CSC-11 Double/multiple exposure (Camera Settings Challenge)

August 19th, 2012
Congratulations to Sassik (@sassik) who won CSC-10 with her fabulous long exposure



Sassik has selected me to host the next challenge whilst she is off to Florence for a long weekend. She asked if I would host a challenge on double or multiple exposures.

Do some of the camera settings intimidate you? Do you want to learn how to develop your photography skills and learn how to use your camera effectively without always going back to the “auto” function? These challenges are for you!

This week’s challenge is: Double/multiple exposure

Explanation: This challenge can be undertaken in three ways: using film and deliberately double exposing an image; using the multiple exposure mode on a digital camera; or alternatively using post processing in an application such as photoshop where discrete images can be layered to give the impression of a multiple exposure. Please indicate in your entry the chosen method.

Helpful Links:
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/double-multiple-exposure-photography-tutorials/
How to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsvDB4mq-VU
http://www.photography.ca/photography-tips/multiple-exposure/

Experienced photographers who are knowledgeable in this particular setting are encouraged to offer “kind and constructive” suggestions on the posted entries. Those entering this challenge want to learn and improve.

This challenge starts today 19 August (lasts 10 days), and will finish on 29 August at Midnight GMT. All photos must be taken during these dates to be considered. Enter as many as you would like- the idea is to practice & learn. TAG YOUR PHOTO CSC-11 AND post your picture in this thread to receive feedback from other experienced photographers specific to this challenge.

Voting will take place , after the closing date (and remain open 24 hours) and then the winner will be announced. The winner of the challenge will select an experienced photographer to host a new challenge. It is the winner’s option on who they want to host the next challenge; it may be someone they follow whose work they admire, or someone who is active offering suggestions on previous CSC challenges. The winner may also select an experienced photographer for the list of photographers who have agreed to host future challenges as another option. Here is the link to that list: http://365project.org/myhrhelper/365/2011-12-12

Expect to receive constructive suggests on how to improve your skills.

How to post your photo on this link:
1) Go to your page that has the photo you wish to post.
2) Copy the “share” code in the bottom right section of that page.
3) Return to this thread and paste the code under comments

To get the ball rolling here some double exposures I have taken recently:


August 19th, 2012
As I've always loved your double exposure shots I will have to give this a go. Not sure if I'll be able to find film for the old film camera or if I will just have to do some processing! Thanks for thinking of me with regards this challenge!
August 19th, 2012
Great excuse to use my remote timer, thanks for tagging me Peter. : )

Just looked into it and I can take up to 9 shots just using my camera, : )
August 19th, 2012
I'd have to cheat and use photoshop, Peter, I'm using a p&s and not a DSLR, which is why I haven't taken part in these challenges, although I do watch them to see what people are doing
August 19th, 2012
@shannew Seems like you could participate.
August 19th, 2012
Peter, for the camera setting on a DSLR do we use the bracketing on the camera or something else?

Thank you so much Peter for setting up this fun challenge!!! I can't wait to try this @peterdegraaff
August 19th, 2012
@shannew Shanne do you have photomatix to stack the images?
August 19th, 2012
Anyone else with a Nikon D90, heres a how to video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvjUuW7niDU

August 19th, 2012
@lorraineb no, but I can use GIMP
August 19th, 2012
I had no idea a digital camera could do a double exposure
August 19th, 2012
@jsw0109 i think some digital cameras have this as a "fun feature", but as far as i can tell, my canon T2i doesn't and it would have to be done in post processing... i'm going to have a look thru the tutorials later to see if there is something i missed when i googled for my camera...
August 19th, 2012
If I can figure this one out, I will have a crack at it. Sounds fun, thanks Peter
August 19th, 2012
Oh no. A push into processing. Oh well. I am taking a class next month. Maybe it's time to give it a go.
August 19th, 2012
I have a Canon XT, I doubt this is an in camera option, but I may play with this in Post...thanks for the challenge!!!
August 19th, 2012
What a fun challenge, @peterdegraaff. Thanks for hosting! Unfortunately, mine can't do this :( but I might get the films and the old camera out and finally try film and overexposure.
August 19th, 2012
@shannew you could also use the picmonkey layer function, which allows you to combine images.
August 19th, 2012
Would the multiple exposure be the burst setting?
August 20th, 2012

I used the setting on my camera. For those of you that have DSLR's and haven't found it, mine is with the retouch options and called "overlay". You do have to shoot in RAW to make it work.
August 20th, 2012
@myhrhelper Kathy, You have a multiple exposure setting on your D5100. It is on the shooting menu down at the bottom.

