The Things Unseen

Multiple Exposures

The technique of exposing a frame more than once first originated accidentally using film cameras. Sometimes photographers would forget to wind the film spool to the next frame after taking a shot. This produced over-exposed, ghost like images as the two shots overlapped in the same frame. As aesthetic appreciation of photography developed in recent decades, the use of multiple exposures as a recognised form of photographic abstraction has increased to the point that now some DSLR cameras offer the function as a creative shooting mode.

Like the Art movement known as ‘Cubism’ (1908-1914), multiple exposures allow us to see objects from several angles simultaneously, so that rather than see a single object or scene, we see an overall impression instead. I used the technique to create images that express the essence of the flower rather than showing a traditional representation. Shot with a macro lens, the surface of these images undulates between areas of sharp and soft focus, single and overlapping shapes and pale and intense colour. The anatomy of the flower is broken and replaced with glimpses from different angles. The image is transformed from a single flower to an expression of the sense of the flower as a broader idea.

Although this effect can be simulated using computer-editing tools, I prefer to rely upon the camera alone. With this method, it is not possible to plan compositions exactly because there are so many interacting elements such as shape, colour, light, translucence, etc, therefore it is difficult to know exactly how the two exposures will look after they combine. It is not until the camera processes the image that you see your result. The lack of total control over the process inspires me because it often produces spectacularly beautiful effects that are totally unexpected. Once again, the technique reveals the astounding beauty of our environment that largely remains unseen.

As the exhibition dates have been extended, the images will not be available for delivery until the second week of October, 2017.

The images cannot be rolled for postage, therefore,  the cost of postage/ delivery will be added according to your delivery address. International buyers should purchase the image here first, then will be contacted with delivery options.