Multiplicity Guide
Photos - 0.
Where - Hellingly.
Posted - 7 January 2007.
A little micro-tutorial from me. I think this one is about something called multiplicity, but don't know if that's it's exact name. Basically it means that the same subject is in a "photo" several times...
Take photos
This is important - you need a tripod. This means that your camera is always taking exactly the same photos (apart from your multi-subject). Your camera will also need a timer, or even better, a remote control.
I wish I was nearer in this second picture..
Layers
Open all of your photos in a program like Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop. It doesn't really matter which, as long as it can deal with layers.
I put the furthest picture of me as the bottom layer, and the nearest at the top. You'll see why soon.
Here are the two photos on top of each other. I've set the transparency of the top layer to 50% so you can see what we're aiming for...
Cutting
On the top layer, you need to do some selecting. When making your selection, be sure to have some feathering. A high number is quite good, but not stupidly high - I usually find a value which approximately doubles the width of the subject being selected sufficient.
Delete the area that you have selected, and you should end up with something like this...
The background me is totally solid. This is because I deleted an area of the top (semi-transparent) layer.
Why feather?
Feathering basically softens the edges of your selection. Without it, your selection will have harsh edges, like this - see background me, and floor underneath...
The finished picture
I've made the top layer non-transparent again.
Woa. Me, in two places at the same time. Magic. When I first showed someone the picture, they thought a girl was in the background (I wish..!).
That was quite simple. The possibilities are endless though. You don't have to settle with two pics. You can do it in front of a mirror. You can use cars. Allsorts.
If you're trying more than two subjects, remember to delete larger selections from the higher layers..
Your Comments
Posted 24 February 2007, 20:20 From Lightbuoy
Hi Dab,
Excellent - very clever too. The fun you can have with this must be almost endless - (for example, how about you, you & only you at a football match?!!!) Nice site updates too. Keep it goin' dude!
Lb.
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