How to: use Multiple Exposure with TREES as a subject (part 2)
A multiple exposure image of a tree with an ethereal background
I love photographing trees so this was a natural blog for me to write. I started an instagram series to celebrate my series of talks on Camversation about these amazing living structures and after my usual period of 2 weeks I felt I had enough to keep going - it actually lasted for 5 weeks! Anyway, enough rambling here are another 4 more ideas (if you haven’t read the first ideas in part 1 then find it here!)
Trees and Birds
One of my favourite ways to create a dreamy, mystical atmosphere is by layering birds into images of trees. The first image below is particularly special to me—it features my all-time favourite (now sadly blown-down) dead tree, combined with four separate layers of birds - and a couple of layers of sunsets to create the bright colours. The second image uses an in-camera ‘in the round’ technique with four bird layers added afterwards, giving it a lovely, fantasy quality. The extra sunset layers give it that glow.
🕊️ Top Tip: Layering Birds for Atmosphere
When photographing birds for layering, aim for a clean, plain background—think sky, white walls, or even fog. This makes it easier to blend them in without distractions. If you're working in post-processing, place each bird layer on a separate layer so you can adjust position and opacity without them overlapping awkwardly. Vary the scale, spacing, and direction to give a natural sense of movement. And don’t be afraid to experiment—a little chaos can add magic!
A Multiple Exposure Photography Image of a tree with layers of birds
A multiple exposure image of a tree ‘in the round’ style with layers of birds
ICM and Trees
Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) with trees can create some beautifully painterly effects, but it does require a little practice and some quick camera work! I usually work at shutter speeds around 1/8 or 1/15 of a second—fast enough that my movement stays sharp and intentional. You can either move the camera during a single exposure (vertically or horizontally), or use ICM in both exposures. Personally, I tend to stick to just two exposures for this style, to keep the tree’s shape recognisable. The first image below is of a stunning St Lucian tree at sunset. You can see the soft movement lines, but I’ve aligned the horizontal motion to stop at the tree itself—this adds a sense of clarity amidst the blur. The image underneath that takes things further: both exposures use ICM, but what you’re actually looking at is a reflection! This more abstract composition was discovered along a canal in Manchester.
📝 Top Tip: Playing with ICM and Trees
Start simple. Try a single ICM exposure first, using a vertical or horizontal motion at around 1/8 or 1/15 of a second. Keep your movement smooth and confident—don’t overthink it! If you’re layering exposures, remember: less is more. Two exposures are often enough to keep the shape of the tree while still adding that dreamy, abstract feel. And always review your results—sometimes the 'happy accidents' are the best ones!
A Multiple Exposure Photography Image of a tree using ICM
A Multiple Exposure Photography image of trees using ICM
More than one tree…
Creating images with multiple trees is one of my favourite ways to explore in-camera multiple exposure. The next two images were made using just two exposures, carefully combined in-camera. That said, this technique can absolutely be recreated in post-processing if you prefer a bit more control. For both of these images, I also added a soft colour layer in Photoshop (clouds from a sunset) to give the background a gentle, dreamy tone. As always, a bit of playful experimentation can lead to some truly beautiful surprises—so don’t be afraid to try, tweak, and try again!
🌳 Top Tip: Blending Multiple Trees
Whether in-camera or in post, start with clean, simple foregrounds—they make all the difference when layering trees. Neutral tones and minimal distractions help the shapes merge more naturally. Try just two exposures to begin with, and don’t forget you can always add a soft overlay in editing to tie it all together. Keep playing—it’s where the magic happens!
A Multiple Exposure Photography Image of multiple trees
A multiple Exposure Photography image of multiple trees
Trees as a background layer
Trees don’t always need to take centre stage to make an impact. Sometimes, they work beautifully as a background layer, adding texture, warmth, and a little magic to a composition. The two images below feature very different main subjects, but in both cases, it’s the background—the golden light filtering through a Slovakian forest—that brings the image to life. These were both created in post-processing, using forest images as a soft, shimmering backdrop. Trees can bring richness and atmosphere, even when they’re not the main event.
🌲 Top Tip: Trees as Background Layers
Choose a forest or tree layer with brightness and space—it should enhance, not compete with, your subject. Use the Free Transform tool to adjust size and placement, and play with blending modes to find what works. A touch of light and colour in the trees can add a whole new mood to your shot.
And if you’d like a more detailed look at this technique, you can find it on my blog: Inspirations: How I made my Autumn Orange series
A Multiple Exposure Photography Image using a forest as a background
A Multiple Exposure Image using trees as a background to St Paul’s Cathedral
Whether you're layering birds, playing with ICM, or using trees as a dreamy backdrop, there are so many creative ways to bring trees to life in your photography. These techniques are just the start—experimentation, play, and a bit of patience often lead to the most exciting results. If you’re feeling inspired and want to explore these ideas more deeply, I’d love for you to join one of my upcoming courses or workshops. We dive into techniques like these (and lots more), with hands-on guidance and plenty of encouragement.
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Happy layering—and don’t forget, the trees are always ready to perform if you let them!