How To Make A Double Exposure In Photoshop

The double exposure effect blends two images into a single, dreamlike composition—typically combining a portrait with a landscape, texture, or abstract pattern. Originally created in-camera through film, this artistic technique is now easily achieved and fully controllable in Photoshop.

Choosing Your Images

The success of a double exposure depends largely on image selection:

For the base image (typically a portrait):

• Strong silhouette or profile works best
• Clean, simple background (or easy to remove)
• Good contrast between subject and background
• Solid areas where the second image will show through

For the fill image:

• Landscapes, trees, cityscapes, and textures work well
• Images with interesting shapes and patterns
• Consider the mood you want to create
• High contrast images produce more dramatic results

Method 1: Using Blend Modes

The quickest approach using layer blending:

1. Open your portrait image
2. Place your fill image as a new layer above (File > Place Embedded)
3. Position and scale the fill image where you want it to appear
4. Change the fill layer’s blend mode to Screen (for a light effect) or Multiply (for a dark effect)
5. Adjust the fill layer’s opacity to control intensity

Screen mode works by keeping light areas while allowing dark areas to become transparent—ideal when your portrait is on a white or light background. Multiply does the opposite, keeping dark areas visible.

Method 2: Using Clipping Masks

For more control over where the effect appears:

1. Extract your portrait subject from its background using Select Subject and Select and Mask
2. Place the extracted subject on its own layer
3. Add your fill image on a layer above the portrait
4. Right-click the fill layer and choose “Create Clipping Mask” (or press Ctrl/Cmd+Alt+G)
5. The fill image now appears only within the portrait silhouette
6. Change the fill layer’s blend mode to Screen or Lighten for the classic double exposure look

Refining the Effect

After creating the basic effect, enhance it with these adjustments:

Show the face clearly: Add a layer mask to the fill layer and paint with black over the face area to let the portrait show through naturally. Use a soft brush at varying opacities for gradual transitions.

Create depth: Duplicate your portrait layer and place it above the fill layer. Set it to Multiply or Soft Light at reduced opacity. This adds depth by bringing back some portrait detail.

Add a color grade: Use a Gradient Map or Color Lookup adjustment layer to unify the tones and create a cohesive color palette.

Enhance contrast: Add a Curves adjustment to increase contrast and make the effect pop.

Creative Variations

• Partial effect – Use layer masks to apply the double exposure to only part of the image, like having trees emerge from someone’s hair
• Color double exposure – Use vibrant images and experiment with Color Dodge or Hard Light blend modes
• Multiple images – Layer more than two images for complex, surreal compositions
• Inverted approach – Instead of filling the portrait, fill the background while keeping the subject clear

Tips for Best Results

• Convert your portrait to black and white before blending for a classic film double exposure look
• Try different blend modes—Lighten, Overlay, and Soft Light each produce different effects
• Position the fill image deliberately so key elements align with the portrait’s features
• Keep some negative space for visual breathing room

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