Multiple exposure is a technique where two or more exposures are combined into a single image. This can be done on film by exposing the film multiple times without advancing to the next frame, or on digital cameras which have a multiple exposure setting. The Harris shutter technique exposes the same frame through different colored filters, resulting in colors appearing around moving subjects based on the filter color. Scanography involves arranging objects on a scanner glass and scanning them to create abstract digital images with fine details and a shallow depth of field. Special care must be taken with delicate objects and the scanner glass.
3. Multiple Exposure
Multiple exposure is when in photography two or more exposures are used which then combines into one single
image. Double exposure has a similar meaning however this is just when 2 exposures are used. Multiple
exposures are created when film is exposed multiple times or on a camera it is when the shutter is opened more
than one. This creative technique is used to create abstract images and is often used within experimental
photography. On traditional winding camera it is created by having one exposure then moving onto the next
frame straight away. On more modern DSLR cameras they often have a setting to create a multiple exposure
images. The recommended light to take double exposures on is medium to low and also a tripod may also be
useful if using different scenes in one shot. Care will have to be taken when using a multiple exposure to make
sure that the film is not too overexposed.
To create a double exposure using a digital software such as Photoshop it is recommended to use a textured
background such as trees or flowers as it will allow the foreground image to be visible and clear. For the
foreground image a high contrast Silhouette image will have a better outcome. Opening both of the images in
Photoshop is the first step. Next the foreground image will need to be selected and then the transform tool of
‘screen’. This will create a double exposure image the opacity and the brightness can also be adjusted within
Photoshop.
As technology is developing it is also possible to carry out a multiple exposure effect on smart phones. This is
because Apple have created a new app which allows people to take photos of different frames the iPhone app
can then blend the two images together to create a multiple exposure. Although that this is a very useful and
easy method to create multiple exposures the quality may not be as high. The multiple exposure apps are called
‘InstaBlend’ and also ‘PicMerge’ these are free apps which are easy and effective to use.
5. Harris Shutter
The Harris shutter is a type of experimental photography. The Harris shutter was created by Robert S. Bob
Harris of Kodak. He created this effect when he was experimenting with different exposures and filters. The
Harris shutter is the outcome when the same frame is exposed through different filters. These filters can be any
colour however the strongest and most effective colours to use are generally red, green, blue and yellow. By
making sure that the camera is still this will make sure that the quality of the frames are high and that they are
clear instead of being blurry. The image will then generate and combine all the exposures together to create
one image. Anything which moves during the exposure will generate a colour around them depending on the
colour of the filter. The effect of this has been used in different occasions some examples of things which are
good subjects to use when using the Harris shutter include waterfalls, people walking, clouds blowing, trains
and also moving vehicles. Generally anything which moves would be a good subject to use within the Harris
shutter effect.
To achieve this effect a camera will have to be used which has the setting of having multiple exposures, the
camera will also need to allow filters to be changed on the front of the lens. If this cant be completed then
another option is to have a drop through filter which includes 3 colored gels and two opaque sections which
can be dropped through a filter holder during exposure. Although that this method is quite straight forward
there is also other options available to create this technique. This includes using a digital software such as
Photoshop or paint shop. All which is needed to successful create a Harris Shutter effect is to take 3 images in
the same place however moving the subjects within the frame. Using Photoshop selecting the red channel
from one image and combining it with the blue and green channels from the other exposures this will also
create a Harris Shutter effect. As well as being able to do this using a photo editing software will also allow any
mistakes to be corrected also different results can be attained by adjusting the RGB channel of each layer.
Smart phones can also access apps which can include Harris Shutter effects. These apps are a quick and easy
way to obtain this technique of experimental photography. The apps which are available to download on
IPhone include ‘HarrisCamera’ and also ‘HarrisShutter’ Although that these apps cost from 69p-99p they are
very easy to understand and can have good results.
7. Scanography
Scanography is a technique used in experimental photography. The process involves using a high quality
scanner and also other objects which can be arranged on the scanning screen. The idea of Scanography
firstly came from early artists who used photo copiers to create their artwork. Landy Sheridan who was an
artist, was one of the first people to explore this technique, that art can be created by using the process of
photocopying. This meant that photo copiers were often used for artwork rather than copying files.
Scanography is most successful when different objects are arranged on the glass which results in an
abstract image of different of shapes. The successes of using Scanography is that the scanners can process
very fine detail along with a shallow depth of field which gives a more abstract effect to the image. As well
as this benefit, the scanners also produce a digital file which can be accessed on a laptop which is useful if
anything needs to be corrected on editing programmes. Most photographers or artists would use editing
software after it has been scanned as this allows them to touch up on any incorrections it also allows a
level of control of the brightness, contrast and also other effects.
Special care must be taken when using scanners as it is possible for the glass to break or get scratched.
Using objects which will create an abstract effect is also an important factor in Scanography. Examples of
things which could be used include flowers, plants, books, paper, strings, buttons and also CD’s. All these
examples could be used in a creative abstract way. A technique which could be used in Scanography also
includes movement. By placing a hand on the scanner and moving it from left to right can create a
distortion effect to the hand which creates a unique and interesting look.
