Double-exposure photography has been a popular technique since the early days of film, enabling photographers to create stunning images by exposing the same
side of the film twice. As modern digital files are directly saved on memory cards, the merging process for this technique mainly takes place in editing programs.
However, many mirrorless cameras (and some of the best instant cameras, too) come with a feature that enables you to overlay additional images directly in-camera. Some cameras offer an even more advanced feature, where you can overlay more than two frames and create a wider range of stunning images.
(Image credit: Future)
Not only does this technique deliver incredible results, it also fosters creativity by forcing you to think critically about the visual outcome before analyzing your work on the computer. This approach also helps you improve your skills by training your eye to see the visual potential in any given situation.
Tutorial
1. Select and shoot To use the multiple exposure mode / image overlay feature, simply shoot two frames beforehand and select both images in the mode in order for the camera to automatically combine both scenes into one frame.
2. Create filler image For maximum impact, it’s recommended that you shoot one "filler image" with significant color or structure, such as mountains, and a second image with predominantly black elements, such as a silhouette of a person or city skyline shot against the sun.
Before
At first, it may be difficult to imagine how these two completely different scenes could work once they are combined:
(Image credit: Jignesh Chavda)
(Image credit: Jignesh Chavda)
After
This is how two photos come together to create stunning abstract photo art with a perfect combination of silhouettes and texture:
(Image credit: Jignesh Chavda)
This article originally appeared in Digital Photographer, a monthly magazine, and the kitbag essential for pros, enthusiasts, and amateurs alike!
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Kim is the Technique Editor of Digital Photographer Magazine. She specializes in architecture, still life and product photography and has a Master's degree in Photography and Media with a distinction from the FH Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences in Germany. While studying, Kim came to the UK for an exchange term at the London College of Communication. She settled in the UK and began her career path by joining Future. Kim focuses on tutorials and creative techniques, and particularly enjoys interviewing inspiring photographers who concentrate on a range of fascinating subjects including women in photography, the climate crisis; the planet, its precious creatures and the environment.
