Ok so this is one of my absolute favorite things to talk about… double exposure photography Cleveland clients have been asking me about more and more – and I am so excited to finally dig into it here! These are honestly some of my most favorite images I have ever made. Of course every photograph I make is a piece of art in its own right – the candid moment of siblings running through a field, a mom nuzzling her newborn, a couple sharing a quiet cup of coffee. Those are art. Full stop. But double exposures and overlays just add a different kind of layer to that. Let’s get into it!

by Alison Nicole Photography | Cleveland Lifestyle Photographer

What Are Double Exposures and Overlays?

A double exposure happens when I layer two images together to create one single image. You can do this in camera – on both film and digital – or in post processing after a session. As a result the image feels dreamy, layered, interesting, and totally different from anything you would typically see in a lifestyle photography gallery.

An overlay is similar – taking one image and layering another on top in post to add depth, color, bokeh, texture, and interest. For example, think soft petals drifting across a portrait. Or light filtering through leaves layered over a couple holding each other. Something that makes you look twice and feels like more than a single photograph – but still deeply rooted in real moments.

Additionally double exposures and overlays work for all types of sessions – families, newborns, branding, seniors, and couples. No matter the session type, there is almost always an opportunity to create something really special this way.

Double Exposure Photography Cleveland – Film

I shoot some of my double exposures on film which is a whole different and honestly magical experience. Specifically shooting double exposures on film means literally exposing the same frame twice – layering two photographs together in the most physical, tangible way possible. Because of that there is an element of surprise since you cannot fully predict how the two images will blend. Sometimes the result is something you could never have planned. In fact those unexpected outcomes are honestly the best part! As a result, embracing the imperfections and the surprises has led to some of my most beautiful and unique work. For instance one of my all time favorites is a film double exposure of a mother and daughter – it is one of those images that just stops you in your tracks (below). The entire section below shows double exposures that were made on film.

Blind Doubles – My Personal Favorite

Blind doubles are something I am absolutely obsessed with – even though I have only done them in my personal work so far. Basically a blind double is when you shoot an entire roll of film, rewind it, and then shoot over it again without knowing where anything will line up. So essentially you are shooting completely blind over images you have already made. Results are totally unpredictable and completely one of a kind. Furthermore no two will ever be the same! Giving up that much control and trusting the process feels really freeing as an artist. Therefore bringing these into more creative sessions down the road is definitely on my list! The section below shows some of my blind double images from a family weekend away this past fall.

Double Exposure Photography Cleveland – Digital

Double exposures are not just a film thing – you can absolutely do them on a digital camera in camera too, and I love doing this! Going digital gives you a little more control over the blending while still creating that beautiful layered effect. Also my Lensbaby lenses get a lot of use when I am shooting images for overlays and double exposures. The dreamy, creative quality they produce makes them perfect source material for layering. In other words soft focus, beautiful bokeh, and gorgeous light play all translate so beautifully when blended with another image.

Overlays Done in Post – and Why That Still Feels Meaningful

I handle most of my double exposures and overlays after the session in post processing. However this matters more than you might think – it is definitely not just a filter or a quick edit.

Every overlay I create uses only images I have taken myself. In other words no stock photos or textures from the internet – just my photographs layered with photographs from your session. Whenever possible those source images come from the same session or location too. For example that might be flowers growing in your yard, light pouring through your windows, trees we were standing among, the beautiful sky during sunset or sunrise, or water at the lake. Whatever is part of your world becomes part of the image. Because of that the overlay is personal and meaningful rather than just decorative.

Also worth noting – you always get the original image without the overlay in your gallery too. So nothing is lost. You just get something extra on top of what you already have!

Double Exposure Photography Cleveland – Real Session Examples

Here are just some of the ways double exposures and overlays have shown up across different sessions…

• A newborn nestled in their parents’ arms with soft flowers from their own garden blooming across the image
• A couple standing together with the light and leaves from the woods layered into the portrait
• A family at home with the light from their windows woven through the image beautifully
• A lake session where the water, bokeh, and reflections become part of the portrait itself
• A film double exposure of a mother and daughter that is just one of my all time favorites
• A branding session where layers of color and texture make the subject really pop – especially when they are your branding colors
• A senior portrait that looks like nothing anyone else in their class will have
• A creative session with a band using elements from our location

These are the images that stop people mid-scroll. In short they are the ones that get shared, saved, printed big, and hung on walls. Of course regular photographs are absolutely worth all of that too – but these have an extra something that is really hard to put into words until you see one.

Want Something a Little Different?

If you want photos that feel creative, layered, and unlike anything you have seen before – I would love to make something like that for you! Keep in mind double exposures and overlays are available as part of any session type including family, newborn, branding, headshot, senior, and couples sessions. Or if you prefer beautiful, real, genuine lifestyle photographs without any of the extra stuff – I am down for that too!

Either way, let’s make something you will treasure. Let’s chat!

Blog Circle

This blog post is part of a blog circle among photography friends of mine. Before you go I want you to check out Teresa’s Jefferson Patterson Park Engagement Session and the variety of locations and looks she got there!

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Alison Nicole Photography is a Cleveland lifestyle photographer serving families, newborns, brands, seniors, couples, and creatives. Serving Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Fairview Park, Avon, Avon Lake, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and beyond – and always up for travel!

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