How to Create the Dreamy Soft Focus Orton Effect in GIMP GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Design

How to Create a Dreamy Soft Focus Orton Effect in GIMP

Apply a surrealistic filter to your photos using GIMP

By Sue Chastain Sue Chastain Writer St. Petersburg College Sue Chastain is a former Lifewire writer and a graphics software authority with web design and print publishing credentials. She's also skilled in WordPress administration. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 23, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Design Graphic Design Photoshop Animation & Video 3D Design

What to Know

Open your photo in GIMP and select Layer > Duplicate Layer. Select the top layer, then go to Filters > Blur > Gaussian Blur.Adjust the Size X and Size Y inputs to blur the image, then select OK. Select Mode, then select Screen from the drop-down menu.If the image is light or lacks contrast, duplicate the top layer. Then, select the middle layer and change the Mode to Soft Light. This article explains how to reproduce the Orton effect, which is an old darkroom technique used to add a surrealistic soft focus filter to photos, using GIMP. The process involves sandwiching multiple versions of the same image in different layers. Instructions in this article apply to GIMP version 2.10 for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

How to Create the Orton Effect in GIMP

To produce the Orton effect in GIMP: Open your photo in GIMP and select Layer > Duplicate Layer. Make sure the top layer is selected in the Layers palette, and then go to Filters > Blur > Gaussian Blur. If the Layers palette isn't visible, go to Windows > Dockable Dialogs > Layers. Adjust the Size X and Size Y inputs to blur the image, then select OK when satisfied. If the chain next to the Size X and Size Y inputs is disconnected, click it to ensure that the blur is applied evenly in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Select Mode at the top of the Layers palette and select Screen from the drop-down menu. If you feel that the image is too light or lacking in contrast, right click the top layer in the Layers palette (the one with the Gaussian Blur) and select Duplicate Layer. Select the middle layer in the Layers palette, and then change the Mode to Soft Light. If the effect is too strong, move the Opacity slider to the left. To increase the contrast, duplicate the middle layer. Once satisfied with the effect, go to File > Save As to save your image as an XCF file, or select File > Export As to save it as a JPEG. Feel free to experiment by duplicating more layers and trying different layer modes and blur filters. These random experiments may result in interesting effects that you can apply to other photos. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Tutorial to Add Fake Rain to a Photo in GIMP 10 Best Free Photo Editing Programs How to Make a Torn Paper Edge in GIMP How to Pixelate an Image How to Apply Rubber Stamp Effects in Photoshop Elements 8 Greeting Card Template and Instructions for Adobe Photoshop How to Create the Out of Bounds Effect in Photoshop How to Unlock the Background Layer in Photoshop How to Make Rubber Stamp Effects in Paint.NET Learn How to Link Layers in GIMP How to Use Photoshop's Dodge, Burn and Sponge Tools Make a Custom Gradient in GIMP How to Add Fake Snow to a Photo With GIMP Creating a Tilt-Shift Effect in GIMP How to Fix Pet Eye in Your Photos How to Make a GIF in Photoshop Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies