Multiple Exposure Experiment

Moving on from my combining images experiment experiment I wanted to build upon that and take images of trees to add to evidence of my experimentation and to see which shots work and what doesn’t. I focused on the shape of my trees and positioning the picture but most importantly including the sky for white space to be easily erased in editing allowing it to blend with the portrait image. I think that I was able to capture a variety of images the best I could with some additional landscapes that can be used with the portraits. The pictures were taken in the early afternoon with the sun giving off a distinct glow allowing them to brighten up some shots and lift the colours. I used the silhouette shots since the trees are able to merge with the head and the features such as the hair isn’t muddled and can be easily distinguished.

Contact Sheets

 

Shoot Plan

• Taking landscapes images of natural organic textures and merging them with studio portraits
• Creating the idea of a window into the mind and nature about being at peace
• Multiple exposure of nature and people showing something relaxing and refreshes the mind to escape the stresses of life
• Editing on PhotoShop to improve original images and to blend them together using colour to make them more interesting

Shots

• In studio and outdoor shoot
• Models Aaron and family
• Studio filling in backdrop and silhouette/low light on the model
• Leveled angle and height
• Close up and body shot
• Aperture f/8 – f/32
• Shutter speed 1/200 second
• Deep focus on the model and landscapes

Ideas

• Profile shot close up of the subject face
• Silhouette shot of the model’s head facing the camera
• Full body silhouette, subject facing the camera at an angle
• Model with hood up, close up with some light on the face
• Outdoor images to pair with portraits of trees including sky for space
• Large aperture and pictures of foliage with close ups and long shots
• Pictures of bushes and leaves that have gaps to create an interesting pattern

My Photoshop skills are developing with help from guides online to create a multiple exposure image. I had to ensure that I practiced the techniques and show evidence of it so that I can use it as a reference. Here’s my guide to doing multiple exposure:

Step 1 – Camera RAW

First, I opened both images in Camera RAW and attempted to adjust the settings to create extra depth and highlight certain parts of the image such as the face. Increasing the Lights also helped with this to lift existing areas without it being too excessive. Then the tree image I tried to brighten up the background by increasing the highlights and to make the branches more visible.

Step 2 – PhotoShop

I opened both images in PhotoShop and placed them onto the same page so that they can be easily worked on. I can switch from one layer to another and duplicate them to create complex effects.

Step 3 – Positioning

Now I’m trying to flip the landscape so that when merged with the portrait it makes it appear as if the subject is a tree that’s growing. I flipped the image so that the branches would stick out of the body leaving the face still visible.

Step 4 – Blending Mode

This is where the main part of the technique is applied, selecting different blending modes to result in the desired effect. I tried to find a balance that leaves both images with the right exposure and contrast which was Screen.

Here I’m readjusting the landscape to fill more of the model and to make it stand out. The face is covered by the tree but it can be made more visible later on.

Step 5 – Layer Mask

Next, we’re going to remove the extra part of the landscape being the sky. This can be done by using the Quick Select Tool or Magic Wand to highlight the main part of the tree that covers the subject and creating a layer mask to only show the part selected.

Step 6 – Background and Mask

Next, create a New Layer and fill it with white, this will cover the background so that it is a solid colour. Then, duplicate the background and select the model creating a layer mask to ensure that the model is left untouched from other layers. Afterwards, I erased part of the shoulder which was still visible but still left extra parts which made the image look incomplete.

Step 7 – Magic Wand

Using the Magic Wand Tool I selected the excess background on the tree image and filled it with white so that only the branches can be seen.

Step 8 – Lifting the Face

Now using Brush Tool I’m going to paint over the face so that it can appear clearer. I set the opacity to 30% and made sure it was black to darken the tree which made the face stand out.

The face can be seen a lot clearer which helps to bring out the subject more and makes both images look connected.

Final Product: