Instructions on how to create the Orton effect in Photoshop

The Orton effect is traditionally a similar effect that photographers have used to great effect to improve their landscape and nature photos. In the digital age, it has become a filter that can be easily applied to your images on smartphones and in photo editors. This tutorial will show you how to easily create a beautiful and fully customizable Orton effect in Adobe Photoshop.

What is the Orton Effect?

The Orton effect is a post-processing technique that is commonly used in landscape and nature photography to achieve a soft and dreamy effect. It was developed by photographer Michael Orton in the 1980s by combining at least one sharp image with one blurry image using photo slides.

Currently, in photo editing applications, filters can be utilized to generate Orton effects for our images. Nonetheless, for Photoshop users who desire to create the effects manually and have greater control over customization, achieving this can be easily done using a few layers.

How to Create an Orton Effect in Photoshop

Instruction pictures

The Orton effect can be achieved in Photoshop by following a few simple steps. Firstly, create two layers that overlap, each with a different blend mode to modify the layer’s properties. Next, add two adjustment layers on the top layer and then apply a Gaussian Blur effect.

Follow these simple steps:

Create a copy of the Background layer by pressing Ctrl + J.

Duplicate the background layer
Duplicate the background layer

Double click on the copy layer and rename it “Screen”.

Name the copy layer Screen
Name the copy layer Screen

Change the top layer’s Blend Mode from “Normal” to “Screen”.

Change the top layer blend mode to Screen
Change the top layer blend mode to Screen

Please press Ctrl + J to duplicate this layer and name it Multiply.

Duplicate layer
Duplicate layer

Change the Blending Mode from “Normal” to “RMB”.
–> Switch the Blending Mode from “Normal” to “RMB”.

Change the Blend Mode to Multiply
Change the Blend Mode to Multiply

To create an adjustment layer Levels in Photoshop, you can go to the menu located at the bottom right corner.

Create a Levels adjustment layer
Create a Levels adjustment layer

Let’s adjust the Midtones slider to the left in order to enhance the brightness of the image.

Adjusting the Midtones slider
Adjusting the Midtones slider

To create a Tone/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop, you can go to the menu located in the bottom right corner and select “Create New Fill or Adjustment Layer” option. From the drop-down menu, choose “Hue/Saturation” to create the adjustment layer.

Adjust Hue/Saturation
Adjust Hue/Saturation

To achieve a striking, surreal effect, enhance the Saturation. The ideal value may differ for each image. Remember, you can always revisit and modify it later.

Saturation Adjustment
Saturation Adjustment

Please click on the “Multiply” layer to activate it.

Activate the Multiply layer
Activate the Multiply layer

To convert the Multiply layer into a Smart Object, simply right click on it and choose “Convert to Smart Object”.

Convert to Smart Object
Convert to Smart Object

Go to “Filters > Blur > Gaussian Blur”.

Choose Gaussian Blur
Choose Gaussian Blur

Modify the radius to a desired value that creates a surrealistic impact and press OK. In case you need to make any adjustments, feel free to change this value at a later time.

Change radius
Change radius

Please remember that we utilized a safe and effective approach to create the Orton effect. As a result, you have the flexibility to revisit and modify any of the values to achieve various effects.

Before:

Example pictures

After:

Orton effect result

FAQ about How to create Orton effect in Photoshop

The Orton effect, coined after artist Michael Orton, involves blending sharp and blurred images to create a dreamy and soft effect on the resulting image.

“How can I create the Orton effect in Photoshop?”

– Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop.
– Step 2: Right-click on the layer and choose Duplicate Layer to make a duplicate of the image.
– Step 3: Select the duplicated layer, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur, and adjust the radius of the Gaussian Blur to create a blurry effect for the image.
– Step 4: Choose the duplicated layer, change the Blending Mode to Screen, Overlay, or Soft Light, and adjust the Opacity if needed to create a light and soft effect for the image.

Is there an alternative method for creating the Orton effect in Photoshop?
– Method 1: Utilize an Adjustment Layer. Create an Adjustment Layer (such as Curves or Levels) and adjust it to achieve the desired blur effect and enhance image sharpness.
– Method 2: Employ Actions. Numerous actions can be found online specifically designed to apply the Orton effect in Photoshop. Simply download and execute the action to apply the effect to your photograph.

The Orton effect can be applied to various images, including landscapes, portraits, or boudoir photos, in order to create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. However, it is important to note that this effect may not be suitable for all types of photos. Before deciding to use it, you can try applying the effect to your photo and evaluate the results.

You have the ability to personalize and create the Orton effect in Photoshop according to your preferences. By experimenting with various filters and adjustment layers, you can modify the opacity, brightness, contrast, and hue. Altering these parameters allows you to generate distinctive effects that cater to your specific requirements.

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If you have any inquiries regarding the process of creating the Orton effect in Photoshop, feel free to reach out to us. Your questions and suggestions will greatly contribute to our future articles’ improvement.

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