Rediscovering double exposures: a playful approach to in-camera photography

In 2011, I wrote a tutorial about shooting my in-camera double exposures. I shot these on my Nikon D700, a DSLR that had just implemented this feature. Back then, there wasn’t much information available—I learned by trial and error, like most self-taught photographers did. I remember feeling surprised that so few people seemed to be experimenting with digital double exposures.

What I’ve learned along the way is just how important the process of learning and exploration has been for my growth. It wasn’t through masterclass videos, strict rules, or guided steps—it was through a playful approach, free of high expectations. I wasn’t hard on myself. I didn’t even imagine that I’d ever sell my work, let alone become a photographer.

“Miss Shyness“ – 2012, in-camera double exposure.

“Blessings“ – 2012, in-camera triple exposure.

In the summer of 2012, my work went viral, and a new chapter began. I was no longer a graphic designer but an art photographer. That shift taught me the value of embracing creativity without pressure, a lesson I carry with me today. I still strive to balance the hunger to refine my voice and vision with the freedom to experiment and grow.

As I look back on that journey, I’ve decided to revisit and rewrite that tutorial. This time, the focus won’t be on how to recreate my exact works but on understanding the basics of in-camera double exposures and, more importantly, how to approach them with the right mindset. My goal is to help you explore this technique with curiosity and creativity—no pressure, no high expectations, just the joy of discovery.

I’ll be incorporating insights from my book, Dubbelexponerat (currently only available in Swedish), to provide a deeper perspective. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback might even shape the direction of future tutorials and projects.