Orton Effect

[Bobobird]

Named after this guy
http://www.michaelortonphotography.com/ortoneffect.html where he explains his technique and here http://www.photography.ca/blog/2009/...arwin-wiggett/


In simple terms it involves taking a couple of OOF shots of the same scene and then combining them in the darkroom for a painterly effect. He may also mix both static OOF and camera motion shots. His work is quite beautiful.

Thought I would play but did not have cooperative weather these couple of days. So picked a couple of recent shots and played with them digitally.

Here are 3 that make me reasonably happy.

Views/comments/C&C appreciated as always.

6 layer conversion and some additional tweaks.


2 layer conversion


2 layer conversion

[Donald]

Bobo - good application of the technique. Did you do it the 'long-hand' way or did you use a 'plug-in'? I like the the last one in particular. The effect lends a nice mood and atmosphere.

[Pappadi]

Thank you Bobo for bringing up Orton Imagery. I have seen some very good work - superb abstract images _ with this technique and wanted to experiment, but didn't so far.
I too like the last one. May be because I still keep my one foot in the b&w boat.

[joewatt]

I also like this effect - I want to learn more about it so I will check out the links you provided. Your second shot has a dream-like quality I like.

[Bobobird]

Thanks guys. It is pretty simple and can all be done in PS. The 2nd url has a rundown on doing it digitally.

One thing to note is that it does not quite work with closeups or very tight shots.

#2 and #3 were done exactly as the link suggests.

#1 was done using layers but as the pic was already somewhat "soft" the effect is not so apparent hence the additional tweaking. But I like the way it changed the sun on ice presentation.

The original pics are in these 2 threads.
Finally...

Sunset

[Pappadi]

Sorry. I have deleted the image.

[Bobobird]

Please post away. The more the merrier.

I like your presentation, though it did not quite work with my closeups.

One day will take pics as he does and see how it turns out.

[Bobobird]

These 3 did not quite work out.

I think the technique needs a larger variation of colour and shapes around the subjects to make it stand out.