OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
Double Exposure Effect
Blend Two Photos Like Film Exposed Twice, With Screen, Multiply or Overlay
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How the Double Exposure Effect works
This double exposure effect layers two photos into one, the way film looks when the same frame is exposed twice. A classic pairing is a portrait silhouette filled with a forest, city or sky, popular for album covers and posters.
How to use the double exposure effect
Choose two photos at once. The base photo sets the output size, and the other is scaled to cover it. Screen blending mimics real film: dark areas of one photo let the other show through, while bright areas wash out. Raise or lower the strength of the second photo to balance them.
Picking the blend
Screen lightens and gives the classic airy look. Multiply darkens, keeping only where both photos are light, which suits bold silhouettes on white. Overlay boosts contrast and colour, and Lighten keeps the brighter pixel of the two.
Getting a clean silhouette
The best results start with a portrait on a plain white or bright sky background. Set Black and white base to make the portrait monochrome so the second photo provides all the colour.
Private by design
Both photos are blended in your browser, and neither is uploaded.
FAQ
What is a double exposure?
A double exposure is one frame that combines two images. On film cameras it happened when the film was not advanced between shots. Photographers now create it on purpose, in camera or in editing software.
Why do I need to select two photos at once?
The tool blends exactly two images, so pick both in the file dialog together or drop them in one go. If you choose more than two, only the first two are used.
My portrait disappears. What should I change?
The portrait background is probably too dark. Screen blending only lets the second photo show where the base is dark, so try Multiply instead, or brighten the background of the portrait first.
Do the two photos need to be the same size?
No. The second photo is scaled and centre-cropped to fill the base photo's frame, so any two sizes and orientations will work, though similar framing gives cleaner results.
See also: all Images tools, Audio, Video & Screen, PDF, SVG, Simulations & Screensavers, Generative Art, Chart Makers, 3D Model Viewers, Drawing Pads, Mockups & 3D Making, Diagram Makers, 3D Science, Tracker Music.
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