Apple is known for their clean designs, both in their products, and the way they display these products. One of the effects they have used a lot is displaying their images with a reflection of the product below it. When used correctly, this is a very simple, clean way to display products.
I’m sure there are plenty of ways to create this, but I’ll show you the way I do it.
First, you will need an image of course.. I chose to use the exact Apple cinema display that I am staring at right now. I prefer to put the objects on a black background as I think this makes them really pop. You can use whatever color you want for yours.
Double the height of your canvas, so you will have room for the reflection image
Next, click on the layer with the image, and choose Duplicate Layer. This will be the reflection image/ layer. In fact, I called this layer “reflection”, so I wouldn’t get the two confused.
We need to flip this image, so while clicked on the reflection layer, go to
Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical
Slide the upside down image to the exact point where the two meet.
Now we need to make this reflection layer darker.
Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels
There is no exact number here, it depends on what you think looks good, and what image you are using. Use the slider to darken the image.
Finally, we are almost ready to create the gradient to fade out the reflection image. While clicked on the reflection layer, click on the Add vector mask icon at the bottom of your layers palette.
Next click on the gradient tool in your tool panel. You need your gradient to be the color of your background (in my case black) to transparent
Now with the gradient tool selected, click about halfway up the image, and shift drag up to the point where the two meet. Again, this is not an exact science. Try different start and end points until you get a reflection the color and height that you want.
So there you have it, your own apple reflection image!
