What do you think? (Also need a little bit of help

[ItsOscar]

So this is my first photo-based composition. No, I won't be leaving that huge strip right through the middle of this. I will also be changing the shadows, and that's what I'm having a problem with. (Getting shadows that look accurate) Any suggestions?

[Repairman]

That looks like a fun comp Oscar. Try this; it may help you visualise the scene.
Make a selection of the 5 lower goldfish - magic wand will suffice. Cut and paste the fish as a layer. Select 'Image', 'Adjustments', 'Hue/Saturation' and move the lightness slider until the goldfish are black. Blur the black shapes until the edges are consistent with the distance and light source you wish the shadows to be thrown. Drop the opacity of the layer until they are a light/mid grey. Use the scaling tool to reduce the size of the shape in the vertical plane. (eg 40%). This will flatten the shape and 'sit' it on the imaginary fishtank floor. At this stage you can use the layer to visualise the effect of cast shadows by altering the opacity, softness and shape distortion. You can then refine these shapes to convey, bounced colour, size and distance from the light soursce etc.
See attachment for rough idea.....

[amica999]

Take a look here: http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/pho...g-shadows.html

[ItsOscar]

@ Repairman - Ahhh, good idea! I might redo that. Thanks!

[ItsOscar]

Thanks Amica!

[Repairman]

Give it a go; it'll help crystallise your thoughts. Shadows are a useful 'tool' to position objects in any space. You could even make a case for leaving the shadows out altogether - depends on the final objective/narrative/end use really.
R.