Double Expose.

I had a really awesome question last week about double exposure whether it was possible with digital photography.  I looked a little more into it and noticed that typically I have always been aesthetically drawn towards photos that are double exposed!  

Most of my artwork (not photography) tends to be "blurred out" or have a feeling of "eeriness" - which is very similar to double exposure.  Not to say that all double exposed images are blurry and eerie- of course they can be sharp and to whatever effect you would like- but this is just what I gravitate towards.

Anyways, long story short.  What I discovered about double exposure on digital cameras is that it is not possible.  Most blogs said that you use photoshop to double expose an image.  I dont know about you, but personally I am against photoshop.  Yeap.  I said it!  I am not a fan of altering an image within a computer.  I think it takes away from the essence of the piece.  I LOVE altering images by hand- gel transfers, acrylics etc.- but with photography I personally like to keep the image the way it is captured.  *coughpolariodsrock*

SO- I found a way to "cheat" double exposure.  I still havent mastered it but the results have been decent and shooting was so much fun!   I just discovered this today so bear with me!

Here is how you do it:

1. Set your f-stop to a really low number and your ISO super high - this will keep your shutter open longer so you have a longer time to frame your shot.  
2. Imagine the composition you want in your frame - your compositions will take some time to figure out so just play around.  Composition is tricky with a double exposure because you are essentially taking two photos and laying them on top of one another to create a single photo so you have to think "big picture".  
3. Once you have your "idea" ready push your shutter button and count in seconds to see how long your shutter stays open (this is so OLD school - I swear I was meant to be born in the 80s with typewriters and spin-dial phones- technology is my nemesis so Im sure there is a more accurate way but this seemed to do the trick).  
4. Lets say your shutter is open for 10 seconds- now set up your first "frame" and press the shutter button.  Count to 4 then cover your lens with a dark cloth.  Shift your lens to your second "frame" remove the cloth and keep steady!  
5. When your shutter closes you should have two compositions on top of one another!  

They will not be super clear, but more "ghostly."  Dimmer lighting is for sure better, but it can be done in daylight!  

Like I said I have not mastered this technique AT ALL.  

I more so stumbled upon it and am playing with the technique. 

 It is not perfect

 - by any means- 

but if its any justification I feel like all my best artwork

 (not photography) has been stumbled upon by mistake.  

[my fav.]

Its the imperfections that make perfection!

xo.peace.k