Create realistic water drops with Photoshop

In this guide, you will learn how to create realistic water droplets in Adobe Photoshop. With some basic tools and techniques, you can achieve wonderful effects that will give your images a lively touch. Whether you are a beginner or a bit more advanced, this step-by-step guide will help you create your own perfect water droplet.

Main Insights

To create a realistic water droplet in Photoshop, you need basic knowledge of using selection tools, layers, and style settings. By applying gradients, shadows, and effects, you can create a drop that looks lively. Make sure to choose the right values for effects and shine to achieve optimal results.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, you need to create a new circle that will serve as the base for your water droplet. To do this, create a new layer in Photoshop and select the Ellipse Tool. Hold down the Shift key to draw a perfect circle. Review the result and adjust the size of the circle. Once you are satisfied, hide and delete the layer.

Now select the Gradient Tool, making sure the color option is set to Black and White and the gradient is set to "linear." Draw a gradient over your circle using the Gradient Tool. Once done, press Ctrl + D to deselect.

To add more depth to your droplet, double-click on the layer to open the Layer Style window. Select the previously saved style and apply it. Use the following values: "Bevel and Emboss," Bevel style "Technique Rounded," Depth 60%, Size 23, Soften 0, Angle -54°, and Global Light 30°. Make sure to also activate Smoothing and set the Light mode to Normal with 100% Opacity.

Next, follow the instructions for shadow effects. Add two drop shadows. For the first inner drop shadow, set the Blend Mode to "Multiply," with a black color and 30% opacity. Set the Angle to -54°, Distance to 17 pixels, and Size to 8 pixels. For the second inner drop shadow, also choose Black with 80% opacity, Angle -54°, Distance 5 pixels, and Size 7 pixels.

In the next step, add the highlight. Set the method to "Linear Dodge" and choose White with 70% opacity, Angle 90°, Distance 51 pixels, and Size 137. Create the contour as usual, keep Smoothing enabled, and finally go back to add the outer glow. Choose the Blend Mode "Multiply" with black color and 78% opacity. Set the Angle again to -54°, with a Distance of 10 pixels and a Size of 13 pixels. Once everything is set correctly, click "OK."

Now you have a good foundation for your water droplet. To further improve the droplet, create a new layer and select the Brush Tool with a hardness of 0%. Set the opacity to about 100% and place a dot on the side of the droplet where the shadow falls. Use the Move Tool to subtly adjust the dot if necessary and reduce the opacity to about 83% to make the dot more subtle.

To adjust the shape of the droplet, go back to the droplet layer and choose "Filter" > "Liquify." Use the Forward Warp Tool to change the shape of the droplet as desired. You can also hold the Alt key and use the right mouse button to adjust the brush size and edit a larger area. Once you are satisfied with the new shape, click "OK."

To enhance the appearance of the reflection in your droplet, double-click on the highlight again and reduce the opacity in this area. About 50% opacity is often optimal here. As you zoom out, you will notice that the droplet now looks much more natural and less artificial.

Summary

In this tutorial, you have learned how to create a realistic water drop in Photoshop. From drawing the circle to applying gradients, shades, and shine effects, to adjusting the shape of the drop, you have explored all steps to achieve a lifelike result.