[LJR69]

I thought I would try and achieve an Orton effect using only Nikon's Capture NX. Would welcome any thoughts, comments, feedback, improvement suggestions, etc. Btw, this is the first Orton-type of effect I've tried and so let me know if it's OTT, not enough, or about right.

Thanks all!

As the image is slightly longer than 1000 pixels here's the link

[Summerleft]

I'm not sure if it works, I dont feel the effect is too much but the subject just doesnt suit it, theres also a strange shape at the top of the image about 1/2 way along.

Be worth trying it on something with more going on in colours as well as theme.

[LJR69]

Hi Summerleft. Thanks for the comments. No idea what that shape is at the top of the image. Never noticed that before.

I definitely want to try this on some other shots. I was interested in seeing if it could be pulled off in Capture NX and I think it does show it's possible. I must say though that I thought the Orton effect quite suited landscape images. Do you mean a shot with more diversity in colours? Or perhaps some more vivid colours in amongst the more muted tones?

[JMitchell]

I think the Orton effect is suited to oranges and reds, and perhaps an autumn scene would provide the best dreamy setting.
Good to know you can do it though, and good work for working it out

[Rob Barron]

I'm no lover of the Orton effect as it just makes an image look blurred to me though I guess some would call it a 'romantic' feel. But I can still appreciate what you were trying for here LJR and I think you have done quite well with it.

I don't think the subject matter works too well here as it is a bit flat in tone for a lot of the tree area and needs something a bit stronger. I don't think you need to have kept this over the 1000 pixels wide as I feel it could do with cropping on the left and bottom. It has a large empty area and the tree at top left could be cropped away completely and the FG grass strip doesn't add much.

I have done a crop to show you what I mean and the only other thing done here is to push the sats by +8, a minimal amount just to lift it slightly without materially changing the shot from what you produced. I prefer this compositionally but you may disagree. See what you think anyway.

Cheers,
Rob

[Soupdragon]

Hmmm! the only thing going for the orton effect is that it will cover up focus problems.
Sorry, I just think it's a very poor effect, although it is interesting that you acheived it using NX.

[spacepacker]

Hi LJR69, the subject is not right for an Orton effect. As has been said not every one likes the result.
However I use it and I have found you need a range of colour, such as this one; if I can get the pic here.
Well I did,cheers...Kenny

[LJR69]

Thanks all for the comments. Really helpful and useful. I actually quite like the orton effect, not all the time of course but it has a time and place, but like most effects some will like them some won't.

Really appreciate the advice and suggestions - all of which have been duly noted for when I try this again.

Thx!

[Charlotte]

As you say LJR69, the Orton effect has a time + place, but not to be overused or overdone.

Having said that, I like all of the examples in this thread, including your original one LJR69

Kenny, your Orton effect is overdone IMO, but it is a beautiful image