Photography 201: Multiple Exposure Photography

Let’s first explore what a multiple exposure is not. This technique is not taking multiple images in post and then combining them as an overlay. This technique is one where you intentionally combine two or more scenes at the time the image is taken to create a composition of multiple photos in one frame. The photos will overlap and the results will be based on how light and dark and color interact. So for this assignment, don’t combine photos in post. Instead set out to intentionally overlap images during capture because that will teach you how to recognize ways in which different tones and colors interact and how to think beyond the composition of just a single photo.
Multiple exposure photography represents a distinctive technique that diverges from the common practice of combining images in post-production. Unlike post-processed overlays, multiple exposure involves intentionally capturing two or more scenes in a single frame during the actual image-taking process. This method demands a keen understanding of how light, darkness, and colors interact when layered, yielding results that are a direct outcome of the composition during capture. For this assignment, the emphasis is on intentionally overlapping images during the shoot rather than relying on post-production manipulation.
The essence of multiple exposure photography lies in exploring the interplay of different tones and colors within a single frame. By deliberately overlapping scenes, photographers gain insights into the nuanced relationships between various elements in their compositions. This practice not only deepens an understanding of color theory and tonal variation but also encourages photographers to think beyond the confines of a singular image.
In the broader photographic landscape, multiple exposure photography has carved a niche as a method that transcends conventional boundaries. It offers a unique way of storytelling, allowing photographers to convey multiple dimensions or facets of a subject or scene within a single frame. This style has found its place in diverse genres, from experimental and abstract photography to portraiture and landscapes, contributing to the richness and diversity of photographic expression.
Furthermore, the advent of digital technology has provided new avenues for exploring and popularizing multiple exposure techniques. Digital cameras equipped with in-camera multiple exposure functions have made it more accessible for photographers to experiment with this style. This accessibility, combined with the ability to instantly review and adjust settings, has led to a resurgence of interest in multiple exposure photography.
In essence, the practice of intentionally overlaying images during capture not only serves as a technical exploration but also fuels creativity and innovation within the photographic community. It adds a layer of complexity and depth to visual storytelling, enriching the tapestry of photographic expression.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @davidhancock
David Hancock's Amazon Author Page with Links to Select Camera Manual eBooks:
www.amazon.com/David-Hancock/...
My Instagram:
/ davidhancock
Imgur:
BanditKablooie
"Mumbo Sugar" by Arc de Soleil used under active license from Epidemic Sound at the time of this video's publication.

[@DixonLu]

I think of multiple exposure as photography's version of cubism.

[@DavidHancock]

You know, that's a good analog. Double exposures definitely allow for a combination of viewpoints and that's a good way to use them.