How do I make this kind of gradient?

[JTL]

Here's the example of what I want to do. How do I make just the area behind the book glow like that?

 

[Keebs]

The easiest way to achieve this effect would be a lighting effect as opposed to a gradient. although it is entirely possible to get a gradient to do this as well.



For the gradient version, you can select from the gradients via the selection box at the top



Hope this helps =)

 

[JTL]

Cool, thanks!

 

[IamSam]

Hi JTL, of course there are several ways to do this.

I try to work non-destructively and tend to structure my layers so that I can go back and make any changes I need.

Here's my approach. There are other ways to accomplish this effect.

Start with the dark (black in this case) BG.


Add in the object, in this case a book as in your example. I do this so I know where the light effect/gradient needs to be located.


I create a new layer above the BG or between the two existing layers. I name it White Brush layer.


I select my Brush Tool with a large soft brush. Make sure your foreground color is set to white, your Brush Painting Mode is set to normal, your Brush opacity is set to 100%, and your Brush flow is set to 100%.


Make a single Brush stroke/click centered over the the book. Since we are going to lower this layers opacity which will cause the brush stroke/click to become smaller, I make it fairly large. If you don't like the result, simply hit Command/Control + Z to back up and try again.


Reduce the White Brush layers opacity to where you like it.


Simple and can be altered at anytime!

 

[ibclare]

For the radial gradient, make it either on one layer white to black gradation, or create a second layer above the black, make a white to transparent gradient and play with that.