Discover the creative magic of layering in multiple exposure photography. Over three weeks, explore three different ways that layers can transform your images, from repeating familiar subjects to introducing texture and playing with beautiful bokeh.

Each week, you’ll learn a new technique and be given a creative challenge to help you put your new skills into practice. The challenges are designed to encourage experimentation, help you see familiar subjects in new ways and inspire you to develop your own creative approach to multiple exposure photography.

Week 1 – Layering the Same Subject (22nd September)

Discover the creative possibilities of photographing the same subject multiple times and combining those layers within a single image. Explore how repetition, movement and subtle changes in composition can transform a straightforward subject into something much more abstract and expressive.

You will learn how to:

• Use multiple layers of the same subject to create repetition and movement.
• Experiment with small changes in position and composition between exposures.
• Create more abstract and expressive images from familiar subjects.
• Consider how the relationship between your layers can create a sense of balance and visual flow.
• Build intentional compositions rather than simply duplicating your subject.
• Use the Free Transform tool to resize, rotate and reposition layers to create more creative and unexpected compositions.

Weekly Creative Challenge: Use the Free Transform tool to create a finished image using multiple layers of the same subject, experimenting with the size, position and orientation of each layer to create an intentional composition.

Week 2 – The Magic of Textures (29th September)

Textures can completely transform the mood, atmosphere and visual impact of a photograph. Explore how you can introduce texture as an additional layer within your multiple exposures to create depth, interest and unexpected effects – without the need for complicated masking techniques.

You will learn how to:

• Introduce textures as creative layers within your multiple exposures.
• Explore how different textures interact with your main subject.
• Transform the mood and atmosphere of your images using texture.
• Experiment with different blend modes and discover how each one can dramatically change the look, feel and impact of your texture layers.
• Create depth, interest and unexpected visual effects.

Weekly Creative Challenge: Experiment with texture layers and different blend modes to transform an image, exploring how changing the blend mode can completely alter the mood and appearance of your final multiple exposure.

Week 3 – Playing with Bokeh (6th October)

Explore the creative potential of bokeh as a layer in your multiple exposure photography. Discover how bokeh of different sizes, shapes and densities can be combined with your main subject to create atmosphere, depth and a sense of magic.

You will learn how to:

• Use bokeh as an intentional creative layer rather than simply as a background effect.
• Experiment with bokeh of different sizes and densities.
• Explore bokeh created from different sources and discover how the characteristics of each can influence your final image.
• Move and position your bokeh layers in specific places within your image to create intentional and carefully considered compositions.
• Create images with a sense of light, magic and visual intrigue.

Weekly Creative Challenge: Create a multiple exposure using bokeh as a key creative element, experimenting with bokeh from different sources and moving the bokeh to specific areas of your image to create a deliberate and intentional composition.

A fun and inspiring three-week journey into the creative possibilities of multiple exposure photography. With new techniques to explore and a creative challenge each week, The Magic of Layers will encourage you to experiment, play and discover the magic that can happen when you start thinking in layers.

Janina Wilde is an award-winning educator with over 25 years of experience in education and seven years specialising in multiple exposure photography. She is the founder of Wilde Photography Academy, offering online courses and in-person workshops in the UK and abroad.  A passionate and engaging speaker, Janina is known for inspiring photographers to see creativity – in a whole new way.One of MyPhotoClub’s most popular tutors – don’t miss this!