how can i make something shine or sparckle in photoshop?

Answer 1

A few ways;

1) Filter>Render>Lens Flare
2) Dodge tool

Answer 2

There's an option under Effects under Filter->Render->Lighting Effects. There is also Filter->Render->Lens Flare

These Might do the trick. BTW this is from CS2, if you are using Elements or something it might not be in the same place.

Answer 3

You cant actually make something sparke or shine, you can draw little white star like things which give the impression of something being shiny...
Alternatively you can print the image you create onto a shiny or sparkley type of paper which will give the entire image a sparkle. :)

Answer 4

i also like lense flare tool to add a reflective effect.

try looking at photos of actual sparkling objects and magnify them till you see the patterns that make up the sparkle effect., then draw patterns like this on your object.

Sparkles and chrome are a challenge, because they both are a rendering of something that we don't see in the picture.