Multiple Exposure

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Permalink Reply by Brad Whistler on November 16, 2012 at 2:56pm

I can only answer for myself. When I shot with film I shot multiple exposures in camera. With todays digital world and my entire darkroom sitting in my computer I shoot multiple frames and merge what I want in editing. 

The rest of your questions.... It does not matter what mode  you shoot in. you are still creating an image on the sensor. Your selection of exposures for the image will also depend on the outcome you are looking to accomplish. It also depends on whether you are doing your multiple exposure for the entire frame or are you masking a portion off and exposing segments of the frame to create an in camera collage? If you are stacking full frame exposures and want all of the elements you shoot to be given equal attention then you will have to split the exposure based on the number or exposures you are going to be using. If you are masking portions of the frame for each exposure then each of the masked areas will require the full exposure called for by your cameras metering system.... yadda, yadda, yadda ... ... Like I said.... multiple frames and edit on my computer, gives me more control over my creativity and how each of the elements is combined in the final image.

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Permalink Reply by Raphe Reeves on November 17, 2012 at 12:18am

Brad, thanks for the response.  I'm just starting to play around w/ ME on my D200 so we'll see.  I'm only using LR4 for editing.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Whistler on November 17, 2012 at 2:04pm

You are very welcome.

Suggestion and only a suggestion...

As you grow and start to get more into shooting and editing...

LR is designed basically as a RAW conversion tool more than an editing tool. You will have so much more flexibility with programs like Gimp, Paint Shop Pro and Photoshop. I use Capture One Pro for my RAW conversions. It is more powerful than Lightroom but I would still be lost without a true editing program. I used PSP for many years and recently moved into CS6. My son uses Gimp as do a lot of photographers. Its free and powerful. 

Without the darkroom of days gone by the need for a good editing program is very important. It will allow you to do your multiple exposure shots and give you control over each of the layers of your exposure being able to combine them the way you would like rather than just trusting the camera to do so. In essence that is the theory at the heart of HDR shots. Multiple exposures merged in an editing program to create more depth and color than is possible with a single shot.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Chisnall on December 12, 2012 at 4:12pm

iso modes are academic providing the light is similar for each shot, does the 5d mk 111 have a bulb funcion (can you take a shot then take another on top of the previous image, if not use the layers function in the appropriate software, then blend the layers together), sorry if my explanation is a bit vague it includes the type of info that is much easier explained practically instead of written down. good luck and happy xmas  :>)

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Permalink Reply by Frank N. Blunt on December 13, 2012 at 10:15am

The "bulb" shutter setting has nothing to do with multiple exposures.

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Permalink Reply by Robert Chisnall on December 15, 2012 at 6:24am

your right frank its ages since i did multi exposures, if i remember correctly you hold the clutch then cock the shutter without moving the film transport, the real trick was to get similar exposures, i used ilford xp2 a chromogenic emulsion that is very tolerant 2 stops either side produced a decent neg. a bit of darkroom experience could produce a very convincing print.

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Permalink Reply by Brad Whistler on December 19, 2012 at 3:12am

This would be a true description if we were still shooting on film. With todays digital cameras there is no clutch. The settings are now on the menu for multiple exposures. 

Bulb can be used for multiple exposures. I have done it many many times, especially when I shoot fireworks. Set your camera on a tripod, cover the lens with a dark cloth or a hat, lock the shutter open on bulb, remove the cover from your lens when you see the burst of fireworks that you like. Using this method you can stack as many fireworks burst on a single frame as you feel you need for a great shot.

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