@la_photographic Laura, no the burst setting will take multiple shots quickly but each shot will be separate. You might use that if you are shooting sports to not miss any of the action.
August 20th, 2012
@lstasel @peterdegraaff Wow, this is a whole new world for me! I have a camera setting feature I didn't know I have. In fact I never looked at the camera menu - there is all kinds of features to look at!.
I took a fast try and it works! I am SO excited to try this!!! I think what is nice about this challenge Peter is this is something film camera owners can do, DSLR if they have this feature and others can still try it post processing as well. Great challenge Peter and thank you Laura for pointing this out to me! :)
August 20th, 2012
@lstasel Thanks for this. Don't know if I have a multiple exposure setting - I do have a panorama one but I don't think that counts.
August 20th, 2012
@myhrhelper @la_photographic many modern cameras have it within menu. My Olympus EPL-1 has a multiple exposure setting, but then of course, it is Olympus.
August 20th, 2012
This would get my vote! Fabulous! Peter @peterdegraaff : )
August 20th, 2012
@debrac Wow, even easier! Thanks : )
August 20th, 2012
@peterdegraaff In Manual when you press Menu you get Rec with 5 pages the 1st page has Photo Style; Aspect Ratio; Picture Size; Quality & Sensitivity. Page 2 has White Balance; Face Recognition; AF Mode & Quick AF. Page 3 has AF/AE Lock; Metering Mode; I Dynamic & Burst. Page 4 has I Resolution; Digital Zoom; Stabilizer; AF Assist Lamp & Flash. Page 5 has Flash Synchro; Red Eye Removal; Conversion; Clock Set. Would any of these work for Multiple Exposures?
August 20th, 2012
@lstasel Thanks for letting Kathy know her D5100 has a multiple exposeuresetting, now I too can experiment as I also have the D5100!

Peter, this shot of your daughter is just stunning!
August 20th, 2012
@la_photographic Probably not.what sort of camera is it.
August 20th, 2012
@peterdegraaff Thanks. It is a Panasonic Lumix bridge camera.
August 20th, 2012
My first attempt

August 20th, 2012
@peterdegraaff I appreciate this challenge, however, I have some questions. For those of us who need to PP to get the a double exsposure, how does this differ from HDR and ghosting? Those do not seem to be camera settings but rather a technique. I am asking about how this challenge differs from these technigues.
August 20th, 2012
So, I came up with this in post processing. I think this might seem quite chaotic to some but I like how the pink matches the peoples' clothes and how it vibrates like the flower market does.

August 20th, 2012
And another one. I'm having lots of fun with this already!

August 20th, 2012
@traeumerlein Super cool
August 20th, 2012
@chapjohn Hi John, multiple exposure is a setting on many cameras that most have never used. It is also a technique which can be done in film, or if you can't participate easily by using multiple exposures, then it can be done by several shots with tripod and editing. Some techniques recommend recommend taking care with exposure or shutter speeds so as not to overexpose the final image. I have tried to keep it simple, and this is the challenge I was asked to host.
August 20th, 2012
@traeumerlein That is really cool
August 20th, 2012
@aromatic Great effort
August 20th, 2012
@debrac Such a variance of colour
August 20th, 2012
I love this challenge! Thank you Peter for picking and organizing it. Here is my first try. I used the "Double Exposure" feature of my camera (Nikon D5100)

August 20th, 2012
@synke Looking forward to seeing more
August 20th, 2012
@peterdegraaff thank you :) just a question regarding the date when the picture was taken.my camera is unfortunately incapable to do this so I use pp for this challenge (which is still fun!) do the pictures that I use for that need to be taken between 19 & 29 august? or does editing them during those dates count? I'm asking because I took both night shots on the 17th but pp them into one today.
August 20th, 2012
@aromatic so cool! I love the colours.
August 20th, 2012
My first attempt, ever, at double exposure. I need to work on it some more. LOL. My intent was to show the ingredients for salsa and the salsa in the same picture. Barely any of the salsa, that was in the bowl, shows. The ingredients show up much more. Not sure why.



August 20th, 2012
@synke ~ That is beautiful ♥
August 20th, 2012
@traeumerlein ~ Thank you so much and I adore your shots... I love the pinks in the first one, think they look such fun ♥
August 20th, 2012
@mikehamm ~ Love the shot... not really much good with advice though as no expert at all. I am quite sure someone will be along to advise who is far more knowledgeable in this field ♥
August 21st, 2012
@aromatic - Thanks, Jane. Yeah, it'll be interesting to find out what I should do for sure.
August 21st, 2012
My first try at in-camera double exposure. This is a great challenge. I definitely need to work on this some more. Maybe underexposing one of the exposures? Or I may try using two different lenses. A wider angle for the background and then the 105mm for a close up? Should be interesting.

August 21st, 2012
@aromatic This is a great first attempt Jane.
August 21st, 2012
@peterdegraaff Fantastic photo Peter. Was this done in-camera or layered in photoshop?
August 21st, 2012
Another attempt. Once again, I used my camera setting for this combination of sky and fountain.
August 21st, 2012
Looking for suggestions. This is my first attempt. My camera won't do it, so this is pp in pic monkey
August 21st, 2012
@tigerdreamer Interesting. I find the sky is a good background because it allows merging
August 21st, 2012
@lstasel in camera then edited for colours only
August 21st, 2012
Another for fun
August 21st, 2012
My first attempt!
August 21st, 2012
My FIrst Attempt - I will do more when I have time.
WOW this is so FUN - and never knew about this setting in my camera!! Thank you so much Peter. @peterdegraaff

August 21st, 2012
@peterdegraaff that tunnel/branches shot is so awesome!!
August 21st, 2012
Just a question. Does creating a layered photograph, using post editing, teach anything about using the camera? I'm a bit confused as to why it would be acceptable to put something together in photoshop for the 'CSC'.
August 21st, 2012
@dmortega You have a good question but many cameras do have this feature and it is a camera setting - (for me it is).
Technically those who do not have this feature it isn't a setting so they are at a disadvantage. There were some challenges that used apertures F1.8 - F3.5 etc. which my lens isn't able to do. Many of these challenges have settings that some cameras don't have. I think at least with this challenge Peter is giving you the option to participate in this challenge by doing it post processessing. Peter was asked to do this particular setting from the winner of the last challenge so he did. I am personally glad he did since I didn't know this was an option in my camera. What type of camera do you have?
August 21st, 2012
@myhrhelper --- That's cool that it is a camera feature and should be explored in this type of challenge. I wish my camera had it. ;-)

My personal opinion only. Anyone can merge photos with just about any editing program. It really doesn't teach anything about using the camera which these challenges are aimed at doing. If we don't have that feature on our camera then we can't do this challenge. That's the way it should be for all the challenges.
August 21st, 2012
@dmortega I think most challenges are only camera settings and not processing. There was some discussion in the past that one of the settings introduced could be done in post processing but that wasn't the challenge. I agree with you that for most challenges but I don't think it is such a bad thing to occasionally bend the rules a little. This is a setting than many DSLR's don't have and Canon just recently added to some of their newest EOS cameras so at least more people can participate. I like seeing the variety in our challenges, some have very unique settings that many can't do, some are very difficult, and I hope to see some very basic challenges get repeated too for the newest DSLR users to be able to use.
August 21st, 2012
Okay, another one done in post processing. I am having so much fun with this!!!!

