Another experiment which I wanted to try out was multiple exposure. Layering a number of images together to create a single surreal image. This was another technique that I wanted to look at to make my final pieces of work stand out and to enhance the meaning of the project. First i took pictures of the subject in various different angles and lighting to see which would work best when layered with a landscape image. I found that natural lighting worked better than indoor because it helped to bring out the face more and helps to create contrast on other features. Then, I took various landscape images and pictures of objects that I thought would worked well when combined with the portraits. Luckily, the lighting outside was bright enough which lifted the colours and can be adjusted in post production. I think that the base images left mixed results with some pictures turning out find and some being too blurry.
Contact Sheet
Afterwards, I adjusted some of the settings in Camera RAW such as the contrast and vibrancy to make them more defined. Then i opened up two images in PhotoShop and placed them onto one page. Then, the main part of this technique is finding the right blending mode that makes both pictures still visible. Here’s a step by step guide of how I achieved this and also some experimentation to make the technique more complex.
Post Production
Step 1 – Place images on the same page
Hide layers to make it easier to work on an image
Step 2 – Blending mode and opacity
Find a blending mode that works well usually Screen or Lighten and turn down the opacity to around 50%
Step 3 – Quick selection and mask
Now we’re going to create a mask so that the landscape only covers the subject. You can do this by using the Quick Select or Lasso Tool. Then click on the Create Mask button under the Layers section.
Step 4 – Clipping Mask
Drag the landscape layer over the subject, right click and select ‘Create a Clipping Mask’ and it should leave the background untouched
Step 5 – Background colour
Next we’re going to change the background to a solid colour to make the main subject stand out and give it a nostalgic look. Create a new layer and fill it brown and place it under the main subject.
Step 6 – Colour overlay
Finally, add a cover on top of the whole image to seal the vintage aesthetic. Create a new layer on top and fill it with brown.
Lap Chung's Personal Project 