Methods and systems for processing digital image data utilizing vertically-oriented Effect graphs are provided. When processing digital image data utilizing Effect graphs, it is often necessary for certain Effects on the graph to render their outputs multiple times during a single rendering pass. To alleviate the exponential processing that such a scenario can cause, methods and systems for caching at least a portion of the digital image data being processed in image buffers associated with the output of one or more Effects in the Effect graph during processing are provided. Additionally provided are methods and systems for caching digital image data in image buffers associated with the output of one or more Effects across multiple processing passes of an Effect graph.