'A curious mind' In Camera Double Exposure

Introduction

Double exposures are the simplest of multiple exposures and can be one of the most exciting ways of using your camera. I have a lot of people ask me whether they can achieve anything if their camera will only combine 2 layers in camera and my answer is always YES! When I am shooting in camera multiple exposures, most of the time I am only using 2 layers. The image above, for example is the model with a close up of the sign that was in the background and I think really places him into the scene. You can get very creative with only two layers……

Oxford buildings with a 180 degree twist

How to do double exposure in your camera

Each brand of camera is different but you can find out quite easily if your camera will take multiple exposure images by searching through your manual, whether that be hard copy or online. The vast majority of newer models of camera do include this feature , with the exception Sony models of camera that don’t. The newer the model, the more likely you are to have a choice of the amount of layers you can stack - 9 images is the maximum number I have seen. When you take the double exposure you will take your first image and then you can put whatever you want as your second. You can use the viewfinder or the back screen to compose your second layer in a mirrorless camera, with DSLRs you can often use the back screen. The camera will then decide how it will look and blend the two layers together and produce a jpeg file. This will happen even if you shoot in raw. Some cameras will give an option of different blend modes which means the double exposure will be processed in a different way.

In between each layer you can change any settings on the camera that you want to, including the orientation of the camera, as seen above - and one of my favourite tricks to play with! Other settings you can change are the focus, white balance and even colour to monochrome.

Swedish coastline using an in camera double exposure

The Blend modes

I shall only say a bit about this as they are explained in more depth in my How to: Create Multiple Exposure Images using the Fuji X-T5 however, I will say that with only two images it is still possible to get some very unique images using the blend modes - the image above was taken with my Canon R6 mark ii and is two images blended together in the light mode (also using the ‘in focus, out of focus’ technique that I love to use for double exposures). I think it shows off the Swedish coastline rather well - if you want to read an article on multiple exposure with the Canon R6 mark ii then do click HERE

Below is one created with the dark mode on my camera and is also utilising the ‘in focus, out of focus’ technique. This brings a dark and mysterious feel to the forests of Sweden and I really like the effect. Although I have edited this image, I haven’t added any layers to it post production just showing that you can be really creative with double exposures.

Double Exposure of a Swedish forest taken with In Camera Dark Mode

Post production

Just because you have taken a double exposure in camera, this does not mean that you don’t have to (or need to) edit it. I will invariably take my images into Lightroom and add, take away and sometimes even combine another layer. Sometimes the artistry that you achieve in the field can be altered to include your feelings whilst creating that image once you return home. Below are some of those images I have added a little va va voom shall we say…

If you are interested in exploring this further then please do read my other blogs. You may be interested in my in camera workshop that I run in Birmingham or for post production my 6 week Exploration of multiple exposure course may suit your creative juices!

Do write a comment if you have enjoyed this post.

What are: In camera Double Exposure images (and how do you make them?)

How to: Create Multiple Exposure Photography Images in the Canon R6 mark ii

How to: create Multiple Exposure Photography Images using the Fujifilm X-T5