7 Tips to Shoot and Edit Intriguing Multiple Exposures; All You Need To Know

By Dhaval Patel

If you are into photography, you would realize that not all backgrounds are interesting. There will be some photographs that you would want to edit because the other details are not providing the best effect on the subject. The good news is that there are different techniques to help you get the best out of all your photos. 

What is Multi Exposure Photography?

Multi exposure photography is one of the creative ways on how you can edit your photographs to make it more interesting for your viewers. This is one of the travel photography tips  that you can certainly use for your own advantage. This technique involves the merging of multiple images. It increases or boosts the emotions, humor or even the sense of surrealism in the photo. It may look complicated but with the proper knowledge about the techniques, you will be able to easily transform your photograph into a beautiful piece of art. 

One photographer has revealed that one of the secrets to her good multiple exposure image is the many layers that she is using. This is something that can be used to understand that you do not have to limit yourself in terms of choosing the frames you will be adding to your image. There are different techniques and even exploratory methods that you can do to be able to create an intriguing multiple exposure image. It does not matter if you are interested in subjects that are around you or you travel just to be able to develop the best photographs. Knowing more about multiple exposures will give you another level of knowledge about photography. 

How to Shoot and Edit Intriguing Multiple Exposures:

Having a good camera and knowing all the features it offers is the first step in photography. Skill is something that you can always hone. If you have the right equipment, you will be able to explore different forms of photography. Knowing how to create multiple exposure images is one of the things that you can also explore. Here are the different tips you can consider to be able to shoot and edit intriguing multiple exposures: 

  • Add Multiple Shapes to Frame Your Subject

One of the best ways to get the attention of the viewers is to integrate multiple shapes to serve as frame for the subject. You can choose those that can make a great contrast or those that will put more emphasis on the subject. Just look into the different ways on how to emphasize the subject using other elements like shapes. One of the secrets here is to determine the importance of the shapes you have chosen to the existing subject. Creating contrast is also a great way to increase the exposure of the subject. 

  • Experiment with Simple Portraits and Detailed Textures

There are different things that you can do to be able to edit simple portraits. You can start by considering merging it with some detailed textures. Different items like raindrops, sand, wood and even rocks can be perfect for this. The main goal here is to combine a simple or plain photography with a complicated background to achieve balance. You can experiment on this until such time that you achieve the best result. You can make use of Photoshop to be able to achieve the effect that you want. 

  • Select the Right Blending Mode

There are different blend modes for Photoshop, which are available for the purpose of editing multiple exposures. Multiply is the mode that helps you darken the image. Screen, on the other hand, is used to lighten. To boost contrast, you can make use of overlay. For color blending, the color option can be used. And finally, luminosity is an option you can use to blend the brightness only. Selecting the right blending mode can provide a beautiful effect to the photo as a whole. This is one of the best options Photoshop provides to be able to achieve multiple exposure. 

  • Combine Two Things that Mean a Lot to You

This is one of the tips in terms of the content. If you are thinking of the things you will be putting to complete the photograph, you can choose two things that are meaningful for you. For some people, they think of the things that they are really interested about. Just think of those two things that you love the most and try to combine them in a single photograph. 

  • Work with Silhouettes

Most of the people who are exploring multiple exposures are using silhouettes as their technique. This is something that will not only easy to do but also a creative one. What is a silhouette? This is a contour, shadow or the shape of the subject. This is something that allows you to create unique images. Aside from making use of the silhouette of the subject in your photograph, you can also make use of multiple silhouettes. This makes the whole photo look dreamy and surreal. 

  • Make Simple Objects Look Fascinating

There are different subjects that most people prefer. Most photographers are using interesting things as their subject. This is one way on how people will be able to appreciate their work. However, there is one strategy in multiple exposures where this may not be applicable. With the use of multiple exposures, you can make simple objects look fascinating. Think of the plain subjects that people do not really photograph because they are too common. Take a shot and edit it. Add interesting elements in the photo and you will realize how they become catchy and beautiful. 

  • Auto Exposure Compensation

Auto exposure compensation is a feature used to alter the exposure and make it darker or brighter. This changes the exposure that is originally selected by the camera. There are also different modes that you can choose from. For modes P, S, and A, the camera is adjusted automatically for optimal exposure. It should be understood that in terms of exposure, it can be something that you can choose to alter as the photographer. You can raise or lower the exposure compensation according to how you want it to be. 

Conclusion

There are times when a single frame is not enough for the story you want to convey. This is one of the reasons why multiple exposures were introduced. This technique and form of photography is made possible by DSLR and other advanced technology in photography. Before, analog photographers have to wait for them to be able to see their work. Today, everything is available in an instant. This is also why it is now easier for people to really explore other techniques. 

Aside from the different tips provided above, there are other things that can help your multiple exposure photography better. You can first make use of in-camera double exposures. Aside from that, you should also ensure the quality of the images that you are taking. This is one important tip if you really want to make sure that you will be able to get the best out of the different frames that you are combining. Clarity is the key. Taking the first step in photography will give you the confidence to explore multiple exposures.