Looking for a way to add creativity to your photos or to simply surprise yourself? Try creating double exposures with your analog camera!
“Woah, woah, woah! What even is a double exposure?”
You create a double exposure when you expose the same frame on your roll of film to light twice. By opening your shutter two times, you are creating a double-layered photograph. With this method, you can achieve unique compositions and express layered ideas (pun intended), if desired.
“So, how can I go about making a double exposure?“
Well, there are multiple ways it can be done:
The first method is to simply use a camera that has a built-in multiple exposure function. With this function turned on, your camera will not auto-advance to the next frame after snapping a picture. Instead, each time you reset and open your shutter, you will be exposing the same frame. Cameras like the Nikon F100 will stay in multiple exposure mode until you change it. The key is to remember to switch this function off if you only want a double layered image.
The second and third methods to create a double exposure are entirely manual. If you do not have the multiple exposure function, you can follow the original way of doing things: Shoot your entire roll of film, reload the film into the camera, and shoot it again. Compared to the others, this method in particular may present you with the most unpredictable photographs. If you have not taken note of each image on each frame, it may be difficult to know what images you are layering when you re-shoot the roll. Pro-tip: Mark your film leader before you shoot your roll for the first time. When reloading your film, re-align the mark, so that you re-expose the same areas on your film.
The third and final method of double exposing can be done by pushing your camera’s rewind button while advancing the film advance lever. This maneuver momentarily disengages the film sprockets from the track allowing your film to stay in place in the camera.
Another pro-tip: In order to not overexpose your film, it is best to underexpose your film by one stop each time you shoot a frame. This way, the overlapping images are both visible, and the overall exposure of the photograph is just right.
“Now, why should I shoot a double exposure?“
As I mentioned before, by shooting double exposures you can achieve unique, beautiful, and even chaotic images. Be intentional or spontaneous with the frames you choose! Use this method to express new ideas that you did not think possible to express visually on a single layer. Take interesting self portraits, place your friends in different landscapes sans Photoshop, and mix colors. Don’t stop there. See what you can capture by exposing your film three or four times. The limit is up to you!
