Multiple Exposure Photography Using Filters

Multiple Exposure

Multiple Exposure Photography Using Filters

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I used the single filter method to produce my multiple exposure image. My photograph shows a person who seems to be looking into a mirror. I took this in my photography class using ISO 400 speed film. First, I selected a background that would be easy to interchange in the two exposures. Due to the solid color, one cannot see where the two exposures meet in the middle. Then I decided to use a mirror-like effect in the photograph. I had the model stand positioned in the left portion of my viewfinder, while the right portion was being covered by the filter. I set my shutter speed manually to 1/60^th second in correspondence with that in the viewfinder. I then took my picture. With the help of another student holding the rewind button and the rewind crank, I pressed the advance lever to reset the shutter. Next I positioned the model in the right side of my viewfinder, while the left side was being covered by the filter this time. Then I took my second exposure. The finished product was a mirror-like image of my model with no hint of a double exposure.

Rich Gaynor
Grade 12
Photography Class 5/21/98

General Instructions for In Camera Multiple Exposure Photos

In camera multiple exposure photography involves creatively combining two or more separate photo images on one film frame. Multiple exposure filters are designed to facilitate this process. The photographer attaches a special filter to the front of the camera lens and then adjusts the filter into the first position such that it covers part of the front of your lens. In this way, as the first subject image is photographed, only a pre-determined area of the film frame will be exposed while the rest of the film frame is protected from exposure (since it is covered by the filter). After the first exposure is made, the filter is rotated so that it now covers and protects the portion of the frame that was just exposed. This leaves the previously unexposed remainder of the frame uncovered and ready to receive the exposure for the second photo image. Another method involves the use of a matched pair of filters rather than a single filter. One filter will have all of the background ‘blacked out’ except for a small shape, the other will have a matching small shape ‘blacked out’ and the rest of the filter will be clear. These sets of filters are used in a manner exactly similar to the one described below except that one filter serves as the ‘first position’ filter and its mate serves as the ‘second position’ filter. If no filter is available, a piece of cardboard may be used to cover the appropriate sections of the front of the lens in turn. You can also make your own multiexposure filter by cutting black paper and gluing it to a UV or sky filter so that it covers half the filter (or, if you want to create a filter set, cut out the appropriate positive & negative shapes and carefully glue them in position to two separate filters).

Equipment Needed:

camera

multiple exposure filter (or piece of cardboard)

tripod (recommended but not absolutely required)

cable release (optional)

film (ISO 400 recommended)

Directions: (To produce good multiple exposure photographs)

A. Practice these steps before taking your final photographs

Set up camera and tripod
Set camera shutter speed manually to correspond with the speed suggested by your camera’s automatic meter (usually indicated in the viewfinder area)
Attach your cable release Attach a multiple exposure filter
Practice resetting the shutter spring without advancing the film as follows:

crank the rewind crank in the direction of the arrow until all of the film ‘slack’ is tightened up

if desired, tape the rewind crank so that the film frame cannot move during the exposures

press the shutter release button (for your sample first exposure)

while holding in the rewind button on the bottom of your camera, press the film advance lever (to reset the shutter spring - not to advance the film)

re-position the filter and press the shutter release button a second time

if necessary, remove any tape holding the rewind crank in position, and then press the film advance lever as usual (this time making sure that the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera is NOT held in.)

B. After you have practiced these procedures, plan and set up an appropriate composition for your own multiple exposure photograph.

Set up your tripod and mount the camera securely in position (attach a cable release if desired).
Crank the rewind crank in the direction of the arrow until all of the film ‘slack’ is tightened up.
Tape the rewind crank so that the film frame cannot move during the exposures.
Set the shutter speed manually to the one suggested by your camera’s automatic meter.
Frame your first subject in the viewfinder and focus carefully.
Position your multiple exposure filter (or piece of cardboard) as desired.
Re-check your focus.
Press the shutter release button.
While holding in the rewind button on the bottom of your camera, press the film advance lever (to reset the shutter spring - not to advance the film).
Remove the multiple exposure filter, frame your second subject in the viewfinder as desired and focus carefully.
Check your camera’s meter to make sure that your exposure settings are still correct.
Re-attach your multiple exposure filter (or move your piece of cardboard) and adjust it so that it covers the area of your first exposure and leaves uncovered the portion of the frame where your second exposure should appear.
Re-check your focus.
Press the shutter release button.
If necessary, remove any tape holding the rewind crank in position, and then press the film advance lever as usual (this time making sure that the film rewind button on the bottom of the camera is NOT held in.)

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