Mastering Double Exposure with the Pentax 645 NII

I'm obsessed with images that are created by double exposures. The combined images are so artistic and lovely. The textures and silhouettes combine in a way that turns an ordinary image into a story. I appreciate the way you can plan and see how double exposures work on a digital camera, but I love even more the surprise that comes when you do it with film!

Double exposure is a creative technique that allows photographers to combine two images into one frame, resulting in stunning, layered visuals. The Pentax 645 NII is a medium-format camera that makes it easy to achieve this effect. In this blog, I'll guide you through the steps to take a successful double exposure with your Pentax 645 NII.


What You Need

  • Pentax 645 NII Camera: Ensure your camera is in good working condition.
  • Film: Choose a color or black-and-white film that suits your creative vision. (B&W film creates more contrast but color negative film with work wonderfully too!)
  • Tripod (optional): For stability, especially if you're capturing static subjects.
  • Creative Ideas: Think about the themes or subjects you want to layer.


Step-by-Step Guide to Double Exposure

1. Understanding the Camera Settings

The Pentax 645 NII allows you to shoot double exposures in a straightforward way. First, familiarize yourself with the camera’s settings, particularly how to enable the double exposure feature. On my camera there is a little dial on the left hand side of the body of the camera and it slides allowing me to stop the film from progressing.

  • Select the Double Exposure Mode: This mode allows you to expose the film twice without advancing it, so you can layer your images effectively.


2. Plan Your Shots

Before you start shooting, it’s essential to plan the images you want to combine. Consider the following:

  • Contrast and Complement: Choose images that contrast or complement each other. For example, you might pair a portrait with a landscape or an abstract pattern.
  • Composition: Think about how the two images will interact. Will one be dominant, or do you want them to be equally visible?

I always like to layer a silhouette of parents or children and then overlay it with something that has a lot of texture or dimension to it such as rocks, flowers, buildings, waves, landscapes, etc.


3. Shoot the First Exposure

  • Set Your Scene: Frame your first shot carefully. Use a tripod if you want to maintain alignment for the second exposure.
  • Focus and Adjust Settings: Focus on your subject and set the appropriate aperture and shutter speed based on the lighting conditions.
  • Take the Shot: Capture your first exposure. Make sure to take note of any specific elements you want to highlight in the next exposure.

I try to make sure that I underexpose this images so that the final images details aren't blown out.


4. Prepare for the Second Exposure

  • Recompose Your Shot: Now that you’ve taken the first exposure, it’s time to compose the second. Depending on your vision, you might want to change angles or subjects entirely.
  • Mind the Light: Be aware of the lighting for your second shot, as it will affect the final image. If you're layering a darker image over a lighter one, consider how the contrast will play out.

Make sure when you take the second image that you position the camera in the same way such as landscape or portrait . This will make sure your image has the same orientation.


5. Shoot the Second Exposure

  • Adjust Settings if Necessary: Depending on the lighting, you might need to adjust your camera settings. I try to expose the second image normally.
  • Capture the Image: Take the second shot, ensuring you keep the camera steady to avoid unintentional blur.


6. Develop and Print Your Film

Once you’ve completed your double exposure, develop your film. I send mine off to my trusted lab called Photovision Prints. If you’re using a lab, make sure they know it’s a double exposure so they can handle it appropriately. I recommend practicing when you aren't in a hurry and try using at least a whole role of film ( or more!) . Make sure to bring along a notebook and take detailed notes of your thoughts and steps during the process. By doing this, you can later refer to your negatives and compare them to your images to see what went right or wrong during your experiment.


7. Post-Processing

After you have your prints or scans, you can enhance your double exposure digitally if desired. Adjusting contrast, saturation, and sharpness can help bring your vision to life.


Tips for Successful Double Exposures

  • Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different subjects and settings. Some of the best double exposures come from unexpected combinations. I've given you tips and advice but feel free to mess around. Some of my very favorite photos are ones that were complete accidents.
  • Keep Notes: Document your settings and subjects for future reference. This will help you understand what works best.
  • Practice: The more you practice, the better your eye will become for composition and layering.


Conclusion

Creating double exposures with the Pentax 645 NII is a rewarding process that encourages creativity and experimentation. By following these steps and keeping an open mind, you can produce captivating images that tell a story or evoke emotion. Grab your camera, start shooting, and let your imagination take flight! This process looks a little bit different to do digitally but the concepts and basics are the same. Film loves light so if you accidentally over or under exposure you'll should be fine as you practice. If you are trying this with your digital camera, make sure not to blow out your highlights as digital cameras struggle a bit with really bright lights. The best tip of all: Don't forget the magic of double exposures is that they don't have to be perfect!