What Is Double Exposure?

Double exposure is a photographic technique where two images are layered together to create a single, blended composition. Traditionally done in-camera on film, it's now a popular digital effect used in portraits, album art, and editorial photography. The good news: you can create it for free using GIMP or Photopea.

What You'll Need

  • A portrait or silhouette photo (your base image — high contrast works best)
  • A landscape, forest, or texture photo (your overlay image)
  • GIMP (free desktop app) or Photopea (free browser editor)

Step-by-Step: Double Exposure in Photopea

Step 1: Open Your Base Image

Go to photopea.com and open your portrait or silhouette image. This will be your primary layer.

Step 2: Desaturate the Base

Go to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate. Converting the base to black and white helps the blend look more seamless and gives the final image a cohesive, artistic tone.

Step 3: Add Your Overlay Image as a New Layer

Go to File > Place and select your landscape or texture photo. Resize and position it to cover the subject. This image will be layered on top of your portrait.

Step 4: Change the Blend Mode

In the Layers panel, change the overlay layer's blend mode from "Normal" to Screen. This makes the darker areas of the overlay transparent, allowing the portrait underneath to show through. Try Multiply or Overlay for different effects.

Step 5: Add a Layer Mask to Refine the Blend

Click Add Layer Mask on the overlay layer. Use a soft black brush to paint over areas you want to hide — typically around the outside of your subject — so the effect stays contained within the silhouette.

Step 6: Adjust Levels and Color

Go to Image > Adjustments > Levels on your base layer and increase contrast. You can also add a Color Lookup or Hue/Saturation adjustment layer on top for a cinematic tone.

Step 7: Flatten and Export

When you're happy, go to File > Export As and save as JPEG or PNG.

Tips for a More Convincing Effect

  • Use a high-contrast silhouette — clean edges make the blend look more intentional and professional.
  • Match the mood of both images — a forest works well with a moody portrait; a city skyline suits something more urban.
  • Less is more — avoid overcrowding the composition. Let one image breathe through the other.
  • Try a duotone tint — add a solid color layer on top set to Color blend mode for a stylized, monochromatic finish.
  • Experiment with opacity — lowering your overlay layer to 70–85% opacity can create a more subtle, dreamy result.

Going Further

Once you're comfortable with the basic technique, try layering three images instead of two, or use text as a silhouette mask. You can also reverse the method — use the landscape as the base and the portrait as the overlay — for an entirely different feel. The double exposure technique rewards experimentation, and with free tools like Photopea at hand, every attempt costs you nothing.