Multiple exposure photo tips
You won’t go wrong if you…
1 Look for a clean background:
When you’re experimenting with in-camera multiple exposures, start with a subject against a white or clear background (such as a pale sky). Now look for a subject that will look good when it ‘fills’ in the dark areas of your base layer.
2 Change the angle to suit the subject:
Don’t feel that you need to shoot every subject as you find them. Try twisting the camera to change the angle of different ‘layers’ in your multiple exposure, or moving the camera to position the key elements of each shot so that they ‘interact’ with each other.
3 Come up with a concept:
If you have a story or a theme, it gives you a starting point and brings more focus to your picture-taking when you’re out and about. You’ll be more aware of the scenes, subjects, textures and patterns that could work as potential layers.
4 Save the source files where possible:
Not all cameras allow you to keep the original images as well as the finished multiple exposure, but if yours does, and you have the card space, it’s worth doing. You’ll be able to fine-tune the result in software later.
5 Experiment in software:
Try Lighten, Screen, Multiply, Overlay and Soft Light blending modes to change the way in which each image in the multiple exposure is combined. Use masks and brushes to hide and reveal details.