Having blurred the layer, we need to increase the contrast using a Levels adjustment. We will apply this as a clipping mask layer so we can adjust later if needed.

In the Photoshop Adjustments window add a new Levels adjustment layer. Alternatively, you can do this from the Photoshop menu by selecting “Layer | New Adjustment Layer | Levels…”.

In the Properties window you can move the black and white levels inward to increase the contrast (as well as cause clipping). Optionally you can also adjust the midtone level.

Now we need to create a clipping mask using the Levels adjustment layer. To do this right click on the Levels layer in the Layers window. In the popup menu displayed, click the “Create Clipping Mask” option. This clips the Levels adjustment to the blurred layer immediately below it. Now the adjustment only affects that layer.

Click the blurred layer you created in the Layers window to select it. You can then set the Opacity of the layer to 15 in the Layers window.

Now we need to work with the other layer we created to bring back detail in the image. Click the to select it, then drag it to the top of the layers window. This hides the blurred layer and Levels adjustment you’ve been working with.

Apply a High Pass filter to the layer by selecting “Filter | Other | High Pass…” from the menu. This will make the image look odd but don’t worry.

Adjust the radius setting in the High Pass dialog so you can clearly see the fine outline of objects. A setting of between 2.5 and 3.5 is usually enough.

Apply the High Pass filter then change the blending mode from Normal to “Soft Light” in the Layers Window.

The glowing effect will now return but the detail in the image is stronger. You can now refine the strength of the effect.

There are several ways you can adjust the Orton Effect created with this method:

1. Change the Opacity of the Soft Light Layer.
2. Adjust the Opacity of the blurred layer.
3. Click the Levels clipping layer and change the levels settings.

As I mentioned at the start of this tutorial, there are many ways to create the Orton effect. If you use Photoshop or Affinity Photo, an alternative way to create the Orton Effect is to use a Frequency Separation.

Orton Effect with Plug-ins

If you want an easier way to create the Orton Effect, it may be best to turn to a Photoshop “plug-in”. Although we call these plug-ins, many are standalone photo editors where you don’t need Photoshop. Two such editors are On1 Photo RAW (affiliate link) and Luminar from Skylum (affiliate link).

In the following video, I demonstrate the Orton Effect in both, testing them head to head to see which I think is best.

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Controlling the Orton Effect

Now you understand how to create the Orton Effect, we need to talk about how to use it. Be aware that the Orton Effect has become somewhat overused recently. Consequently, it’s getting a bad reputation, just like HDR did when that technique became popular. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Because the Orton Effect can create great images, some photographers use it all the time. Don’t fall into the trap of applying it to every shot because it becomes boring. It also won’t improve a bad shot any more than HDR and Tone Mapping can.
2. There’s a tendency amongst photographers to make the glowing effect too strong. It’s usually better to apply a subtle Orton Effect. The viewer then notices there’s something different about the shot but doesn’t know what.
3. Shadows don’t glow so why add the effect to shadow areas. In my opinion, the best way to add the Orton Effect is by selectively painting it onto brighter areas using a mask.

The two photo editors (On1 Photo RAW and Luminar) mentioned above both include a masking feature to do this. If you’re editing in Photoshop you will need to work with Layer Masks.

Ideally, the best approach is to paint through a selection created using a Luminosity Masking tool. This is an advanced editing technique but there’s a free Photoshop Panel (Interactive Luminosity Mask) to help. You can watch me demonstrate the tool in the following video.

You can learn more about powerful Photoshop luminosity masking techniques in my video courses.

Summary

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this tutorial. If you’ve followed along, you should now be able to create and add the Orton Effect to your photography.

When using the Orton Effect, do keep in mind the advice that less is often more. You don’t want the effect to become obvious and recognisable. I would also encourage you to apply the effect selectively, ideally through a luminosity section. Target it onto the midtones and highlights for the best impact.