In-Camera Multiple Exposures: A Step-By-Step Guide (VIDEO)
Are multiple exposures a happy accident or a stroke of creative genius? Well, that depends if you created the image with intention or if it was a fortunate mistake. The tutorial from the Adorama TV YouTube channel explains everything you need to know for giving images a unique look by creating impressive double exposures in the camera.
Instructor David Bergman is a NY-based pro specializing in performance photography, sports imagery, and celebrity portraits. He’s also a popular instructor, and this episode was prompted by a question submitted to his Ask David Bergman website where you can pose questions yourself and possibly view his reply here in the future.
The multiple-exposure feature is a hidden gem offered by many modern cameras that some photographers don’t understand how to use. It enables you to create an impressive image in the camera without resorting to complex image-blending techniques during post processing, and it’s well within the reach for amateur photographers.
One of Bergman’s fans asked about how to get the job done with his Canon camera, with specific regard to various concepts like additive, average, bright, and dark controls. It turns out that Bergman’s method works equally well with other camera brands too. The nomenclature may differ slightly and you may have to dig around in the menu, but it’s all there.
Back in the days of film double exposures were often lucky accidents but with today’s digital models there a few simple tricks for purposefully combining two or more shots into one final images with a unique look. This dedicated feature means no more bracketing, time-consuming experimentation, or complex masking calisthenics in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Bergman illustrates why multiple exposures are so compelling, the type of subjects that work best, and the most effective in-camera exposure settings for different situations. He also provides interesting examples of what you can expect when using different modes.
Bottom line: This approach is a great way to capture unique imagery while expanding your repertoire. Once you’re done watching think about posing a question of your own on the Ask David Bergman website. You odds of having your query featured are greater if you stick to common topics that will appeal to other photographers.
And be sure to watch the tutorial we featured with another adept instructor who demonstrates how to shoot winter macro photographs with camera settings, gear advice, composition tips, and more.
