Building Shading

[Djekspek]

Thanks for the tips guys. I tried to export 'alpha shadow' in sketch-up but I don't think it is supported. The 3d layer in PS (I use CS3) also doesn't seem to support shadows. Anyone got experience with CS4? (it claims 'better 3d support' so maybe also shadows...)

At least by making simple models in sketch-up I learn how these nasty shadows behave then copying them in PS as starting point. Hehe, I seems shadowing needs some good ol' fashion handwork

[Skallagrim]

It can make your PSDs a little conveluted, but If you put all 1 story buildings on one layer, all 2 story building on another, etc etc, then you can just use a drop shadows on the buildings, and adjust size and spread to taste till your shadows have the appropriate look...

here's a 30 sec example.

[Ascension]

The problem with drop shadows is that they overlap if less than 100% opacity and also don't start at building corners. That tends to produce the floating look.