The "Un-Collage" Collage, Part 1

The Return [Canon 5D]
December 8, 2006
(click in the image for a larger version)

This is not a double exposure, nor a digital collage. It is a single exposure made looking in through a window combining the items behind the glaass and the reflections on the outside of the glass. I have no problem with either double-exposures or digital collages but since it does look like it could be one or the other, I thought I would clarify the method. The only Photoshop work is basic brightness and contrast adjustments and color tinting, both globally and locally. The original raw capture with no adjustments, as well as the Layers palette of the final master image, are posted below for comparison (click in the small image to see a slightly larger version).

One of the reasons I am posting this (apart from the fact that I think it's a very cool image with a lot of potential meanings swirling around) is to float the idea that you don't necessarily have to use multiple images in order to create what appears to be a multiple image collage. Window reflections, such as in the image above, are probably the easiest way to accomplish this. Of course, you are at the mercy of photographic chance and serendipity with this method, hoping to find something interesting, both in terms of the scene behind the glass and what is reflected on the outside of the glass.

If the window in question is near where you live, then you can take the time to study the scene and note at what time of the day the reflections are the best. Then you can take time to study the weather and the skies, looking for moments when there are interesting clouds, or, simply, interesting juxtapositions with the "outside world".  The random chance nature of this type of image makes finding one something really special and totally unexpected in the midst of an ordinary day (I stopped to take this after dropping my daughter off at kindergarten).

Of course, if you still shoot with film cameras, then planned double-exposures (or multiple exposures) can still be made the old-fashioned way. And, if like me, you like to shoot with Holga or Diana cameras that can take a picture without the film being advanced first, then there is always the possibility of accidental double-exposures. The results from these unplanned double-exposures are sometimes frustrating and disappointing, but can often lead to very intriguing and pleasingly unexpected images. Some digital cameras can also combine multiple shots into a single image in-camera.

If you're curious as to just what this scene is showing, it's a tiny (one small room) natural history collectible shop that is a new addition to our town. It's full of the skulls of beasts, birds and reptiles...including a human skeleton (not sure if it's real or not...I haven't been inside yet); anatomical figures such as the one in these photos; giant insects in glass cases, bones, animal skins, fossils, stuffed animals, etc. This small shop is only open for limited hours on Fridays and Saturdays. I plan on stopping by later this week to check it out from the inside. If any interesting images are discovered, I'm sure they will find their way here. In the meantime, I have another reflection photo from this window that I will be posting on Wednesday morning.

(UPDATE 12-13-06: this anatomical model is no longer in the shop)

Comments

[jeff]

that one is cool Sean, looking forward to "part 2"

[Sean]

Hey, thanks, Jeff. Good to hear from you!