The Orton effect brings a dream appearance to an image. This effect in the name of photographer Michael Orton is almost always added to post-processing. Wouldn’t it be amazing to add this effect to the in-camera? This can be completed with a double exposure.
In the mid-1980s, photographer Michael Orton invented a technique, using a combination of two completely different photographs of the same scene. One image was faster and full of detail, while the other was less than expansion, often completely out of care. He used a slide film to achieve this effect, mixing two slides which could then be estimated or printed. It was also called Orton Slide Sandwich.
It was a simple effect that gave pictures a specific feeling, adding a glow and soft tone. Orton also used various subjects or textures on a common photo. He even added monoton images and color images.
Using the original orton slide sandwich method
Although it is quite easy to obtain using the orton effect slide sandwich technique, digital photography makes the result very easy to control. I believe that the best way to achieve the effect is to take two photos: one in focus and the other is carefully out. This original slide is similar to sandwich technology, but adding two photos is done with software.
Both images can be overladed into a Photoshop or similar layer-based editing software. By using the combination option “lighter” or “screen”, both photos merge together, resulting in the octon effect. The strength of the effect can be taken to the focus image at this time. It is also possible to reduce the ambiguity of the out-of-focus layer in Photoshop, which provides complete control over the strength of the octon effect during post-processing.
Get the effect with just one image
In most cases, the effect is achieved digitally with only a single in-focus image. The out-of-focus effect is created by applying a strong gausi blur filter on a duplicate layer, providing a similar effect but not at all. By that step, the effect is achieved and controlled with the same stage as you had two different images.
Using Literoom Mask for Orton effect
Another option to create a soft glowing characteristic of the octon effect is to use a mask in Literoom. Dial the clarity slider to minus 30 or more. This will add a good glow to the image. This details will also reduce, which may not be desired. To retaliate this, you can increase the expansion with the textured slider.
Working with a mask instead of straight on the image allows you to reduce the effect locally. Just use the option to reduce in mask. Another benefit is to separate the effect from regular editing, which provides more flexibility.
Real double exposure method
There is another way to add octon effect to your image. This method brings the entire process of combining two photos in the area. This makes it a conscious process, which seems less like the post-processing gimmick, if someone can say it.
The process involves using the in-camera double exposure technique. Your camera should have this ability, and many models, offer a wide range of options. Orton slide sandwiches, which I find a fitting name for this double exposure technique, can be obtained using the in-camera combination option “light”. You can also use the “ad” option, but if you are not careful it can be an overspose.
After activating several exposure options, take the first picture in the focus. It will be a normal photo, fast and full of detail. The next step is to set the camera on a manual focus and bend the focus ring until the subject is out of the focus. You can check the amount of blur on-screen as the second image will be supercomposed on the original photo. If desired, the exposure can also be changed. If the effect is as per your choice, press the shutter release for the second picture.
If you are using a digital DSLR, use a live view option. This can be considered as the mirrorless function of a DSLR, which offers the same option to a mirrorless camera.
Multiple exposure in JPEG or RAW
Most cameras that provide more than one exposure option will save the results as JPEG photo. If you are used for a raw workflow, it can be a negative side. However, modern in-camera JPEG has excellent image quality, so it can be worth accepting this range. A slight processing with JPEG is possible if necessary.
Some cameras protect the result in raw format. For example, Canon EOS R5 This offers the option, but you have to check if your camera also provides the possibility. If your camera saves the two basic photographs used for many exposure, you will maintain the ability to combine them into Photoshop if JPEG is not as per your choice.
Why should the octon effect be digitally upset?
Orton effects are easy to make in layer-based editing software such as photoshops or with masks in Literoom. So why go through the difficulties of in-camera multiple exposure and potential downside?
The answer lies in the creativity of photographing at the moment. If you get a view that suits the Orton effect, you can apply it immediately and see the results on the LCD screen. It gives the effect a deliberate artistic decision instead of a post-processing gimmick.
If you like the Orton effect, it does not matter which method you like. Finally, it is about all the end results. The photo would not be better only because one method was used on another. However, I believe that photographing in the brain with the end result is always better than relying on post-processing in lighter or photoshop. The double explosion of adding the orton effect can be a great way.
If you like the Orton effect, what method would you like to make the effect? Will you consider the in-camera multiple exposure for this? Please tell me in the comment below.
