Tips and tricks for tackling this latest trend in graphic design. If you ask what a double exposure is, it consists of connecting two separate images to create a single image. The process produces excellent results and provides a photographer with transparent layers and photos that are the same and tell a complete story in a way that is impossible with a single photograph.
Modern DSLR cameras achieve this effect by enabling Multiple Exposure when taking a shot and capturing both exposures simultaneously. If you want total creative control, you can emulate the effect with Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
This article aims to elucidate a step-by-step guide that details the most effective means of creating your own unique double exposure image using Photoshop.
5 Etiquette When Creating Double Exposure Images Using Photoshop
It is possible to double expose with several applications; however, for enhanced creativity and striking results, Photoshop still reigns supreme. Below is a tutorial on Adobe Photoshop double exposure feature.
Stage 1: Decide on Your Theme
It is best to think about your last image before you start shooting anything. Think about a decent message to convey by looking past the visual allure. You only need two pictures, so make sure you spend all the time necessary on how you want them to look.
It is more convincing to make a double exposure image from a picture and a theoretical or landscape photo with rich surface details. You can use an association between the two to convey a particular emotion and make your viewers think about the hidden message for a few seconds longer.
Stage 2: Compose the Shots
The moment you figure out how you want your double exposure picture to turn out, the time is right to start composing the image. Here, you can concentrate on the image visuals – specifically, what you should look for to use as a starting point for future editing.
Search online for inspiration and think about exactly how you want your two images to resemble each other. Do you want your representation to be of a woman? For a sensational profile, should she face the camera or sideways? How about a field of blossoms on a landscape layer?
You do not need to be concerned with the colors of the pictures since they can be adjusted in Photoshop later.
Stage 3: Take Your Base Image
It could be a picture of a person, an object, or even a picturesque spot, as long as it has the main subject, enough contrast and shadow, and neutral background without distracting elements you can change later.
Stage 4: Take A Photo Of Your Layer
Anything theoretical or with multiple sides is worth catching. You can take photos of your preferred scene or subject, but you should also take a few candid shots. With an assortment of images, you can create a variety of unique outcomes. There are innumerable possibilities.
At the same time, ensure that your layer image is uniformly exposed. If, for example, you decide to photograph the leaves of a mango tree, you should choose a fairly neutral background that is not too bright or too dull. So you end up with an image with a decent amount of details and shadows that will show more clearly once you add your base image.
How to Create Double Exposed Images With Photoshop
Now comes the fun part. Be cautious in choosing the two last images for you to consolidate before sending out your photos. They must be of good quality with sharp, exposed subtleties. It is possible to edit layers before converting them to Photoshop.
Details From Your Base Photo
Choose your primary subject or base image. The Healing Brush apparatus can be applied to eliminate specific defects such as residue on sensors and imperfections. If your ideal organization relies on the Rule of Thirds, move your subject to center it or unbalanced to observe it. In addition, make sure to enhance the image for blending by changing the splendor and adding contrast.
Alternatively, you can open the Levels menu by pressing Ctrl-L or clicking on image > Adjustments > Levels. If you want to brighten the image, move the white slider to one side, and then you should move the left dark slider to one side to give it some contrast. As an alternative, you can choose the following mathematical qualities: 7 for dark or 1,15 for gray, or 197 for white. When done, click OK.
Remove The Background.
As long as your foundation is spotless, you should be able to snap the picture quickly. The best approach is to utilize the Quick Selection Tool or Magic Wand Tool to select the entire foundation area (lines in the image) and any other items you wish to remove, and then turn the selection upside down (currently your main subject). It is also possible to use a service to cut out photos for this step.
By doing this, you can hide the foundation of your image without rolling out constant updates to the image document.
Add A Layer Image.
Position the image on top of the original. After selecting the image below, hold down Ctrl and snap the Layer image, catching the primary image layer below. The landscape layer will show you the moving blueprint of the fundamental subject outline at that point
You Can Mix The Images
Photoshop offers multiple exposure blending modes, depending on your desired outcome. You can experiment with the Screen layer below, a layer blend choice that may be the most common blend for double exposures. That will result in a less hazy second photograph. The yield may still not be the last yield you are looking for, so feel free to move on to the final advance.
Tap Into The Final Advance
Duplicate the subject layer and set its blend mode to lighten. Drag the duplicated layer onto the subsequent layer, and you’ve got your double exposure. Don’t worry about last-minute details, such as removing the highest subject layer to reveal more of the landscape layer underneath.
Creating breathtaking double exposures: Tips and Tricks
I have some ideas for double exposures. To begin with, working with stock images may very well be helpful. As you become more proficient at blending two photos, you’ll learn which photographs complement each other and how to take these images yourself. Ultimately, unique pictures are of greater importance to a photographer.
- Photographs of silhouettes or shapes with dull and light forms combine well with photos of high contrast, which could be anything you find fascinating, from surfaces to subtleties to details.
- Double exposures of a person make a great base image. A portrait with a brilliantly lit background will produce the best results. Even the darkest shadows can obscure beautifully shaped features on a cloudy day.
- Consider the opposite of the usual surface image over a dim silhouette. Create the base image by taking a picture of a tree or street that is all around articulated.
- Alternatively, you can photograph a group of individuals. Rather than using a real photo, use an image of something smooth and serene, like the sea or sky.
- Consolidate two photos of a similar subject, such as two pictures of a landscape or two photographs of a building. You will gain a new perspective in this way.
- Generally, high contrast images are used for double-exposed photographs because it makes contrasting two images easier. Do not be alarmed by shading, however! Blending shading can create intriguing and punchy photographs. Use your second photograph as a source of shading and transform your silhouette photograph into a highly contrasted one.
Summary
That’s everything you need to know about double exposure, a trend that’s sweeping the design world. When it comes to branding, social media promotions, or even eCommerce photos, double exposure is a great tool. A novice should not attempt this process, as it is tricky. An experienced partner in photo editing and retouching is what you need.
