Multiple Exposure Photography

None of the multiple exposure images presented on this page
have been composed anywhere but inside the camera.

My definition of multiple exposure photography is the practice of making more than one exposure to create a composite image which occurs at the same moment the image is captured. Basically, it must be accomplished in-camera and not while using software such as Photoshop. Multiple exposures can be achieved in a variety of ways, and to date I employ 3 methods.

1. I simply take a photo and cock the shutter again, without moving the film, for a (hopefully) predetermined number of times. Knowing the number of exposures in advance allows for precise composition and exposure.

2. I lay down a solid chunk of images on a roll of film by advancing the film a few millimeters at a time, not frame by frame. I then rewind the roll and place it in my camera again, exposing over the existing "background" roll. I usually aim for textures, gradients, and lots of dark space when I work on the 1st "chunk" of exposures.

3. Using a Nikon D200 digital SLR camera I can photograph in multiple exposure mode, but to a very limited degree. It's the Canadian rules American football of multiple exposure photography. I have only 30 seconds between shots and need to pre-determine the number of exposures in the composition. There are advantages related to your exposure, such as an auto-gain feature that calculates your exposure compensation for you, but, outside a controlled studio environment, it is not sufficient for multiple exposure photography. It does act as a "Polaroid back" for my film exposures, instantly giving me an idea of how the shot will turn out.

4....? My next goal is to purchase a 4x5 camera and mask the film using gradients and black to fully control my photo canvas. Any suggestions would be well received.

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