August 21st, 2012
And I agree with you Kathy. I would have been really disappointed if I could not have participated just because I don't have the latest gear. I guess that Peter will account for the different approaches when he picks the finalists. I would be happy to not be counted in, too. @myhrhelper
August 21st, 2012
@traeumerlein Your shots are really very cool!! So creative.
For me it isn't so much about it being a competition but instead to learn. I'm fine with whatever criteria Peter chooses for the finals. Now I have no idea how to do this post processing! I am still trying to figure out the layered thing - I was told about a software. I downloaded GIMP but I need to learn it (going to get a book recommended), there is an HDR software I thought I did it right but something didn't work right.

August 21st, 2012
@tigerdreamer I think that's wonderful for your first!

@dmortega it CAN teach about settings if someone approaches it with an idea of how they want the end product to look and then figure out what settings to use for each photo in order to get the desired result without doing more than merging/layering the 2 photos in post proc. That's a huge challenge, actually, because its so easy to not worry about your settings if you know you'll be doing a more intense post processing job... but if you want to do as little post proc as possible, then you must pay attention to your settings for each photo to get the end product to have the look/feel you want in as few post proc steps as possible.
August 21st, 2012
@myhrhelper go to picmonkey.com - upload a picture - click on the last icon on the left (textures) - click on 'upload my own' and upload the picture you want to merge it with. Then play around with the way it is merged in the drop down menu and the degree of fade out :)
August 21st, 2012
@jsw0109 Excellent point Jeff!
August 21st, 2012
@peterdegraaff Ha Ha :) there is no sky on either of these pics, but I did look for clear areas to use. The background of the egret is the lake with glare.
@dmortega @myhrhelper I am ok with the idea that my pics are not in camera and should not be counted. I agree the learning is why I do these challenges and learning processing is new for me as well.
@jsw0109 Thank you Jeff. I also agree that thinking carefully about the pics used is a big part of making these work, both the settings and the composition.
August 21st, 2012
Ok, here is today's effort. I tried a bit of a different setup with a dark background and used just a single subject. So, it's a 3 shot multiple exposure. Note that this is a single nectarine. I just recomposed the shot to make it appear as if there are 3 nectarines.


August 21st, 2012
@tigerdreamer In the picture above the wall around tunnel was very overexposed, and the trees from double exposure looked quite pale.. By fiddling with white balance, and other sliders in editing I was able to create the large blank area. So it seems tree branches are growing out of negative space
August 21st, 2012
@traeumerlein Very nice
August 21st, 2012
@mikehamm That is great
August 21st, 2012
@peterdegraaff - Thanks, Peter.
A question. For the purposes of this challenge, does it matter if the multiple exposures are all of one subject (such as mine today) or do they need to be of different subjects (for example your red woman superimposed on the tree)?
August 22nd, 2012
My first attempt at this ~ I haven't looked at whether my camera is capable, so have opted for what I think is the easier method and used PS

Both photos have no link whatsoever, and I think this is something I will need to work on for it to be successful ~ maybe the bottom image is too faded? ~ would love some feedback

August 22nd, 2012
@alisonp - Alison, I like the faded background against the darker profile. It might have been interesting to find a pastor, nun, (?), and use that image as the darker one. Sort of tie the 2 subjects together a bit. Either way, I like the idea here.
August 22nd, 2012
August 22nd, 2012
Second try, suggestions welcomed and requested
August 22nd, 2012
@aromatic I really like how these two go together. Good combination of pictures. I haven't yet found the concept to overlap.
August 22nd, 2012
@tigerdreamer ~ Thank you Karen... Karen your picture is amazing and I love it soooooo much!!
My camera is a canon 1000d and does not appear to have a multi-exposure setting so sadly not really obtaining the photographic experience this challenge holds which is to learn more about ones camera etc. I have obtained my multi exposure by processing in elements 9 and using layers and opacity setting at 50%.... on one of the layers....
What you have done with your photograph is amazing. I am a complete novice in the photographic field but I am sure someone who is has much more experience will be able to advise you. ♥♥
August 22nd, 2012
@aromatic Thanks, my camera doesn't do this either. I'm using pic monkey.
August 22nd, 2012
My second try at a double exposure. I am getting a better feel for how the colors blend together. I think it will take a lot more practice before I understand this subject.

