How to do a Double Exposure

What is a double exposure? It is a technique that layers two different exposures on a single image, combining two photographs into one. 

There are 3 different ways to do a double exposure.  The first is with a digital camera.  You can achieve this in camera.  For Nikon you would go to the photo shooting menu (which is the camera icon in your menu).  From there you would select the multiple exposure mode.  Arrow down to select the number of shots you want to combine.  Then select multiple exposure and arrow through to turn on for a single photo or series.  When you take your first photo there will be a symbol of overlapping squares at the top of your photo on the LCD screen.  Then take another and it will combine them for you!  For me personally, I have added this multiple exposure option to the “my menu” feature on my Nikon D750.  That way it is easily accessible.  On a Canon it is very similar.  You would use the dial to turn across to “multiple exposure” and click “set.” You will then have several sub menus options.  This article here explains better on how to do it on a Canon.

The second option is if you shoot film.  Some film cameras allow you to do this, and some do not.  With film I believe you generally try to overexpose, but with double exposures it is best to underexpose.  It might take some getting used to. To create the double exposure, you will want to expose the same frame more than one time. Google it to see if your film camera has this capability and read more about shooting double exposures on film here.

The third way is to do it in Photoshop. Choose the photos that you think will layer nicely.  For my example I have used a puddle with a leaf in it and a portrait. Open them in Photoshop and put one layer over the other.  Then adjust the opacity. I have then masked off the areas of her face that I want to show through and have more detail. I did this by adding a layer mask to my overlaying puddle photo.  I then paint with a soft black brush to let the lower portrait layer show through. I then brought in more color by adding a blue gradient layer.  I then masked off the areas I didn’t want the gradient layer to affect.  I then added some paint on a new layer to add depth and more of the orange color.  I set it to pin light according to my preference and lowered the opacity. And there you have it! Adobe has a great tutorial here.  

It’s easy to do, but to be successful compositionally it can be quite difficult.  With a double exposure the shadows of your first frame will be filled in by the light parts of your second frame.  So, it’s best to try to visualize what you want it to look like.  Though it can be very hit and miss.  It’s something worth experimenting with. Sometimes overexposing or underexposing can help you clearly define the double exposure. If you want to see an outline of your subject place your subject against a blank background.   

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Senior Photo shoot at Downtown Columbus, and Story Indiana

Let me introduce you to Kloe! She is the sweetest teenager you could possibly meet. She drives the cutest little jeep and looks just like Barbie- ;) ha ha! Her photos were such a joy to take! We had so much fun getting to know each other as we walked around Columbus and Story. We also went to Mill Race Park, since it is right across the street from downtown, Columbus. She was such a good sport, and picked out the cutest outfits for her senior session. Kloe, I hope you have an awesome senior year!! Thank you so much for letting me be part of it!

If you are a high school senior, I would love to work with you! Please reach out to me here, or connect with me through social media: Facebook, Instagram

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Why Does Photography Cost So Much?!

Oh man, I understand this sentiment.  I am a DIYer myself, and I didn’t understand why photography was so expensive for a long time.  Not only that, there is such a large variance between different photographers! Why do some cost more than others? I completely understand the confusion.  Let me break down the reasons.

1. Photography is a skill, and everyone is at a different level on this journey to become better. 

It takes time to learn photography, and I did not know that going into it.  I actually thought that because I draw and paint that taking a photograph is kind of like cheating.  (I look back now and laugh). Once I started to learn more about photography and the elements and techniques that go into making a successful photograph, I found that it is not easy at all.  Even though I had all this fine art training in composition and color I discovered it was quite difficult to make my vision come to life in a photograph.  That is because there is more to it than just elements of design.  Your gear plays a role. So does the light, location and model, post processing, and your exposure. Things like white balance play enormous parts into creating a good photograph. When you are first learning you are probably not able to charge as much as Annie Leibovitz. This could account for the wide range of prices among photographers.

2. A Legitimate Business has Expenses.

It costs money to run a business.  There are expenses like insurance, photoshop, music subscriptions, website, photography equipment and repair, marketing, gallery delivery and products, contracts, accounting, client experience expenses, continuing education, samples, business cards and other office supplies, transportation, location fees, etc.…! Even though photography has a relatively low overhead compared to other businesses, it still costs money and it adds up.  

3. Pricing Structure is personalized to the photographer.

I offer all inclusive pricing because I find it to be the easiest to communicate and there are no surprises.  I am upfront and forward about my pricing. Many photographers offer a low sitting fee and then make most of their income on selling prints and products.  Some photographers are high volume, which means they bring in many clients.

4. Photographers Pay Taxes

A legitimate business pays their taxes.  It is relatively easy to start your own business in this country, but you HAVE to pay taxes.  Here in Bartholomew County, Indiana we pay about 20% Federal tax rate, and 15% Self Employment tax, and about 5% State/local tax which is about a 40% tax rate. Usually a business owner can assume that approximately 1/3 of your income goes to taxes, and 1/3 goes to business expenses and 1/3 goes to the owner as actual income. So, if you want to make $50k after taxes then you need to sell about $150K! So be kind to us photographers, what we do has value, and our time and skills are valuable.

5. Quality Photography Takes Time.

We answer inquiries, we write blogs, we spend hours on our website and SEO. We work hard on honing our craft to deliver a quality result. We spend hours editing and shooting, not to mention bookkeeping.  These things take time. Most photographers take an average of 13 hours for just a one-hour session.  While it is a labor of love, and we as photographers enjoy what we do, our time is valuable.

I hope this sheds some light on why photography is an investment.  It really is!  We photographers LOVE gushing over your families and taking beautiful and creative photos.  I hope you will give us the opportunity to do so and support a small local business. 

Thanks for reading!