Use theRefine Edge toolwith theLasso toolto refine your selection.

Right hit the object and selectLayer Via Cut.

SelectFxat the bottom of the layers panel, then chooseDrop Shadowfrom the list.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Lasso tool highlighted

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If the layers panel isn’t visible, selectWindow>Layer.

With the shadow layer selected, right click theFxbeside the layer name and selectCreate Layerfrom the list.

SelectOKto ignore the warning.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Layer Via Cut command highlighted

grab the shadow layer, and then selectEdit>Free Transform.

Right snag the object and selectDistort.

Drag the handles to adjust the position of the shadow, then pressEnterwhen satisfied.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Drop Shadow layer effect highlighted

Right press the shadow layer and selectDuplicate Layer.

With the shadow copy layer selected, selectFilter>Blur>Gaussian Blur.

Move the slider to the right to blur the edges of the shadow, then selectOK.

Adjust the drop shadow settings and select OK.

With the shadow copy layer selected, select theAddLayer Maskicon (besideFxat the bottom of the layers palette).

Adjust theOpacityin the layer’s palette to make the shadow appear more natural.

Once you’re satisfied with the result, preserve your image as aPSDfile or in your preferred format.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Create Layer command highlighted

Select OK to ignore the warning.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Free Transform command highlighted

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Distort command highlighted

Drag the handles to adjust the position of the shadow, then press Enter when satisfied.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Duplicate Layer command highlighted

Select OK.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Gaussian Blur option highlighted

Move the slider to the right to blur the edges of the shadow, then select OK.

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Layer Mask button highlighted

A screenshot of Photoshop with the Gradient tool highlighted

Draw a gradient from about ¼ the distance from the bottom of the shadow to the top to make the shadow fade into the distance.

A screenshot of Photoshop with a layer’s opacity slider highlighted

A blue sign on a pole casts a shadow on a white background.

Yevgen Romanenko / Getty Images