I photographed the sunflower first and then photographed the willow tree.

August 22nd, 2012
@mikehamm It is up to you. Have fun
August 22nd, 2012
@tigerdreamer Like the juxtaposition
August 22nd, 2012
Another one for fun taken of passers by bustling from Central Station. Second shot taken at 90 degrees to the first.
August 22nd, 2012
@mikehamm thank you ~ agree about the nun/pastor being better suited. I will try this again using the camera I think :-)
August 22nd, 2012
I cant find anything multiple in my Sony DSLR-A380. Anyone know if I have something?
August 22nd, 2012
Had another go at this using processing ~ not sure I am getting it ? Should I have a whole photo overlap another wholey? I used only a portion of the moon photo and added it to the sunset shot



August 22nd, 2012
@jannkc - No multiple exposure option in your camera according to Sony's spec sheet.
August 22nd, 2012
Yin & Yang

August 22nd, 2012
@alisonp I like it! I almost did something similar! Nice one ;-)
August 22nd, 2012
@mikegifford - That's pretty neat, Mike.
August 22nd, 2012
@peterdegraaff This is a nice one Peter! I find doing the "right" mix is somewhat a guess or with practice you might get better. In Photoshop you can control the mix much better with opacity/transparency and multiple blending options, but with the camera it seems to be a straight overlay mix. Have you seen any camera that lets you control the mix?
August 22nd, 2012
@mikegifford thank you ~ wasn't sure it was accpetable as I only used a portion of the moon photo - but had fun playing and learning ~ at one point I had a bunch of birds flying in there too but decided they were just too much for this photo ~ I love your yin and yang photo
August 22nd, 2012
@aromatic Kitty!!! Nice double-shot!
August 22nd, 2012
Another post procesing one

August 22nd, 2012
Today's effort. It's a water main in front of the building where I work. 2 images of a couple different areas of the main. Further adjustments in Capture NX2.



August 23rd, 2012
@peterdegraaff Peter- I've been out of town and Vikki (@summerfield) just clued me in on your challenge. Two questions: 1) I'm assuming that textures do not count as a photo on a multiple/double exposure shot, correct? And 2) Do both pictures or all the pictures have to be taken during the challenge time frame? In other can I take a current photo and layer an older photo with it (or layer a current picture over an older one)? Or do they both have to be current shots?
August 23rd, 2012
@olivetreeann textures will count if they are one of two or more photos in teh double/multiple exposure. Pictures both need to be taken within time frame but for those using photoshop to layer this will be up to your honesty.
August 23rd, 2012
A couple more shots today. I think it will take some practice to figure out exactly how the "mix" works in camera. I can not find any way to control the "mix" in my camera either.

This shot blended pretty close to how I expected. I shot the waterfall first and then turned the camera and photographed a section of trees and sky.


This exposure was a complete surprise. Yesterday when I photographed the sunflower the bright yellow held it's color. Today I ended up with almost a silhouette of a sunflower. I brightened the yellow up in photoshop. I was trying to get the whole church in the center of the sunflower so not a real success but I do like the way it turned out.


This was just for fun.

August 23rd, 2012
@mikehamm Great job Mike. I love the colors.
August 23rd, 2012
My Granddaughter and one of her favorite playgrounds

August 23rd, 2012
A double exposure, then edited to highlight. Blue sky makes a great backdrop for double exposures.
August 23rd, 2012
@peterdegraaff WOW ~ I love this
August 23rd, 2012
last go at this for me ~ I have had so much fun :-) My camera does have the multiple exposure feature, but i have not managed to get outside and try it yet so here is another I had a go at in PS ... I am sure I will be trying the in camera multiple exposure ~ thank you for setting the challenge I have learnt so much!!

