In-camera and post-processed multiple exposures can lead to evocative and poetic images. We look at some of the best from Photocrowd

‘Woman from the Misty Forest’ by Przmek, exposure unknown

In a previous post, we looked at some of the best composite photography on Photocrowd, which featured a range of surreal scenarios created through post-processing. In those images, our Photocrowd photographers were able to create strange and fantastical worlds where the laws of physics broke down and people could achieve the impossible.

This time around, we’re looking at how multiple exposures – created both in camera and using editing software – can be used to create abstract, artistic and poetic images. Multiple exposures, particularly those that blend portraits and landscapes, have experienced a renaissance thanks largely to things like the opening credit sequence of HBO’s hit series True Detective and a variety of advertisements. These images work due to the ways the elements are blended and juxtaposed – the results are always striking and strangely lyrical.

‘An Emptiness in My Heart (Invisible to You)’ by Seanen Middleton, Nikon D600, 35mm, 1/100sec at f/1.8, ISO 500

‘Autumnal Abstract’ by David Queenan, Fujifilm X-E2, 16-55mm, 1/240sec at f/5.6, ISO 800

‘Sorrow’ by Elena Paraskeva, Nikon D810, 50mm, 1/160sec at f/6.3, ISO 320

‘Self-Portrait’ by Tom Lowe, Canon EOS 6D, 50mm, 1/125sec at f/5.6, ISO 1600

‘Road to Nowhere’ by Ethan Smith, taken on an Apple iPhone

‘Dog and Furs’ by Dan Power, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 200mm, 1/320sec at f/2.8, ISO 100

‘Don’t Rely on Your Fate, Your Destiny is in Your Hands’ by Rooney, Sony A100, 50mm, 1/80sec at f/7.1, ISO 200

‘Nature’s Bouquet’ by Sharon Williams, Nikon D750, 50mm, 1/25sec at f/9, ISO 100

‘Sarah’ by Charmaine Jobert, Canon EOS 7D, 50mm, 1/160sec at f/4.5, ISO 1600

‘Lend me a Hand’ by Dan Power, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 17-40mm, 13secs at f/16, ISO 400

‘Tree’ by Jo Stephen, Canon EOS 450D, 18-55mm, 1/400sec at f/5.6, ISO 200

‘Dark Beauty’ by Sophie Merlo, Nikon D7000, 105mm, 1/60sec at f/5.6, ISO 500

‘Katrin, Vasa’ by Ulrica Wiik, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, 24-105mm, 1/250sec at f/14, ISO 100

‘As One’ by Visual Theatrics, Canon EOS 750D, 60mm, 1/125sec at f/5.6, ISO 400

Untitled by Pawel Majewski, Fujifilm X100S, 23mm, 1/30sec at f/2, ISO 250

Untitled by Jamie White, Canon EOS 7D, 24-105mm, 1/500sec at f/4, ISO 100

‘Giving the Life’ by Vladimir Polivanov LBIPP, exposure unknown