Shadows: Overlapping two 50% Opacity layers

In essence I want to create a shadow that doesnt change colour when overlapped by another shadow: I have created 2 layers, one layer has a large black line with an opacity of 50% and the same in the second layer only it overlaps the first layer, when this happens, the patch that it overlaps turns darker. How do you, either change this, or, stop it from happening without editing the shape of the layers?

Put your shadows on the same layer so they don't blend with each other.

There is more to it, an example I was given was Who framed Roger Rabit, they needed to add Roger Rabbits shadow, but the problem was that the overlapping caused a dark spot. How do you create a layer above your photo that has a 50% opacity that does not cause this effect with other shadows?

Here is a sample what I think you're trying to accomplish. Sorry that I don't have time to lead you through it. The only trick in this example is a layer mask added to the circle's shadow layer so that it can cast a bit of a shadow on the square without blending with the combined shadow layer. The combined shadow layer was blurred a bit more to add an illusion of distance.

<http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=19px.jpg> <http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=22xl.jpg>

this is exactly the example I needed! Thank you! I'll try it now!

Ho,

Nice technique, but shouldn't the circle's shadow be bigger on the background? If you continue the shadow arc on the green square, it lines up exactly with the shadow on the background, suggesting that the circle and the square are in the same plane, which they clearly are not.

regards

TMH

The final product <http://www.deviantart.com/view/24331754/> thanks millions for that!

the method its self works fine, the accuracy of it doesn't matter for the example, but I'll try it with a composition just to see if I can make it work practically

<http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/24332866/> testing finished :)

double post...

the accuracy of it doesn't matter for the example

Pretty much. :)

thanks millions

Glad to help.

but shouldn't the circle's shadow be bigger on the background?

Only if the source of light is assumed to be nearby. If the light is at infinity, (or far enough to be considered as such like sunlight) then there is no need to enlarge the shadow.