In this must-read guide, we will discuss double-exposure photography and explore the different approaches to creating double-exposure portraits.
We will also provide some quick camera settings and expert tips to help you get started. Ensure you read till the end, and do not forget to comment at the end.
What are the best subjects for double-exposure portraits?
Photographers find the following subjects ideal for creating double-exposure portraits:
Humans
Trees
Mountains
Rivers
Roads
Street lights
Cars
Houses, etc.
A good way to start is to try combining humans and trees in a single frame.
Double Exposure Portraits, What Is It?
What is the meaning of double-exposure portraits? Double-exposure portraits are two or more images combined into a single photograph through a technique called multiple exposure.
This technique allows photographers to create ghost images by overlapping different elements, such as a person’s face or body, with another photograph, such as a road or building.
The final result of this exposure effect can be a dreamy, ethereal, or even slightly disorienting photograph, depending on the photographer’s creative vision. But most often, the results are beautiful, orienting mirror images you will want to keep looking at.
One of the most amazing things about double-exposure photography is that it offers a creative avenue for photographers to experiment with their craft and create unusual photographs.
It also offers landscape and portrait photographers an avenue to highlight the interconnectedness of different elements in our world, conveying a sense of harmony.
How to create double exposure portraits step by step
In the past, creating a double exposure was relatively tedious using a film camera. Photographers in those days intentionally created spirit images by exposing the same film twice or multiple times.
In this modern age, you can create double-exposure portraits with your digital camera by enabling the “Multiple Exposure” option in the shooting menu.
Using your camera’s in-camera double-exposure setting is the easiest way to click a double-exposure portrait without software.
This method allows you to add a second exposure to an already existing image on your memory card, generating the double-exposure effect in-camera.
Unfortunately, some digital cameras lack the in-camera double exposure or overlay capability. If yours is one of those cameras that lack this feature, you don’t have to worry.
You can manually create a double-exposure portrait or ghost image by using standard photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, Pixel Lab, and Snapseed. Simply take two or more different pictures and stack them together in your chosen photo editor.
In the next sections of this article, we will show you a step-by-step tutorial on how to click double-exposure portraits using your Nikon camera and double-exposure apps like Snapseed and Pixel Lab.
How to do double exposure portraits with Nikon
If your Nikon camera supports the double exposure feature, you can follow the process below to produce amazing ghost portraits.
A. Setting your camera
First, go to the shooting menu and enable the multiple exposure setting on your Nikon camera. You will see options to set the number of exposure you want to combine. You can select either single Photos for one shot or a Series to click multiple sequences in a row.
Then, decide on the number of images you are going to capture with your camera. In this case, select “2”. Next, set exposure compensation. This is important since you are combining two exposures. It will help produce a well-balanced, well-exposed final image.
B. Taking the shots
Frame your first or primary subject and capture the image. I recommend taking note of your exposure settings for reference. Also, ensure you review your first shot before proceeding.
Without changing your camera’s position, frame the second subject, adjust your camera settings accordingly, and click the picture.
Your camera will automatically combine the first and second exposures, creating a double-exposure portrait. Finally, check your LCD screen or viewfinder to see how the double exposure turned out. If you are not satisfied, you can continue repeating the process until you achieve your desired effect.
How to do double exposure portraits with snapseed
Snapseed is one the best photo editors for smartphones, and it comes with the double exposure feature, allowing you to achieve this effect with your Android or Apple iPhone.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to create double-exposure portraits using Snapseed:
- Install Snapseed and open it on your mobile device.
- Tap the “+” icon to open the photo selection screen and choose the first image (the primary subject) for your double exposure portrait.
- Once you have loaded the image, tap on the “Tools” icon at the bottom of the screen and select the “Double Exposure” tool, represented by two overlapping squares.
- Tap on the “+” at the bottom to choose the second image (the background or secondary subject) for your double exposure effect.
- After selecting the second image, click on the “style” icon located between the add image and opacity icons. Then try different effects and tap on the checkmark or “Apply” button to apply the double exposure effect to your image.
- Simply tap on the “Tools” icon again to explore other available options and enhance your double-exposure portrait further.
- Once you have finished editing, tap on the checkmark or “Save” button to save your work in your photo library.
Note: You might not get your desired effect in your first attempt. Don’t be discouraged. Keep trying.
How to do double exposure portraits with Pixel Lab
Pixel Lab is one of the most popular Android applications for photo editing and graphics design, and it comes with creative features that allow you to create double-exposure images.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to create double-exposure portraits using Pixel Lab:
Step 1
Important and duplicate your image into 3 copies.
Step 2
Using the eraser tool, erase duplicate 1. Then add texture to duplicate 2 and reduce the opacity.
Step 3
Place duplicate 1 on 2.
Step 4 and 5
Place the 3rd duplicate below 1 and 2. Finally, import your desired background image and place it appropriately.
7 Tips for clicking double exposure portraits
Furthermore, here are some tips to help you master double exposure photography:
1. Have a theme
Before you start, it’s best to have an idea of what you will like your final image to be. Fortunately, there are different ideas you can try. It could be blending different flowers together or mixing a human photograph with that of the night sky or forest.
2. Don’t forget composition
Once you have decided on the theme of your portrait, start thinking about how to compose your subjects to achieve the result. You can use the rule of law, leading lines, the golden ratio, Et Cetera.
You can learn more about composition in our article below:
Composition Tips for Portrait Photography You Need To Know?
3. Pay attention to the lighting condition in both images
Ensure both images are well-exposed and lit. This way, you can overlay the exposures more easily. You can also experiment with different light sources.
4. Use complementary or contrasting subjects
Consider using subjects that are either complementing or contrasting each other for your double-exposure portraits. Ensure your final picture either shows the beauty of diversity or the interconnectedness in our universe.
5. Experiment with blending modes
When creating double exposures, either using the in-camera or post-processing technique, consider experimenting with the different blending modes. You can try modes like overlay, lighten, or dark.
6. Use manual mode
As you might probably know, shooting in manual mode will give you greater control over your exposure settings. So, consider shooting with manual camera settings.
7. Keep learning
To master double-exposure photography, you must be willing to keep learning and practicing. The more you practice, the better you will become at capturing compelling double-exposure portraits.