JPG: Stories: How To: Softness and Mystery - The Orton Effect: Updated and Improved!

How To

Softness and Mystery - The Orton Effect: Updated and Improved!

By Thomas Brauer

4 Oct 2008

*** This is an updated version of my post originally made as a photo essay. I've changed some of the content, so if you've read my original post, feel free to read this anew. If you voted for my first post, feel free to vote anew:). Thanks, T.***

I am a huge fan of what I call "multiple capture" images. Multi-exposure, stitched, HDR, collage, what-have-you. I love taking a variety of discreet captures and making something new - creating a new visual life, as it were. So, when I stumbled upon the Orton Effect, my heart leapt.

In the old film days (no offence to our celluloid loyal friends out there) the Orton Effect was made by sandwiching two captures together - one that was two stops over exposed and sharp, and one that was one stop over exposed and very soft. The result was breathtaking.

In the digital age, most Orton Effect images are created entirely artificially, but the result can be just as effective. To do so in photoshop, create three copies of the original image (background layer), each on its own layer. Using the blend mode drop down menu, set the blend mode of the top copy to screen, and merge the layer down. The newly merged layer will now have a mode of normal.

Select the layer below the newly merged layer, and run a heavy gausian blur effect on it (for high rez images, usually 50px works well). Re-select the merged layer, and set its blend mode to overlay.

Now work your magic with curves and levels until you have the effect you want. Voila!

I've also tried a new method since my first post, and I think it works just as well, and is less fussy. Do this:

First, make two copies of your image. You now have three layers, background, background copy, and background copy 2. Select background copy 2, and add an exposure adjustment layer. Set exposure to +2.00, or another setting that creates a level of brightness you prefer. I do NOT adjust the gamma or offset. Click OK and merge this layer down into background copy 2. Now, select the layer called background copy, and perform the same gausian blur effect mentioned in method 1. Reselect Background copy 2, and change the blend mode to overlay. Make the curves and levels adjustments to taste, and voila! A new masterpiece.

I've included three versions of my image Light Tree. One with now Orton Effect, the second using the first method, and the third using the second method mentioned here. Let me know if you think the difference is significant. Also, if you test both these methods, let me know which you prefer, I'd be interested in your thoughts.

I've also included in this how to images that I think express good uses of the Orton Effect. Click on the image and read the description for how I think the Orton effect adds to it. Feel free to disagree with me in the comments. In most of these images, the Orton effect adds softness and mystery to the images - making it feel as though there is something hidden away deep within the shot waiting to be brought out by the viewer, and while this mystery can at times be ominous, the softness keeps it feeling gentle.

Softness and mystery, gentle foreboding, for me this is what the Orton Effect brings to the images I make.

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thought you might like this submission to JPG Magazine. If you do, vote it up!

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10 responses

Richard Seah gave props (4 Oct 2008):
Thanks for the updates, Thomas. Will try out soon and, if the results are good, post something "inspired by you".
David Eastham gave props (4 Oct 2008):
Also, thanks for the update. Great article. Good luck on publication.
Steven Lambeth gave props (4 Oct 2008):
This is a great article Thomas. I think I am going to start doing this with some of my photos. I love the really soft focus effect this gives to your photos. I have experimented a lot with digital pinhole lenses and they have provided a somewhat similar effect. Check out my article on the digital pinhole lens I posted a while ago, I think it may be something you find interesting. http://jpgmag.com/stories/4186
Spectre Photo gave props (6 Oct 2008):
Most excellent! :) my vote..again
Deborah Downes gave props (8 Oct 2008):
Great how to article, Thomas. Thanks for sharing. Must try the Orten Effect.
Dezmond Ardis gave props (15 Oct 2008):
Great article imdefinitely going to try this out!!
Jay Matusow gave props (29 Oct 2008):
Great story - love the effect and the detailed instructions. I like method number 1 the best.
Thomas Brauer added a link (29 Oct 2008):
Hey everyone, Jay Matusow sent me this link. Check out his excellent go at the Orton Effect. (www.jpgmag.com)
Elizabeth Stafford said (26 Mar 2009):
I went right into Photoshop to try this and was amazed at the images I was able to "salvage" - they've become works of art using this technique. I'm just thrilled, and I thank you for sharing it so concisely.
Elizabeth Stafford gave props (26 Mar 2009):
Adds so much to an image.