Using The “Orton” Method For Artistic Blending

© 2004 – Michael Brown
* Copying/downloading of images is prohibited.

If you want a bit of fun, a chance to perk up some of those photos and to simply try something different, try this method here for a touch of that “painterly” look. It gives some of the photos you may work on a touch of softness, rich colors in some areas, and maybe something that you have been looking for to add to your bag of tricks.
I have found that this method works extremely well with landscapes, and I have also been experimenting using this method with some of the macro type shots that I have on hand.

The images you see here were created with a digital camera, and worked with in Photoshop CS using the “Orton” method.
Simple and easy to do.

© 2005 – Michael Brown
* Copying/downloading of images is prohibited.

*Open up Photoshop and select a image you would like to use.
*Then, go to “Image”, then down to “Duplicate”.
*Now delete your original so you will not make any mistakes with your original photo.
*Go to “Image”, then click on “Apply Image”.
*The “Apply Image” box will appear.
*Set the blending to “Screen”, and your opacity to 100%. Click Okay button.
*Go again to “Image”, down to “Duplicate”.
*With the image you have just duplicated, go to “Filter”, down to “Blur-Gaussian Blur”.
*Set the blur anywhere from 20 to 50. Click okay button.
*Using your “move tool”, grab the blurred image and drag it on top of your first image and placing it evenly on top. (the image with details)
*Open your “layers” box by going to “Windows”, down to “Layers”.
*In that layers box, set the blending mode from “normal” to “multiply”.
*You can now make some adjustments with levels/curves/sharpening/etc. while switching back and forth between your background layer and your other layer.
*When happy with what you see, flatten your image by going to “Layer”, then down to “Flatten”.
*Then, ……… save your masterpiece!

© 2004 – Michael Brown
* Copying/downloading of images is prohibited.

Admittedly, some images do work better than others. You just have to experiment.With landscapes, it does seem to be easier to do while using this method.
With any type of macros, and having a smooth/clean background, you can see a type of blurred halo around your subject. Less noticeable halos occurr when the background has more details.

It is something that is fun to do, and thought I would share it with you guys.
Back to work for me, … so everyone take good care of yourselves!!

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(This post does not have the original “Blogger” comments, as they would not automatically transfer when the move was made to “WordPress”.)

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“Macro Art In Nature” – Website