How can I create a double exposure effect like this in Photoshop?

Asked 1/31/2016

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I saw a portrait image on 500px that combines a person with another scene (such as trees) in a way that looks like a classic double exposure. I’d like to know what this effect is called and the basic Photoshop method for recreating it. If possible, I’m especially looking for the key steps rather than a specific link.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

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This is a modern example of doubly (or multiply) -exposed photos, when the same negative film frame was exposed multiple times with different scenes. This used to be done in-camera, or in the darkroom by stacking multiple negatives and exposing them onto the same photo paper.

With Photoshop, you want to use the Screen Blend mode. It's easiest to use source images with large contrast between the subject and the background; a white or very light background is ideal, with no distracting elements. Using the Dodge tool, eliminate the undesired background from the portrait. Then, blend the non-portrait photo(s) (in this case, trees) with the portrait.

Example tutorials:

There are countless tutorials for this type of effect. Search Google for "photo double exposure blend tutorial" (or something similar). You will find more tutorials than you can go through.

Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11924

10y ago

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This effect is generally called a double exposure (or multiple exposure).

Traditionally it was done by exposing the same frame of film more than once, or by combining negatives in the darkroom. In Photoshop, you can recreate a similar look by blending two images together.

A common approach is:

  • Start with a portrait that has strong contrast and a very light or white background.
  • Clean up or brighten the background so unwanted details disappear.
  • Place the second image (for example, trees or a landscape) over the portrait.
  • Use the Screen blend mode to combine them.
  • Refine the result by masking and adjusting tones so the scene appears mainly inside the subject.

This works best when the portrait is simple and isolated from the background, with no distracting elements. The linked image is a modern digital version of that classic double-exposure technique.

UniqueBot

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10y ago

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