Who needs Photoshop! If your camera has a ‘Multiple Exposure’ option, it’s easier than ever to get creative with your portraits. Here are a trio of quick techniques you can use to create in-camera multiple exposures.
Spice up your portraits and learn to see double with one of our favourite photo effects: multiple exposures.
Effectively layering one shot over another, a double exposure is a technique that really suits portraits, and while the effect is often created in Photoshop, it’s just as easy, and a lot more fun, to create in-camera with your DSLR.
In this guide we’ll look at two different options you can use in your camera’s menus to create a double exposure, as well as how to take the effect one step further for a high-key, cut-out portrait effect.
Check that your DSLR offers you a ‘Multiple Exposure’ option in the Shooting menu or an ‘Image Overlay’ option in the Retouch menu. As long as it does, you’re ready to go.
We shot our model Sam at the beautiful Kilver Court gardens in Somerset, creating a romantic effect by combining a classic portrait with natural textures. Here’s how we did it…
SEE MORE: Double exposure portraits – a simple tutorial for surrealist images
How to set up your in-camera multiple exposure
01 Multiple Exposure mode
Switch your camera to Manual mode, select Multiple Exposure in the Shooting menu and pick ‘2 shots’. Select Auto Gain, which will allow your camera to average out the exposure of each shot by itself, so that they work together when they’re blended. Click ON. You can layer up any two subjects you like, as long as you take the shots consecutively.
02 Image Overlay
Image Overlay lets you create double exposures in-camera but doesn’t limit to you to consecutive images. Make sure you’re shooting in RAW. When you’ve taken a few images, find Image Overlay in the Retouch menu, select two shots and adjust their relative brightness for your double exposure. Save your new image as a separate file.
SEE MORE: 6 self-portrait ideas for every occasion (and how to take them)
03 No Auto Gain
To take this technique further, try creating an impressive cut-out effect portrait. Select Multiple Exposure in the Shooting menu again, but leave Auto Gain off. You’ll need to underexpose your portrait shot and shoot against the sky for a blown-out background. Next, take another shot of a texture, underexposing again. When combined, your model’s profile will create a frame for your texture shot.
Quick Tip
For extra impact, try converting your cutout headshot to Monochrome. It gives a moody effect.
READ MORE
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