Double Exposures by Paige Gabert

So thrilled to feature these images from Paige Gabert! Bring on the double exposures!

One of the most fun ways to experiment with film is through double exposures. The frame on the roll of film is exposed twice, creating a layering effect of two different images. Many film cameras will have a switch to put the camera into multiple exposure mode, and, with this method, the two layered images are shot right after each other.

But there is another way to do double exposures! An entire roll of film is shot normally. Then, before the roll is developed, the film is loaded into the camera again, and shot for a second time. This process works really well with 35mm film. After the roll of film is shot once, the leader on the film roll will just need to be pulled out of the film canister to reload the film. Here’s a video on how to pull the leader out of a film canister. Paige’s film project featuring double exposures with vintage cars and flowers uses this method.

Here are a few words from Paige about this awesome project:

I always try to mix in personal work during the summer when I’m so busy photographing weddings and family. I decided to really push myself with this project for two reasons; Shooting 35mm is always tough for me because I can never finish a darn roll. It takes me forever! AND shooting a roll of film twice can be difficult and very mysterious! You never really know what the outcome will be.

The first images I shot on the roll were of some classic cars during the 28th Street Metro Cruise in Grand Rapids. It was pretty gloomy out, and I wasn’t sure how the photos themselves would look. But, I used Ektar 100 film and knew that the colors would pop even if the sun wasn’t shining.

The second set of images I shot were at the local Flowerland. I just love all the colors and textures of the flowers. I thought they would make a perfect overlay on the classic car images.

I love the way the photos turned out. They are perfect even when they aren’t. Such a fun experiment and I recommend it to any film shooter, no matter their experience!

Things to remember: Review how to take the film tab out of the film roll once the first set of images is shot. I must have spent an hour in my car in front of the flower shop trying to figure it out! Haha.

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