How to make stuff float in Photoshop

How to make stuff float in Photoshop

Objects suspended in mid-air create striking visual effects that make viewers stop and wonder how the photo was taken. This technique transforms ordinary subjects into compelling focal points through simple physics and digital editing.

The method combines practical photography setup with basic Photoshop skills to remove visible support systems, creating clean floating effects perfect for creative portraits, product photography, or artistic compositions.

Watch the Video

Video by Peter McKinnon. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Creating Floating Objects

Essential techniques for capturing and editing suspended objects:

  • Use clear fishing line instead of string or wire to minimize visibility and reduce editing work
  • Create anchor points with bathtub rods between walls or command hooks on surfaces when ceiling attachment isn't possible
  • Test object weight and line strength before shooting to prevent drops during the session
  • Remove fishing line gradually in Photoshop using the spot healing brush tool rather than attempting large selections
  • Work in small sections when editing areas with different background contrasts to maintain realistic textures

More Tutorials about Levitation Photography

Explore advanced techniques for creating floating and levitation effects in your photography.

Create a Levitation Photo Effect in Photoshop
In this video tutorial, you'll learn how to create a flying effect in a photo. The author shows how to use a background image and a levitating model image, explaining each step in detail. He begins by cutting the model out from the original background using the quick selection tool and magnetic lasso tool. He also shows how to refine the selection and blend the image seamlessly into the new background. By the end of the video, you'll see the model appear to be flying, with practical tips provid
Add Realistic Water Drops To A Photo
This Photoshop Effects tutorial guides you in adding realistic water drops to your photos, making it seem as though water has splashed across the image. You'll explore various filters and adjustments to create random shapes that resemble water droplets. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of using simple layer styles to enhance these shapes, focusing on adding shadows and highlights. This technique helps in achieving that lifelike quality you desire in your images. To wrap up the process, a
Paint Figures Using Splashing Water Effects in Photoshop
In this photo manipulation tutorial, Jennifer Cirpici introduces a method for creating a figure that appears to be made from water, using a stock photograph as the foundation. The process may seem complex, but Jennifer breaks it down into manageable steps, making it accessible to anyone interested. Throughout the tutorial, you will learn various essential techniques, such as blending lighting and shadows effectively. She emphasizes the importance of establishing a focal point using gradients, w
Create a Levitation Effect in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a stunning levitation effect in Adobe Photoshop. The focus is on a woman floating in a dream-like setting, surrounded by ethereal lighting that enhances the magical atmosphere. You will start by working with basic photo manipulation techniques. The process includes cutting out the subject and placing her in a new background, creating the illusion of weightlessness. As you progress, you'll explore how to add unique lighting effects to make the scen

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

Professional Portrait Retouching with the B.S.T. Method in Photoshop

Professional portrait retouching requires artistic choices that automated tools can't make. The B.S.T. method breaks retouching into three focused steps: removing blemishes with precision, smoothing skin while preserving natural texture, and equalizing skin tones throughout the image. This systematic approach gives you complete control over every...

Create Motion Blur Light Effects in Photoshop

Transform ordinary portraits into dynamic, cinematic images by combining path blur effects with creative background textures. This technique creates the illusion of camera movement while maintaining focus on key elements like the subject's eyes, resulting in professional-looking motion blur effects that add energy and visual interest to static...

How to Paint Realistic Jewelry on Portraits in Photoshop

Adding painted jewelry to portraits transforms ordinary photos into fantasy portraits with ornate accessories that never existed. This digital painting technique uses careful layering, proper lighting, and realistic shadows to create convincing rings, earrings, and decorative headpieces. The method combines basic brush work with advanced blending techniques to build up...

How to Sharpen Images Using the High Pass Filter in Photoshop

The High Pass filter method remains one of the most versatile sharpening techniques in Photoshop, offering precise control over which image areas receive enhancement. This non-destructive approach works by identifying edge details and allowing you to selectively apply sharpening exactly where it's needed most. Unlike automated sharpening tools,...

How to Find Missing Actions in the New Photoshop Actions Panel

The redesigned Actions panel in Photoshop can catch users off guard when their custom actions seem to disappear. With the new tabbed interface, your previously created actions are still there—they're just located in a different tab than before. Understanding the new layout will help you quickly access...

Fast Portrait Retouching: Remove Stray Hairs, Clothing Wrinkles, and Fix Backgrounds

Every portrait photographer knows the feeling: you've captured a beautiful shot, but stray hairs, wrinkled clothing, and messy backgrounds turn editing into hours of tedious work. These common retouching challenges can drain your time and energy, especially when dealing with high-volume projects or tight deadlines. This tutorial demonstrates...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.