Task 3 Further Techniques

Katie Torpey

Multiple Exposure

Multiple ExposureMultiple 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.

Harris Shutter

Harris ShutterThe 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.

Scanography

ScanographyScanography 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.