Part 6 :- Creating an Orton effect image.

 

In this part, I am using layers to create an Orton effect. Originally done with two film images, we can do the same with a simple Photoshop process.

Note : The Orton effect is named after Michael Orton. He developed a technique of taking a sharp film image and an out of focus image and then overexposing them both. They were then sandwiched together to create a soft and dreamy print.

The original image.

 

Step 1 - Make a duplicate layer.

 

Step 2 - Make a duplicate layer of the duplicate layer made in Step 1.

 

Step 3 - Select Blending Options.

 

Step 4 - Select Screen.

Note : The image will now appear very washed out looking. Don't panic - It's all OK.

 

Step 5 - Merge this layer down.

 

Step 6 - Make a new duplicate layer.

 

Step 7 - Select Gaussian Blur.

 

Step 8 - Select a value for the blur required.

Note : Values between 15 and 30 usually work well but experiment a little.

 

Step 9 - Select Blending Options.

 

Step 10 - Select Multiply for this step.

 

Step 11 - Adjust Opacity - Only if required. Here, I am using 95%.

 

Step 12 - Flatten the image -

Note : That is pretty much it and the next step is an optional step.

 

Step 13 - Whilst I am happy with the outcome, I wish to add slightly more blur. With my image flattened, I select Gaussian Blur.

Note : This step is optional and will depend on how much blur you wish.

 

Step 14 - Select a blur value. Here, I have used 4.5.

 

That's it - Here is the finished image.

 

A comparison between the original and the Orton effect images.

 

A couple of other examples created using the same technique.

 

Pretty much that is it. I hope you find it beneficial.

Remember, do NOT save over your original file. Use 'Save As'.

There are hundreds of ways to post process. This is just one technique and I find it works well for many images where you wish to create a dreamy, soft effect.

Try it out and have fun. Be sure to try different values in the steps as this will provide you with a wealth of 'self-learned' views of how the values affect the outcome.

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