How to: Use the In Focus - Out of focus Technique for Multiple Exposure Photography
In camera Multiple Exposure image of a palm tree
So this is a technique that is great to get yourself started with in camera work. Not only is it simple but it is also very effective, a lot of fun and can introduce you to the delights of in camera multiple exposure whilst also getting you results you will love!
So what are you waiting for?
Find the multiple exposure setting on your camera - if you have a Canon R6 mark ii click on THIS BLOG, a Fujifilm X-T5 click on THIS BLOG otherwise look into your manual.
Turn on the setting using 2 images and if you have a choice of blend mode start with average
Practise taking one image that is sharp. Then, for your second exposure defocus your image, move the camera around until the blur is where you want it and voila! You can use the viewfinder for this if you have a mirrorless camera - or you can use the back screen. I find that it is easier to make the sharp image first and then put on the second layer - in average it doesn’t matter which image is first in terms of look. How much you want to defocus and move is up to you - there is no right or wrong with this technique, just what you want it to look like.
In the opening picture I have taken a sharp palm tree and then zoomed in a little closer and defocussed my second exposure to put the sharp palm in the middle. You can also see it does interesting things to the parts of the image that overlap (look at the trunk!)
In camera Multiple Exposure image of flowers
Above is an example of when I use in focus - out of focus in camera multiple exposure technique with lots of flowers together. I find that this is really good for filling those annoying gaps that occur with a lot of flowers together. In this case I took the sharp image first followed by composing the unfocused exposure so that they lay in the gaps. (I also cheated a little and added an extra texture layer with a blend mode in post processing to get that lovely blue!!)
A Multiple Exposure Image of flamingos
In the image above I have used this technique on birds. Now, you do have to have some birds that aren’t moving very much to get this to work properly!! However when you do, it can be really effective and creates a painterly feel for our feathered friends. These flamingos were taken at Martin Mere Wetland Centre near Liverpool and were most obliging!
A sunflower double exposure image using the in focus out of focus technique
So this picture is also an in focus - out of focus double exposure but this time I defocused the second exposure, a petal, so much it was just a swathe of colour. This can produce some really interesting effects and does give a lovely smooth look - maybe save this until it is a bit less chilly but do try it!
An in camera Multiple Exposure image made using the light mode
Once you have got to grips with the average mode and what it will produce for you then, if your camera has these settings, have a go with light and dark mode. Light mode takes the lightest part of the exposures and puts that in your final image. This one is a sharp image overlaid with an out of focus exposure but I have moved the out of exposure image slightly so it creates a bit of a halo. This won’t work with all scenes, if there is a lot of light areas in your scene it will work better. Try it and see!
An in camera Multiple Exposure image using the in focus- out of focus technique
You have probably seen the image above as it is one of my favourites but it is also a really good example of using this technique with two different subjects. Obviously the model is sharp and the sign, which was situated behind him, has been enlarged and defocused. If I had left the sign sharp it would have been a real conflict between the two exposures and would have made the image far too busy so defocusing the one with the least detail gives a more coherent picture.
Go ahead - start your 1025 with creativity and do let me know how you get on - tag me on instagram or facebook or drop me an e-mail! If you have liked this article please do let me know in the comments below :) And if you have done in focus - out of focus and want another challenge then do visit my blog on double exposure photography.
If you have been inspired then do check out my workshops and courses as well.
Below I have added some extra images just for more inspiration - Have fun!