Fly me to the moon

August 23rd, 2012
@alisonp - Alison, you don't have to go outside to do a multiple exposure picture. If you scroll up in this thread, you will see the multiple nectarine exposure I did. Single nectarine on the kitchen counter with a dark backdrop. I just recomposed the camera three times to give the appearance of 3 nectarines in the one pic.
August 23rd, 2012
OK ~ after @mikehamm comment I thought I had to get out of my lazy mode :-)

This is a double exposure in camera ... only edit post process is to use a preset BW in Silver Efex Pro and add my watermark ~ Ive called it dream big ~ I am quite pleased with it but would love any feedback as its the first in camera double expo I have done ~~ loving this challenge by the way ~ thanks for hosting/setting... I hope to be back for more challenges.

August 23rd, 2012
Thought I might add it here for fun, as I can't enter it really (the date doesn't fit)
August 23rd, 2012
@alisonp - LOL, Alison. I like it.
August 23rd, 2012
This is turning out to be a pretty fun challenge. Here's a seating area at work. Shag rug, leather seating, furry pillow, paper lamp. Seems like something out of the 70s. 2 image multiple exposure in camera. Tweaks in software.



August 24th, 2012
Well that was a trying afternoon working out how to set the camera up for this challenge. First couldn't find what I was looking for in the manual, then when I did, couldn't work out how to set it up. After much frustration finally worked it out, but was getting close to running out of light.
So here is attemp one.
August 24th, 2012
@onie - Nice one, Leonie.
August 24th, 2012
@mikehamm
Thank you Mike. It may not be the best photo in the world, but I learned something new and had a go :)
August 24th, 2012
@onie Leonie that looks beautiful!! Wonderful fist go! Too bad I didn't know you were trying to figure it out I could have helped since I have the same camera and just learned how to do this myself! It is very fun once you know how to do it
August 24th, 2012
One more. 2 image multiple exposure in camera and tweaks in software.



August 25th, 2012
Took same plant in different angles - used my multiple exposure feature in my camera! Yeah, so much fun - I will really have to think up some more ideas - this could get addicting! @petergraaff Feedback welcome



August 25th, 2012
@skipt07 Beautiful photo of your granddaughter.
August 25th, 2012
And another one with post processing. I took two long exposures in differnt angles and merged them. Quite a random outcome that represents that London never sleeps (especially not on a Friday night ;)).

August 25th, 2012
Sony cant but PS can- thanks for a fun project Peter
August 25th, 2012
As I found out, there is no multiple exposure mode for my camera (EOS 60D), I thought I will push the limits and have some fun, once I had to use layers in picmonkey anyway...

It's OK, if it doesn't qualify for the challenge :)
August 25th, 2012
Had a short period where the sun was shining and so I did this double exposure shot!
August 25th, 2012
I know that hummingbirds aren't know for checking roses for nectar, but thought it might make an interesting double exposure.
August 25th, 2012
@skipt07 - Interesting one, Skip. The pic looks like the rose is wishing a hummer would fly by. Neat.
August 25th, 2012
Ok, another one. Today's August word is glass, so I used some of my lenses for this one. 2 images in camera + software adjustments.


August 25th, 2012
Using camera settings.
August 26th, 2012
It was raining today so I took a couple of shots of some of my sister's vases.

August 26th, 2012
I do like this challenge, there are some beautiful and creative shots here. Here is mine
August 26th, 2012
I'm loving this feature in the camera
August 27th, 2012
I also love this in camera setting! :)




August 27th, 2012
@myhrhelper @onie Look great
August 27th, 2012
Slide film double exposure just had developed
August 28th, 2012
Here's my attempt: Two photos merged to one in iPiccy to replicate a double exposure.
August 28th, 2012
@sassik I think it works fine. The directions say that you can use post-processing. It's kind of cool the way you made it look like the tower is actually in the processes of toppling over right before your eyes.
August 28th, 2012
@lstasel I really like the colors and how the vases intersect.
August 28th, 2012
Couldn't resist another go at this ~ in camera double exposure

August 28th, 2012
@alisonp Clever
March 25th, 2015
Has anyone got a canon t3i found this button yet? I don't think it has it or it is hid very well, I don;t know gimp yet.
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