Fun with Phoenix
11.
I then dragged this layer above the field layer on the Layers sidebar. Using the Eraser Tool, I cleaned the edges of the layer to create the palm’s reflection on the apple. I then used the Eraser Tool set at 0 Hardness and softened the edges of the thumb and finger reflection layers to blend these into the palm reflection.
12. When I was happy with the reflections,
it was time to create a surface shine on the chrome apple. I made a selection around the apple again by choosing Select > Selection from Layer with the field layer selected. Then, I created a new layer (New Layer icon) and dragged it to the very top of the Layers sidebar. I selected the Gradient Fill Tool and dragged from top to bottom to create a gradient over the apple.
13. Using the Transformation Tool, I resized
the gradient shine smaller to fit within the apple, but not completely covering it. I chose Image > Brightness & Contrast, lowered the Brightness by -93 and raised the Contrast by 16, then clicked OK. I set this layer’s Blend Mode to Screen, and lowered the layer’s Alpha to 52%. This gave me the shine I desired on the apple.
14. And finally, I wanted to blow out a couple highlights near the top of the apple. I created a new layer (New Layer icon) and dragged it to the top of the Layers sidebar. I selected the Paintbrush Tool. I set the foreground color to white (Switch Between Foreground and Background Colors button), and lowered the Paintbrush Hardness to 0. I then painted in a couple of highlight spots near the top-left part of the apple to blow out this area a little more, completing the image.
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