Part of the fun of taking photos is displaying the increase the 
creativity of your shots and making your photos the center of 
attention. Simple techniques can produce stunning results. With 
the march of technology cameras have improved so that even the 
beginner can enjoy making unique and memorable pictures.

Here are some techniques for you to experiment with, and enjoy 
making your one-of–a-kind photos that will surprise and thrill 
your audiences.

Multiple Exposures:

Do what the pros do to increase the creativity of your shots and 
make multiple exposures. Focusing can produce some intriguing 
photos.

 * Soft focus-for the slightly blurred effect. You can use a 
   nylon stocking or Vaseline over the filter. You can also 
   use a soft focus lens. This can work well with nature shots 
   like flowers, landscapes and even people. To produce this 
   slightly out of focus effect use a wide aperture. You can 
   create this effect  by manually throwing the subject out 
   of focus.

 * Near-Far Soft Focus-some parts of the picture have a soft 
   blurred effect and others are distinctly focused. You will 
   need at least 3 objects at different distances from the 
   camera for this effect. Check for proper distance by 
   focusing on the nearest or farthest object. The first shot 
   should be sharply focused on the nearest image and the 
   second on the farthest image. You can experiment with 
   multiple objects to increase your creativity with different 
   effects.

 * Soft Focus Zoom-showing expanding soft focus layers. You 
   will need to set up your camera to take at least 5 pictures 
   in the same frame and set the f-stop for a wide aperture. 
   Use your zoom lens and try this sequence of focusing. With 
   your first exposure use 70mmfocal length, second 105mm then 
   135mm, 170mm, and lastly 200mm. You can experiment with 
   different focus lengths to be more creative but try to go 
   in logical sequence of long to short or visa versa. To keep 
   the object symmetric use evenly spaced focal lengths. This 
   will produce a quite spectacular effect. It is especially 
   effective for shots with flowers like roses.

 * Multiple exposures in one frame-the dreamlike impressionistic 
   view. Use 5-8 exposures in one frame. You can use any width 
   of aperture. The trick is to move the camera slightly for 
   each exposure to produce the overlapping effect. In this 
   photo everything is out of focus. You can experiment with 
   different subjects but landscapes are very effective. This 
   will produce unique photos and definitely increase the 
   creativity of your shots.


How to set up your camera for multiple photos: Manual cameras 
can still be used for multiple shots. 

1. Take your first shot

2. Turn the rewind handle

3. Depress the rewind button

4. Turn the shutter lever and set shutter button for next 
   exposure

5. Take the second exposure and repeat the steps.

Adjusting exposure values to get the correct exposure with 
multiple exposures with one frame: 

This technique will also increase the creativity of your shots. 
Underexpose the exposures by adjusting the film speed. Multiply 
the exposures on the frame by the film's ISO and set your film 
speed accordingly. For example if the film ISA is 100 and you are 
taking 5 multiple exposure on a frame your film speed would be 
500. Then use the camera's exposure values as if you were taking 
a normal exposure shot. Notes to the wise, do not forget to reset 
your film speed to normal for single photos.

Focusing and multiple shots are just a few ways to increase the 
creativity of your shots. You can also experiment with light, 
filtering and positioning your subject. You are the artist and 
your camera is your tool, together you can make unique shots and 
thrill your audience with excitement as you show off your latest 
photos. It is a wonderful way to liven up a gathering and be the 
"Star of the party."
 

Cheryl Miller is an entrepreneur specializing in niche markets.
For more information about photography please visit
Photography tips at: http://phototoppapers.com/index.htm
Cheryl is also the Publisher of the
"Phototoppapers Photography Tips"
A free newsletter about photography