How many exposures can I make on one frame?
There is no limit to the amount of exposures you can do in one frame. (As long as you have a camera that enables multiple exposures of course)
Double exposures are the most popular and even multiple exposures of up to four or five layers are common. However in rare cases photographers will push the concept even further, layering 10, 20, or even 50 exposures on one image. Photos made in this way are often characterized by dream-like and mysterious haziness.
When layering this many exposures into one photograph there are some technical things to consider. For example The problem of overexposure is a challenge that needs to be overcome, as you are exposing the film to a lot of light by layering so many images. For this reason, the use of an ND filter can be helpful.
Getting your camera settings right when taking this many exposures is tricky. But if you’re willing to go through a trial and error phase, you’re sure to end up with your ideal aperture and shutter speed eventually.
It’s also important to think about composition. Simple scenes work best, as anything busy will be difficult to visually decipher. Photographers using this technique will often choose a single subject and capture it from the same angle multiple times to create a resulting image that is soft and impressionistic.
Anything missing?
Can’t find an answer to your question? Or do you have some useful advice to add to one of our courses? We want to build the world’s largest analogue learning space, so please send any further requests or information to school@lomography.com and we’ll take a look!
Photos From Other Students
Do you want to see your photos featured here for all Lomo School students to see? If you think your photos fit this article just tag them with “multiple exposure”. We take a look at all these photos and select our favorites. See all photos tagged with “multiple exposure” here.
More Courses
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What are the best techniques for taking multiple exposure photos?
Multiple exposures are one of the best ways to push your creativity with film photography. Here are a few techniques to help you take your photos to the next level.
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What is a multiple exposure?
Multiple exposures (or MX) are photographs in which two or more images are superimposed in a single frame, and they’re super easy to create using your analogue camera. Set an image of a train against a field of flowers, or prop your friend’s face against an image of a city skyline to create enchanting and surreal images.
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What is EBS?
EBS is short for Expose Both Sides, which is a technique in analogue photography wherein you do just that. You first load and shoot your film like you normally would. Once finished, remove and reload the film, but this time with the opposite side of the emulsion facing towards the lens. The EBS technique produces redscale-like, otherworldly double exposures.
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What is the best type of 35 mm film for double exposures?
Multiple exposures can be made with any type of film, but we recommend using black and white or color negative rather than E-6 slide film because it has a wider exposure latitude, meaning it can handle over or under exposure very well.
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How can I shoot multiple exposures with my LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back?
Taking multiple exposures with the LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back is quite an easy process. Just follow these simple steps to master the technique:
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What are the best film cameras for creating multiple exposures?
Most Lomography cameras have a Multiple Exposure button or switch, easily recognisable by the MX icon.
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Can I do multiple exposures with my Simple Use Reloadable Film Camera?
There is no multiple exposure button on our Simple Use Reloadable Film Cameras. After taking a photo the shutter button will be locked until you advance the film wheel for the next exposure. However it is always possible to find ways of making multiple exposures.
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What is a film swap?
A film swap is when two people shoot the same roll of film to create combined images (or double exposures.) The first person shoots the film, then rewinds it and gives it to the second person, who will shoot the same roll of film again, creating images over the top of the first layer.
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How to do multiple exposures with an instant camera?
Lomography Instant cameras have a multiple exposure button or switch (labelled MX). This allows you to expose one frame as many times as you like, easily creating incredible layered effects.