Multi-image Photography: Part I – Multiple Exposures

Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.  – Angela Monet

Multiple image photography has been around for a long time but with digital cameras and software it has become much easier and more flexible to combine images digitally.  Some examples include:

• Multiple exposures on a single frame.
• Combining multiple images or parts of images in post-processing (composites).
• Panoramas.
• High dynamic range images (HDR).
• Stacked focus.

It has been my experience that many photographers are aware of the various multi-image techniques but often don’t think of them as solutions or opportunities in the field unless they have specifically gone out to use that effect.  For example, a photographer may switch to a wider angle lens to capture a full scene rather than try a panorama.  Of course the wide angle will give a very different perspective and a panorama may not be the desired solution in some cases, but in others it may provide a different and creative approach. If the only reason for going to a wider angle lens was to include more of the scene, then a panorama may be appropriate. A photographer may also wish to play with creative approaches just for the fun of it — just to see what you get!

Multiple exposures are often used to express motion or to create abstract patterns. Making multiple exposures and moving slightly between each exposure can really

emphasize and intensify colors. The image on the left shows a single exposure of some bright red sumac in October in Nebraska against a still green backdrop of green leave.

By taking multiple exposures the red and green are converted to masses of intense color creating a very different effect.

Moving the camera up and down  for multiple images creates a streak effect particularly suited to

vertical subjects like trees and reflections.

Finally, you can obtain an interesting effect with the camera and subject stationary, by de-focusing a second exposure to create a fuzzy aura around your subject, like I did for this orchid. Generally the smaller the f-stop opening

(larger numerical value) the more you will need to de-focus because of greater the depth of field.  You can also control sharpness by, for example, shooting 3 images rather than 2, with the first two sharply focused and only the third de-focused.  This would probably work best on a whole field of flowers with fairly bright light, but being November it is difficult to find that field in Maryland.

Multiple exposures also provide a means to composite in camera.  For example, if you are out with a friend you can make a double exposure of that friend coming and going, by taking the first exposure when (s)he is walking in one direction and the second exposure as (s)he is walking in the opposite direction.

In each case you will want to experiment with the number of exposures you take.  Also, as indicated above you can influence the outcome by biasing toward one exposure/focus combination or another (i.e., taking several images at one setting and changing exposure, location, focus, f-stop or other factor to control your final image).

If your camera supports multiple exposures, you may find the options in the shooting menu (or equivalent, depending on your camera).  You will be able to set the number of exposures and turn gain to auto or off.  Auto gain, which is desirable in most cases will automatically adjust your exposure for the number of images that you have set so that the overall image will be properly exposed after the indicated number of exposures have been made. Each image will not be saved separately; you will get only one image after the indicated number of exposures have been made. In general, you will probably want fewer than ten images.  Of course, this type of multi-imaging does not require software since the camera is doing all of the work.

Plan creative sessions using multiple exposures, but also watch for opportunities to use this technique as part of your regular photography.  Situations where it might be relevant include street scenes with people walking by, portraits of the same individual in different or opposite positions or planned compositing in camera.

A skillful use of multiple exposures:  http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/reinhold-adscheid-multiple-exposure-chrono-chorotic-photographs

Next week: composites.