MULTIPLE EXPOSURE TECHNIQUES

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This is a photographic technique and is frequently incorporated with subjects such as flowers, trees, a river or pond and a waterfall.
By altering the point of sharp focus with each or a group of exposures, or by using the panning or zoom techniques, or possibly even adding the Cokin filter range of creative filters during exposure.

Some cameras have a multiple exposure button. Some are self-cancelling, others you need to turn them off at the end of your chosen number of exposures. The majority of successful multi image pictures are taken using 9, 16 or 25 exposures on one piece of film. The exposure reading must also be set depending on the number of exposures selected. To obtain the correct exposure you need to multiply the films ASA/ISO rating by the number of exposures you are going to take and then set that value number to your cameras ASA/ISO.

FUJIFILM PROVIA 100F = ASA/ISO:

9 EXPOSURES = 1000 ASA/ISO
16 EXPOSURES = 1600 ASA/ISO
25 EXPOSURES = 2500 ASA/ISO

FUJIFILM VELVIA = 50 ASA/ISO

9 EXPOSURES = 500 ASA/ISO
16 EXPOSURES = 800 ASA/ISO
25 EXPOSURES = 1250 ASA/ISO

Another method is to use your cameras compensation dial. Most compensate in “thirds” of a stop. Just divide the number of exposures by three. Three exposures equal one F-stop. The best route and exposure accuracy is to use the ASA/ISO method. Generally, if you take three exposures you should under-expose by one F-stop, six exposures then under-expose by two f-stops and nine exposures, then under-expose by three F-stops.

TAPESTRY EFFECT

Select a minimum speed of 250th with the lens set to F16 to ensure a sharp focused image. Set your camera to 9 multiple images. Set your ASA/ISO according to your film type in use and under-exposure calculation, as discussed above. Set your motor drive to continuous. Hand hold the camera for this type of picture.

Being hand held the camera will record the images out of register, which creates the tapestry effect. All you have to do is hold the shutter button down for the nine exposures on your selected subject. Composition in your final image will create a picture full of impact.

CIRCLE EFFECT

Strong elements such as trees to the left and right of the frame. Dominating points in your frame is either top right or bottom left in your frame. Bottom right and top left are balancing points in your frame. Turn your camera 90 degrees from left to right of your chosen subject taking four shots to the left side at forty-five degrees, one shot at straight horizontal and the remaining four shots on the right side to forty-five degrees. A total of nine-exposures. Do not swing your camera too much. A little is sufficient to make the effect.

MULTIPLE ZOOM

It is best to shoot between 16 to 20 exposures for the most dynamic effect, but the general nine-exposure system is also acceptable. Good subject matter is a waterfall in the vertical format. Shoot 16 to 20 shots with your camera on a tripod. Check your composition for the zoom effect to ensure that you are not cropping your subject matter. Start zooming at the widest end of your lens and zoom a little after every exposure until your 16 to 20 shots have been taken. Zoom the lens from 100, 106, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130 to 150mm and on to 300mm. Remember to check the camera position after each exposure to ensure that the fixed point remains exactly in the same position in the viewfinder. By using the above zooming range steps this will ensure the area you are covering is in the picture by going from the widest zoom to the maximum magnification.

SWIRL EFFECT

Choose a strong subject like a dominant tree. Check for the zooming in technique and composition to make sure you do not amputate your chosen subject. Simultaneously zoom in to your trees and turn your camera in a circular movement. Check that the centre of focus is at the same point. Possibly you will have to
reposition your camera during the exposure to ensure that the centre of focus is maintained. A carpet of flowers is a good subject for this effect.

SOFT FOCUS EFFECT
Put the camera on a tripod and shoot three exposures at your chosen subject. Then three exposures with your lens totally out of focus with the lens set at F2.8. Then your final three exposures in sharp focus with the lens set at F16. A total of nine exposures on one piece of film.

POWERFUL SPIRAL EFFECT

Put the camera on a tripod. You will be using the rotating and zoom camera technique. During your exposures you will need to reposition the camera to keep the fixed point in your composition. Do a trial run first to ensure that you do not cut off the vital points of interest in your picture during the rotation process. If so, aim the camera higher or lower and do not rotate to far to the left or right. A little is sufficient. The best technique is to first tilt the camera to the left, then back to the center position and then to the right.

MULTIPLE COMBINATIONS

Four subjects like some colourful leaves on a tree, flowers with bright strong colours, different shapes of clouds and a person in either the portrait or full length position. This is a unusual mix, but well positioned subject will create a magic picture.
Take 4 exposures of colourful leaves of a tree – close-up.
Take 4 exposures of the same leaves at a more distant position.
Take 4 exposure of colourful flowers and fill the frame
Take 3 exposures of different types of cloud scapes
Take 1 exposure of a person, best positioned for good composition.
A total of 16 exposures on one piece of film.

ROTATAING THE CAMERA

Set the camera for nine exposures. Take four exposures without moving the camera. Take the remaining five exposures by rotating a little to the left and right. Do not rotate to drastically – a gentle approach will give a very pleasing result.

SPECIAL NOTES

Use your imagination – each subject can be a different challenge. Try putting various subjects in or out of focus – maybe just a soft focus effect is necessary.

Try various Cokin filter combinations in conjunction with your creations. Do not distract by too much out of focus effects, as it can be detrimental to your composition.

Hand held picture combinations would result in unsharp images, especially if using a slow shutter speed. Do try your hand held multi exposures, you may like the effect, but planned compositions using a tripod will ensure greater success. Do experiment and use your creativity. Your imagination is your only limitation.

DEREK PEARMAN HON. FPSSA, FPSSA