Digital Photography and Imaging : Week 5

22/10/2025 - 26/10/2025 ( Week 5 )

Chan Xin Yean, 0377851

Digital Photography and Imaging

Project 2A : Double Exposure 

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LECTURES

In this week's lecture we learned about double exposure. There were different methods on achieving the double exposure effect, which includes using the tilt-shift effect, creating fake reflections, editing silhouettes and more. 

Figure 1.0 Slide about double exposure

Teacher also showed us the blend modes on Adobe Photoshop and explained it was an experimental process using it and encourages us to try on different modes to get the results we want.

Figure 1.1 Slide about quick guides for Blend Modes in Photoshop

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROCESS WORK

Exercise 1 

Following the video teacher provided, I began masking the portrait.

Figure 2.0 Masking the portrait

Then, I edited the curve on the portrait to adjust the contrast of the portrait.

Figure 2.1 Editing the curve on the portrait

Then I masked the forest to the portrait and then duplicated another forest and flipped it to create a reflection effect.

Figure 2.2 Masking the forest to the potrait

Then i moved on to placing other elements ( birds and clouds ) to the picture after removing the backgrounds of the pictures.

Figure 2.3 Placed extra elements in the picture

Adding the gradient blending mode to the picture.

Figure 2.4 Gradient placed to the picture

Exercise 2

I searched for photos in the links teacher gave mainly black and white ones as it was recommended by teacher to try black and white photos to better convey the meaning behind the double exposure image. 

Figure 2.5 Downloaded photos from various given links

Then I chose a main picture as the portrait removed the background and edited the curve of the portrait to make it lighter. Then, I masked the other image to it. Then, I used the brush tool to show the face of the portrait.

Figure 2.6 Masked the image to the edited portrait

Then, I placed the background colour to my image and placed the mountains as the background image and used the brush tools to blend the edges of the photo to the black background.

Figure 2.7 Placed background colour and image

After that, I placed the clouds to make sure the portrait blends well to the background.

Figure 2.8 Placed the clouds to the image

Then, I added the gradient layer from the blending mode as I wanted the image to be bluer.

Figure 2.9 Added the gradient layer to the image

I also tried other background for this portrait while experimenting with compositions. But decided to stick with the original background after asking for teachers feedback.

Figure 2.10 The other background of this double exposure image

I also created another double exposure image as a practice to understand the tools for editing pictures, especially masking as I struggled last exercise ( removing the background for the birds with watermarks )

Figure 2.11 Other version of double exposure exercise

Final Outcome

Figure 2.12 Double Exposure Exercise 1, Week 5 (26/10/2025)

Figure 2.13 Double Exposure Exercise 2, Week 5 (26/10/2025)

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REFLECTION

In the Double Exposure exercise, I learned how to blend two different images using Adobe Photoshop. The process involved experimenting with layer masks, blending modes, and adjustment layers to merge a portrait with another image such as a landscape or texture. At first, it was challenging to smoothen the two images to make both images appear naturally connected. In the end, I understand how image selection and balance curve play a big role in creating a smooth composition. While working, I observed that photos with similar tones and shades of black and white blend more effectively. Small changes in adding gradient layer or brightness made a big difference in the final look. From this exercise, I found that double exposure is both technical and creative. I learned to balance editing while still focus on visual harmony and meaning. Overall, the experience strengthened my Photoshop skills and taught me how to combine images in a more expressive way.