Multiple exposure.
Exposing the film or paper more than once, thereby creating a combined image.
So if you want to create an image of a friend as a ghost, a popular Victorian photographic activity, simply take one photo of your friend against a dark background then, without winding the film, take another photo of the background against which you want him or her to appear. Instant positive proof of ectoplasmic paranormal phenomena!
Most cameras today automatically wind the film to the next frame when you take a photo, so you will need to use the camera’s multiple exposure setting (if available) to pull off this stunt. This setting is commonly indicated on cameras by the letters ME or the multiple exposure icon. Some mechanical film cameras don’t advance the film if you keep the film rewind button pressed whilst cocking the shutter.
This sort of multiple exposure usually isn’t possible with digital cameras, but with digital cameras you can simply composite the images together in a photo editing program anyhow.
cf. ghost.
Entry last updated 2002-04-06. Term 821 of 1487.
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