Multiple magic

Creating multiple versions of yourself and your loved ones in photos is easy, using the powerful overlaying techniques in Photoshop. Simeon Meinema is your guide

Create a single shot featuring the same person multiple times! We show you how to stage the shots and edit them together

Covid-19 has limited the amount of people we are able to engage with and see, but you can always use photography to expand your horizons. This project will show you how to create images that include multiple versions of yourself or another person within your home or garden. And as a fun extension project that’s a homage to the Invisible Man movies, I’ll also show you how to make faces disappear using Photoshop.

By using a series of photographs shot with a camera on a tripod, you can create the clone effect very easily by overlaying the images and using various masking and erasing tools. This is fun to do with anyone in your household, and can be created using minimal equipment and editing techniques. All you will need is a big enough space to work with, such as a living room, bedroom or kitchen that will be able to fit multiple people in.

The same composition must be maintained throughout – this can only be achieved with the help of a tall freestanding tripod or a small GorillaPod. This project can be attempted inside your home or outside on your daily walk.

As you will need to work with a member of your household, it is important to stick to certain camera settings, such as keeping the shutter speed at 1/60 sec or faster to avoid any slight motion from the subject being captured. A higher ISO setting may also be needed to accommodate your interior lighting. To get the best results, use Manual exposure mode and shoot raw files.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

● Digital camera ● Tripod ● Model ● Shutter release (optional) ● Time: 1-2 hours