Using Picasa to "Ortonize"

[Saralonde]

My post processing abilities are a bit limited. My camera doesn't intimidate me, but Photoshop does. I am, however, comfortable with Picasa to do a little post processing on my pictures. Recently I found a flickr site that explains how you can create a kind of Orton effect in Picasa. It doesn't get the kind of results you can get in Photoshop, but it is kind of interesting.
http://flickr.com/groups/picasa/discuss/72157594492864326/

This is my attempt. Not too great, but fun to try. Sorry about the 4 images.
Original image:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/465592876/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/465592876_21fb4d5527.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Original" /></a>
After using fill light to very light and sharpened:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/465592858/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/465592858_da8d98908d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Original after being lightened and sharpened" /></a>
After using shadow to darken and extreme soft focus:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/465592870/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/465592870_153aed9793.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Original after being darkened and soft focus" /></a>
Collage multi-image gives this result:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23733128@N00/465592854/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/465592854_695131ec06.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="&quot;Orton Effect&quot; using Picasa" /></a>

[Nicole]

Wow, interesting :) I'm sure this will be really helpful to people who are looking for a way to essentially use layers in Picasa :) Added this to the big list because lots of people use Picasa.

[mikem12188]

Saralonde,

The Orton effect is one of my favorites and I love what you did with your photo. As far as Photoshop is concerned, (I have PS Elements 5.0 so I'm not an expert) but, I've seen your photos and if your Photoshop skills are half of what your photography skills are, you're doing all right.

[jiminyClickit]

Saralonde,

Nearly a watercolor affect. Are you feeling that, or is this even better?

[Saralonde]

Mikem, you are definitely too kind:) .

Jiminy, original photograph was not that good, I just liked some of the color. That, plus a rainy, cold day made me do this. Still not a great photograph, but the watercolor effect is interesting and on the right image, could produce some good results.

[sana]

My post processing abilities are a bit limited. My camera doesn't intimidate me, but Photoshop does.

I know exactly what you mean... But if you say now it's not a big deal, that surely encourages me to try things myself. Thanks!

I like the photo. And the effect is really impressive.

[TriciaLynn]

Have you tried using your camera in RAW mode? I started doing that and it made a huge difference when I took a picture after the sun went down and then processed it in Photoshop. When I get a chance I will upload a before and after shot. It was amazing.

Also, Photoshop does seem overwhelming but if you take a class or go through a training workbook you will see that a lot of basic functions are really easy. Then you can find tons of tutorials online and in other books that will give you more knowledge and skill.

[amiripz]

I tried this tecnique as well and it is pretty good I must admit.

Check here and you will see it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amiripz/471109483/

[Saralonde]

amiripz, it looks like a painting!

[igor.yermak]

thats pretty cool,going to try it out on a some trees.