What multiple exposure images are and how to take them.
Get inspired for creative multiple exposure photos with these ideas.
Multiple exposure photos create a striking effect when used correctly. With this editing technique, you can superimpose multiple photos to create an abstraction, a sense of movement, the illusion of elapsed time, or other ethereal, haunting effects.
Traditionally photographers achieved multiple exposure through opening the camera shutter multiple times to expose the film multiple times. However, today you can create the effect digitally by using photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Learn more about ways to use multiple exposure to enhance your photography.
Opportunities for multiple exposure.
While multiple exposure can be employed in countless different ways, if you’re just getting started with photo editing and are looking for some inspiration, try using the technique for these types of effects:
- Showing change over time. Multiple exposure is a great way to show how a scene can change over time. This is best employed when the overall composition remains the same while one object changes. For example, you could take a photo of each phase of the moon cycle to map out how it changes over time in the same setting. Or, you could take photos of a person in a room at various parts of the day to show how their day unfolded.
- Create a motion blur. Evoke the illusion of movement with multiple exposure. Superimpose images of a horse running, a car racing, a rabbit jumping, an athlete in motion, you name it — to give a sense of speed, complexity, and excitement.
- Design abstract portraits. Multiple exposure can be as simple as two images superimposed — a great technique for artistic portraits. Layer a landscape scene on top of a portrait photo for an image that evokes the dynamism of nature in the space of a human face.
Creatively using multiple exposure photography.
Explore how Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom can help you turn your ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art.