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

7 Photoshop AI Tools You're Probably Not Using Yet

Photoshop’s AI features now go far beyond simple object removal. Some of the newer tools can completely change the way you edit photos, create composites, clean up distractions, or expand scenes — often with just a few clicks. The interesting part is that many of these features still feel surprisingly...

Transform Photos into Ink Drawings in Photoshop

Traditional ink drawings capture bold contrasts and artistic expression through pure black and white elements. This technique transforms ordinary photographs into striking ink artwork by combining specific filters with smart object workflows for complete creative control. The method uses oil paint effects, shadow adjustments, and threshold conversion to create authentic...

How to Build Monochromatic Color Palettes with Layers in Photoshop

Creating harmonious color schemes requires understanding how to layer colors strategically rather than relying on single adjustments. A monochromatic palette uses tints, tones, and shades from the same color family to create depth and visual unity. This technique demonstrates how to build rich, textured backgrounds by combining solid color fills,...

How to Use the New 3D Object Rotation Feature in Photoshop

Photoshop's new Rotate Object feature transforms flat 2D images into interactive 3D models that can be repositioned from any angle. This AI-powered tool automatically creates cutouts, maintains original textures, and generates missing details when objects are rotated beyond their original perspective. The feature opens new possibilities for product...

How to Use Depth Range Masking in Camera Raw

Adobe Camera Raw's depth range masking feature allows you to select and adjust specific depth layers in any photograph without needing special camera equipment. Unlike traditional subject and background masks that focus on shapes, depth range masking works with the spatial distance between elements in your image. This...

How to Remove Objects Using Photoshop's Updated Remove Tool Without Credits

Photoshop's updated Remove tool offers powerful AI-powered object removal without consuming any generative credits, regardless of your subscription plan. The tool features automated distraction detection that categorizes different types of visual clutter—from trash and people to urban elements and blemishes—making it easy to selectively remove unwanted...

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.