Step 1: Select the screen

Use the Polygonal Lasso tool to select the four corners of the screen.

Step 2: Set your gradient settings

Switch to the gradient tool, and select your colors. One color patch should be black, and the other should be slightly lighter (like a charcoal grey).

Step 3: Apply gradient

With the screen still selected and while in the Gradient tool, click and drag to apply the gradient. The top patch is the one your gradient will start with. Charcoal grey should be on the side closer to a light source (like a window). 

Step 4: Deselect the screen

Go back to the Lasso tool, right-click (Control-click on a Mac) and select Deselect from the menu.

That's it! Using a gradient for the screen rather than a solid black will help make it more realistic-looking. 

One final tip:

change the opacity of the gradient if you want to still show a bit of the reflection, as in a window reflection, for an even more natural feel. You can adjust this during Step 3, while still in the Gradient tool. Below is an example of 3 different opacity levels - 100%, 90%, and 70%.

Next time you sit down to edit, be sure to add blackening TV screens to your workflow. It’s a small, but totally worth it, edit that your clients will love!

xo,

Natalia