Double Exposure Photography Tutorial

Learn how to take double exposures on film with this step-by-step tutorial! 

I shoot with a digital SLR on a day-t0-day basis, and rely mostly on Photoshop magic to manipulate my photographs. I don’t use my film camera as often as I’d like, so it’s nice to pay homage to the camera that inspired me to delve into this realm, and experiment with different techniques that will breathe a little mystery into my work. There’s a special quality to film that you just can’t mimic digitally, even using the most expensive and hi-tech camera.

You never really know what you’re going to get until you open up that envelope of finished prints. Throw in some double exposures, and you really won’t know what to expect. Though, really, that’s the fun of it.

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The concept behind double exposures is creating an image that lays on top of another. You still need to wind the film advancer, but in a way that won’t actually advance the film. If you’ve never tried to shoot double exposures before, have a go on the next roll of film you shoot! Here’s how:

**(I left the film door open in this tutorial to better show the double exposure process, but make sure yours is completely shut before shooting!)

Step one: load film normally and take a photo.

Step two: lift up the film rewind knob and twist back until you feel it tighten up.

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Step three: While still holding the film rewind knob in place, press down on the film release button on the bottom of the camera.

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Step four: Use the lever to advance the film while still holding the film rewind knob and film release button. This will allow the film to stay in place so you can take your second exposure.

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Step five: After you press down on the shutter and take your shot, advance the film normally .

*Before advancing normally, you could even do a triple exposure by repeating steps two through four. It’s all about experimentation with this photography trick, so feel free to try different things and see what works! Have fun!

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+Have you ever tried capturing double exposures on film? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments below! 

Camera strap by Jolie Laide

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8 years ago

Great tutorial! Can’t wait to try this out :)
Thanks for sharing!
xx
Victoria | Chronicles of a Mermaid

8 years ago

That’s an amzing tutorial for those beautiful pictures! Can you make one for Photoshop as well?
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8 years ago

I’ve been dying to do this! We have about 6 shots left on our current roll so why not give it a go?!

xo

Michaela

http://michaelajeanblog.com
http://michaelajeanart.com

8 years ago

Also remember to adjust your shutter speed a stop faster so that way you don’t overexpose the film.

8 years ago

Danke für das Teilen

8 years ago

I love this post.Thank you!:)
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8 years ago

Shooting double exposures on my film camera is probably my favorite thing to do while I am on location shooting. Getting the photos back is magical! ✨✨

8 years ago

Hi,
Thanks for such a detailed tutorial ;)
Double exposure – is my love with film cameras!
My advice for everyone – just to try it once!!!

http://artnikolanmar.tumblr.com/post/128775616753/original-shot-was-made-with-pentax-mg-manual