair bit'o typing to explain all the steps needed, and more importantly - WHY - they're needed; which is something i really love to do in my tutes!
And if you have any sort of basic knowledge with PS, you'll understand how to create the light glow and subtle floor reflection parts. Just don't "over think" those things
That's a magnificent ball you created Mark, with very convincing reflections on both ball and the surface it rests on. I like subjects like these that deal with realism. Not that I want to make a real life copy, but it sure helps me to understand how these effects can be created when I need them. I've seen examples in the Photoshop 6 Wow! Book (page 288-289 for those who have it) that show designers using techniques like these to add lifelike objects, lights and shadows to existing photographs. It's also a great way to understand more about materials, reflections, lighting, etc, all that adds that finishing touch of realism to a design.
Maybe it's nice to mention the following Photoshop book that deals with these techniques;
Thanks guys.
Did you happen to checkout the original image on that site?
Yes G i've seen/read some of Bert's book. He's got a great eye and is very resourceful when it comes to solving real world problems in Photoshop. Though i kind of tend to see his work as a little on the "illustrative" side of things. I'm not sure why, but i'm thinking it's because he uses AI to create some things, and brings them into his PS projects. Either way though, i like his style.
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Another chrome effect... 
I can't see the sample image.
Linear Mode
