A Guide to Double Exposure Photography
Double exposure photography has long been a form of creativity and experimentation. What was once a technique reserved for the darkroom has become a versatile art form accessible to digital photographers, film photographers and photo editors worldwide. This guide delves into the world of double exposure photography, exploring techniques and creative possibilities.
What Is Double Exposure Photography?
Double exposure photography involves overlaying two images onto a single frame, creating a mesmerising visual blend that takes traditional photography to a new dimension. It offers a unique opportunity to merge different subjects, landscapes or moments into an aesthetically pleasing or thought-provoking composition.
While the concept may seem straightforward, the execution requires careful planning and artistic vision to achieve compelling results. And once you understand double exposure photography, you can move swiftly onto multiple exposure photography.


How to Double Expose Film


When it comes to creating a double exposure with a film camera, the process is quite methodical yet highly rewarding. It involves capturing two separate images on the same frame of film. After exposing the whole roll of film, you rewind it, allowing for a second exposure to layer on top of the initial one.
With in-camera double exposures, photographers must be patient, as each exposure influences the outcome, requiring careful consideration of aperture, shutter speed, and subject placement. Through skilful manipulation of light and composition, film photographers can craft images with a sense of surrealism and depth.
6 Steps for Creating a Double Exposure on Film
Not all film cameras support double exposures. Some older manual models can stay on the same frame between shots, while others require workaround methods. If your camera lacks a multiple exposure feature, follow these steps:
- Load your film and mark the film's position at the cartridge's mouth to ensure alignment of your second set of frames.
- Set the ISO on the camera to double the film’s ISO speed. For example, with Portra 400, set it to 800. This ensures optimal exposure when exposing the film twice, creating one perfectly exposed image.
- Shoot the entire roll of film as usual for your initial pass, keeping the set of images in mind. Consider taking notes for reference, or leave it all up to chance.
- After finishing the roll, wind it up.
- Reload the film into your camera for the second round, using the marking as a reference point for reloading the film.
- Shoot over the film again to create double exposures.


How to Create a Digital Double Exposure


With digital photography, creating double exposures has undergone a transformative shift. The limitations of film are replaced by all the possibilities of digital editing software. Modern photographers can more easily blend multiple images, adjust transparency, and experiment with various effects to achieve their desired aesthetic.
Creating a digital double exposure begins by selecting two images with complementary elements or contrasting visuals. Photographers can merge these images through layering, blending modes, and masking techniques to form one dreamy composition. The flexibility of digital editing allows photographers to refine their creations with precision and finesse, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
5 Tips for Creating a Digital Double Exposure
- Plan ahead: Visualise your final image and consider the relationship between your chosen subjects. Thoughtful planning ensures a harmonious blend of visuals.
- Experiment with exposure: Adjust the opacity and transparency of your images to achieve the desired effect.
- Explore blending modes: Discover editing software's diverse range of blending modes. Each mode gives a unique character to your double exposure, allowing for endless creative experimentation.
- Embrace contrast: Contrast can add depth and intrigue to your double exposure. Play with light and dark elements to create dynamic compositions.
- Incorporate colour: Introduce bursts of colour to elevate your double exposure. Whether through coloured flash gels or vibrant overlays, colour adds vibrancy, dimension and cohesion to your images.


Capturing Imagination Through Double Exposure Photography
Creating stunning double exposures digitally or on film takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if your initial attempts aren't masterpieces. Embrace the sometimes unpredictable nature of this technique and keep experimenting. Whether capturing ethereal landscapes, evocative portraits, or abstract compositions, the art of double exposure invites us to explore another way of storytelling.
With Ted's Cameras' wide range of film and digital cameras and a touch of creative spirit, you'll be well on your way to capturing captivating double and even multiple exposure photographs.
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