What are the best techniques for taking multiple exposure photos?

Multiple exposures are one of the best ways to push your creativity with film photography. Here are a few techniques to help you take your photos to the next level.

Silhouettes:
Making silhouettes is one of the most popular practises in multiple exposure photography, and for a good reason: when they’re done well the results are incredible. To create a silhouette you will need to capture your subject against the light (with a bright background). Then shoot your second exposure over the top of the first to fill up the dark silhouette with interesting colors and textures. Remember that anything bright will destroy information and anything dark will maintain information for the next exposure.

Photos by @roberteaton and @twizzer88

Using a Splitzer:
This Lomo accessory allows you to slice up your frame and control which parts of the current frame gets exposed, so you can create even more imaginative multiple exposures. Simply twist the Splitzer’s blades to decide exactly what appears in your photo. Take a shot, twist the blades again and take another. Using the splitzer you can slice up your photos into halves or even quarters.

Photo by @hodachrome using a Splitzer

Nailing Exposure:
When shooting multiple exposures it can be a good idea to go down an f stop or two to avoid overexposure. This is because by shooting the same frame multiple times you will be exposing the film to more light than normal. How many f stops to go down will of course depend on how many exposures you’re taking. However, most film handles overexposure very well, so don’t worry, if you shoot using your regular camera settings you still have a good chance of achieving great results.

Photos by @bccbarbosa and @bloomchen

Composition:
When it comes to composition some photographers like to carefully choose the subject of their multiple exposure. If this is your style it may also be a good idea to shoot the two exposures in the same session so you have a clear idea of how the final image will turn out.

However, you could also leave it completely to chance by treating multiple exposures as an exercise in unpredictability. You could even take it a step further and take part in a film swap with another photographer.

Photos by @danielnegreiros and @a2mfilm

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Photos From Other Students

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More Courses

  • What is a multiple exposure?

    What is a multiple exposure?

    Multiple exposures (or MX) are photographs in which two or more images are superimposed in a single frame, and they’re super easy to create using your analogue camera. Set an image of a train against a field of flowers, or prop your friend’s face against an image of a city skyline to create enchanting and surreal images.

  • What is the best type of 35 mm film for double exposures?

    Multiple exposures can be made with any type of film, but we recommend using black and white or color negative rather than E-6 slide film because it has a wider exposure latitude, meaning it can handle over or under exposure very well.

  • How can I shoot multiple exposures with my LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back?

    Taking multiple exposures with the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back is quite an easy process. Just follow these simple steps to master the technique:

  • What are the best film cameras for creating multiple exposures?

    Most Lomography cameras have a Multiple Exposure button or switch, easily recognisable by the MX icon.

  • Can I do multiple exposures with my Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera?

    There is no multiple exposure button on our Simple Use Reloadable Film Cameras. After taking a photo the shutter button will be locked until you advance the film wheel for the next exposure. However it is always possible to find ways of making multiple exposures.

  • What is a film swap?

    What is a film swap?

    A film swap is when two people shoot the same roll of film to create combined images (or double exposures.) The first person shoots the film, then rewinds it and gives it to the second person, who will shoot the same roll of film again, creating images over the top of the first layer.

  • How to do multiple exposures with an instant camera?

    Lomography Instant cameras have a multiple exposure button or switch (labelled MX). This allows you to expose one frame as many times as you like, easily creating incredible layered effects.

  • Which Lomography cameras can be used for multiple exposures?

    Most Lomography cameras have the ability to make multiple exposures. At Lomography we know how integral experimentation is, especially when it comes to creating awesome multiple exposures, and we’ve got you covered with our wide range of MX enabled cameras.

  • How many exposures can I make on one frame?

    How many exposures can I make on one frame?

    There is no limit to the amount of exposures you can do in one frame. (As long as you have a camera that enables multiple exposures of course)