Inspiration for Multiple Exposures
Sunday 25 October 2026, 22:55 by Nando Harmsen | 70 views | 0 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Taking multiple photos over one another is as old as photography itself. The digital world has only made it easier. Here is a selection of photos for inspiration.
Layering photos over one another was not that difficult in the analogue era. In the darkroom, or with sandwich slides, this was a way to create creative photos. The digital world gives you even more possibilities.
You can do it in Photoshop or Affinity using layers, masks and blending modes. If you take on the challenge, you can do it directly in the camera without using that software. That is even more fun.
I have selected some photos that can serve as inspiration. It offers an endless number of possibilities. You can put all your creativity into it. It is for anyone who wants to go beyond a normal record.
Promotional photo of the band Palais Ideal - three exposures layered over one another - f/8, 1/100s, 400 ISO @ 50mm
Elke at the fairground, portrait with bokeh in a separate exposure - f/1.2, 1/200s, 50 ISO @ 50mm
The tops of the trees - five shots layered over one another, each shifted in relation to the previous one - f/7.1, 1/400s, 100 ISO @ 98mm
Pep Ventosa in the snow - f/8, 1/125s, 100 ISO @ 50mm
Passion flower spiral - nine shots rotated - f/5.6, 1/30s, 800 ISO @ 50mm
Symmetry in the landscape - second shot rotated 180 degrees - f/8, 1/200s, 400 ISO @ 35mm
Triptych of a damselfly - three shots - f/2.8, 1/250s, 400 ISO @ 100mm
Reflection - nine shots, each shifted in relation to the previous one - f/11, 1/80s, 200 ISO @ 300mm
Just a mushroom - second shot with a modified vintage lens for the bokeh - f/2.8, 1/30s, 200 ISO @ 100mm
Orton effect - first shot sharp, second shot out of focus - f/6.3, 1/40s, 200 ISO @ 105mm
In the flower bed - four shots at different distances - f/2.8, 1/500s, 100 ISO @ 100mm
Grass - one for the grass head, the other for the bokeh - 1/250s, 200 ISO @ 100mm
Autumn leaves in the forest - one of the trees, the other of the leaves on the forest floor - 3.2s, 50 ISO @ 58mm
Autumn colours - one of the leaves, the second through the leaves - 1/50s, 50 ISO @ 58mm
Autumn forest - one photo of the leaves, the other using ICM of the trees in the background - 1s, 200 ISO @ 75mm
Liesbeth van Asselt has explained her approach to multiple exposures and ICM in a course. Are you interested in this type of photography? Then take a look at Photofacts Academy.
About the author
Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.
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