Hi All, here is another technique to experiment with that I am learning. Before you say your camera can't do this, research it - most newer cameras can but since we don't use the feature often, we don't know it's there. Look for a 'multiple exposure' function.
So.... I posted the last image below to my profile and explained that it is a 10 image multiple exposure done to get the smooth creamy water effect. Chris asked me why I would choose in-camera multiple exposure rather than a long exposure. Good question! I thought I'd share here in case anyone would like to try this.
When you do a multiple exposure, 'white' or light exposed image will cover 'black' or less exposed. You can test this by taping a piece of black paper to a white wall. Take the first image of this set up. Now go outside and take the next shot of a flower. The portion over the white wall will look like a ghost but the portion. Over the black paper will be much more crisp.
When I had a chace to take these peir images, it was a bright, cloudy day. I was shooting in black and white as contrast was the only real benefit of the light. (Image 1) But, it was too bright for me to get a long exposure that worked for me. I really wanted that smooth sea! But, if I set up to take multiple exposures, the layered repetition on the water would mute the detail in the water. You just need to be very careful not to even slightly juggle the camera so the area you want crispness like the peir stay lined up. (Image 2) I really wanted the peir to fade into negative space though so using the idea above that I could cover 'black' with 'white', I over exposed the last 2 of the 10 images. This essentially blew out the highlights covering fine detail in the brightest areas like the water and sky but didn't effect the peir. This let me take this image in the middle of the afternoon on a bright day. (Image 3)
I am going to be experimenting with this multiple exposure more. I hope to see some other folks play with this as well! It would be fun to learn together.
Which camera system?
Hi Vijay - i am a diehard Pentax fan. Because the company doesn't spend any money participating in the marketing battle of Nikon/Cannon/Fuji brand war, they have lower overhead and can put more pro features in their cameras (this is my theory). I use a Pentax K3, an affordable camera loaded with pro features. On most cameras, however, the multi exposure feature will be in the same menu as the timer.
Hi Ruth. I originally wanted to know if Pentax has multiple exposure system in it and that it can also composite them to image 3 output in camera itself.
It has the ability to combine over 1,000 images in camera, although why that many .... One issue I have is that it combines them into one image and the data associated withthe final image is only that of the first image so you don't have the details of all the details of the components.
I normally don't like lots of blank empty spaces but the third is great. Rules are made to be broken. Spooky.
Thanks Charles!!
Hi Ruth, great to see you pushing the envelope once again and bringing your experiences to the group.
As an FYI - The white over black discussion works much the same in ICM photography. In this case you have to be extremely aware of bright areas in the image as they will overpower all when the camera is moved (light trumps dark...).
Perhaps the main difference between the 10 exposures (ME) and LE is the fact that ME will overlay (10) distinct captures where light will dominate, whereas in LE the light is aggregated over time.
I can see both giving slightly different results depending on the subject. I haven't looked into your ME technique but am intrigued to see results, especially in any cases you find where it might provide a distinct result.
Keep shooting!