Nostalgic Landscapes Captured in Jars Using an In-Camera Double Exposure Technique

Double Exposure Photography

It’s natural to want to save pleasant memories, be it through photographs, video, or audio recordings. Christoffer Relander has created a unique twist on preservation by using double exposure photography and landscapes from his childhood. He “places” the miniaturized nature scenes into jars, capturing a moment that's now confined in a miniature time capsule. Calling the series Jarred & Displaced, it’s the second installment of this surreal collection.

Double exposure photography can be created in a variety of ways. Today, it’s most commonly done with Photoshop, but there are other (less hi-tech) ways to combine two images. Relander prefers to work with an analog approach and produce all of his alluring images in camera. “This project was not created or layered in an external software,” Relander writes. “Images are not put into physical jars (as is misunderstood sometimes), only blended into one photograph.”

We first marveled over Jarred & Displaced a year ago, and Relander has made one big change since then—everything is in color. The shift from black and white alters not just the vibrancy, but the emotional tone of the images as well. In monochrome, the places in the jars felt desolate and lonely. Now, the dreamy double exposure photos have a sense of hope—Relander is literally taking us out of the dark and into the light.

Photographer Christoffer Relander collects memories in an unusual way.

Double Exposure Photo by Christoffer Relander

Double Exposure Photo by Christoffer Relander

Double Exposure Photo by Christoffer Relander

He uses double exposure photography techniques to put locales from his childhood into small jars.

Double Exposure Photos by Christoffer Relander

Double Exposure Photography

Double Exposure Photos by Christoffer Relander

The double exposure technique is done completely analog—all of the landscapes are composed in camera.

In-Camera Double Exposure

In-Camera Double Exposure

Double Exposure Technique

Double Exposure Technique

Double Exposure Photography

Double Exposure Technique

Double Exposure Technique

Christoffer Relander: Website | Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [PetaPixel]

All images via Christoffer Relander.

Related Articles:

Masters of Multiple Exposure Photography

Interview: Multiple Exposures on Film Turn Ordinary Moments into Dreamlike Scenes

Exquisite Multiple Exposure Photos of Women and Flowers

Father Offers Wisdom to His Kids Through Powerful Double-Exposure Photos

Photographer Shares How She Makes Dreamy Double Exposure Portraits

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content