Dreamy soft-focus portrait effect using Gaussian blur overlays, Orton Effect technique, and gentle glow for romantic photography.

Step 1: Duplicate Portrait

Open portrait. Duplicate background layer twice.

Step 2: Orton Effect Base

Top duplicate: Screen blending, Gaussian Blur 20px. Creates luminous glow.

Step 3: Selective Soft Focus

Add layer mask. Keep eyes and lips sharp — paint black on mask over facial features.

Step 4: Warm Glow Layer

New layer, warm peach color (#ffd4b8), Soft Light 20%. Enhances skin warmth.

Step 5: Highlight Bloom

Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E to stamp. Apply Gaussian Blur 40px, set Screen 30%. Mask to highlight areas.

Step 6: Gentle Vignette

Darken corners with elliptical marquee feathered 100px, Curves adjustment.

Step 7: Final Softness Check

Reduce Orton layer to 70% if effect is too strong. Maintain natural skin texture.

That's it! You've completed this tutorial. Experiment with the techniques and share your results with the Designstacks community.