sunday school: double take

Truth be told, I'm not much of an abstract image kind of gal.  I consider myself more of a documentarian than an artist.   Recently however, when I was in the mood for  Breaking the Rules, I accidentally discovered a technique that creates abstract images that I find quite beautiful.  It's basically the equivalent of doing a double exposure (exposing the same piece of film twice resulting in superimposed images).  Now, I'm perfectly aware that in this digital age, you can accomplish this easily with two different photos using layers or what-nots in Photoshop, but don't forget that I'm a Photoshop flunkie.

There are a number of ways that you can do a digital double exposure.  I wouldn't be surprised if some cameras have a double exposure feature.  The simplest way to do it is to shoot in manual mode with a long enough exposure so that you can quickly reposition the camera in the middle of the exposure.  Repositioning can be as simple as turning around and facing the camera in the other direction.  Since I like to challenge myself, however, I've come up with a more complicated step-by-step approach. 

• First, put the camera on manual mode and set the aperture pretty narrow so that you can do a long exposure (i.e., f/16 or f/22). 
• Second, determine how many seconds you need to set the shutter speed at for proper exposure.
• Third, double the amount from Step Two and then add 5-10 seconds to allow for repositioning the camera for the 2nd exposure.  So if the light meter says you need 5 seconds, set it for 15-20 seconds, depending on how fast you are at repositioning the camera.  I personally like the 30 second exposure because I'm slow and clumsy.
• Once the exposure settings have been programmed, set the camera on a steady surface (tripod, table, ground, etc.), focus on your first subject, frame the shot and shoot (you can use the timer or a remote to minimize camera shake).
• As soon as the shutter clicks, count off the number of seconds for the first exposure.
• After the first exposure is done, immediately put the lens cap on the lens to block out light.  This will prevent light streaks in the final image from repositioning the camera, and your image won't be affected by camera shake while the lens cap is on.
• Reposition the camera on a steady surface again so that the second subject you want is in the viewfinder, and as fast as you can, remove the lens cap while trying to keep the camera steady.
• Hopefully, you will have timed it just right so that you expose the 2nd image properly.
• Play around with the exposure settings until you get the results you want.

Since your camera is not re-focusing for the 2nd image, the clarity of the focus of the superimposed image may be out of whack depending on your aperture and the difference in distance of the subjects from the camera.  I personally don't think that a sharp focus is key to getting an interesting image with this technique.

How about you?  What's your favorite method of creating abstract photographic images?  For more inspiration, be sure to check out these images in our Flickr group pool by storygoil, Cyan Eyes, and Rachel Schell.

Comments

[Marcie]

Mostly - I like to find abstract shapes and forms in our natural surrounds:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=489

[laura - dolcepics]

Sarah-ji, thanks so much for sharing this technique with us. It was so intriguing, I had to try it out right away... yes... in the dead of the night. :)

I shot two frames in one 15 second exposure to superimpose two framed photographs to commemorate our wedding anniversary. I quite like it!

http://www.dolcepics.com/dailypic/life-together/

Thanks again for the fun exercise!

[shelli]

Wow. I'm going to have to try this. Thanks.

[Rhiannon]

I've never tried to do a digital double exposure either - thanks for such detailed steps - definitely going to have a go !

[ePi.Longo]

Great technique. I'll try it.

[Jess]

I bought a new camera a couple of months ago, and I haven't done much experimenting yet, thanks for the inspiration!

[lora]

I am still loving the last challenge and we're on to another great one. =) I love this idea. I can't say that the times it has happened for me have been exact, or anywhere near intentional. Just experementation during the dimly lit wedding photos of the dancing at receptions. =)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2770154601/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2771003736/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28987938@N00/2770999894/in/photostream/

[Bet]

Very cool photo. I'm going to have to experiment this week with your technique and see what I can come up with.

[SH]

What a great photo, and very detailed instructions. I am hoping to try this out soon!

[Sheryl]

Here's the result of a little experimenting I did recently.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monsoonaz3/2716150872/

[nickythomas]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickythomasphotography/2723638692/

[Lana]

I used to do this on film, I'm still in the tinkering stages of digital to know all my settings yet. You could also carry a black card with you, and just hold the black card in front of the lense - reducing any shake you might have for putting the cap off and on.

[Kim]

brilliant!
thanx for the inspirations!

[Esther]

Thank you for the great tutorial! I loved trying this one out. Some first results are on my blog:
http://inside-my-shell.blogspot.com/2008/08/double-exposure-experiments.html