Candy Kempsey + The Story Behind

Double exposure can produce powerful and extraordinary images. When done right, they create seamless incredible photos that tell a story. So when we discovered this beauty floating around on IG from Candy Kempsey, we immediately knew we needed to share more about it with our readers. In this installment of The Story Behind, Candy talks about the creative process of how this image came to be.

IG Handle:.
@candykempsey

Where was this photo taken?
Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

How did the location add or hinder to your image?
We were very close with her Papa when he was alive and we like to think he sees us when we visit. A lot of magic happens here and I always end up driving away crying.

DSLR, iphone, instant or film?
Nikon D750 DSLR

What were your camera settings for this image?
35mm, 1/4000, f1.4, ISO 400. Spot metering and multiple exposure used.

Can you tell us “The Story Behind” this shot?
Yes, my daughter was holding beautiful flowers we brought for her Papa and she was wearing a vintage lace dress. Something about feeling his presence just inspires me and my daughter. We had to be careful because we heard loud buzzing from a beehive nearby and moved as far away from that as possible. The last time we took photos here it started snowing for a few minutes out of nowhere. There is always something in the air. It seems crazy but it is true!

What speaks to you about this image? What specifically made you press the shutter?
I love how using multiple exposure works but since I am not too technical when I shoot I often just close my eyes when I feel I will get the shot I am looking for as I also push the shutter. My biggest weakness is staying steady. I had a double mastectomy in February and carrying a heavy camera can feel like a burden so the super woman in my heart has to help out.

What was your composition technique with this shot?
I definitely shoot by the rule of thirds. It’s just the way my eye sees. For this shot I chose a square crop which I truly love making. It brings a whole new life to some of my images.

Did you use any special techniques – freelensing, prism, etc?
Multiple Exposure in camera settings.

Did you have any lighting challenges/How did you light the image?
Natural light always. We haven’t had much golden light this Summer so I rarely rely on the perfect natural light living here in NY.

Was this photo happenstance or did you visualize it prior? If so, how did you envision the image and set up for it?
My best work seems to have had some planning involved. I do love vintage dresses and pretty flowers so that part was easy. As long as my daughter and I are feeling the moment then we have a nice shot and I rarely take photos of her unplanned nowadays. I do not live near amazing backdrops and the weather here is so unpredictable. I try to make beauty out of the ordinary if that makes sense?

Did you use a preset to edit this image, your own selective edits or a combination of both?
I hand edit my color work and I am still trying to get my black & white work correct. It has been a huge challenge and I’m not there quite yet. This photograph I used a preset using VSCO 5 (KodakBW400CN)and I added my own tweaking to it.

Do you have any addition information you would like to share with our readers?
I labeled this one: Take care of yourself. Take a break sometimes.
I just feel we all need to take a step away from social media and stress and take a breather. Feel your own breath, get outside or somewhere that brings you peace. It will be so worth it!

Candy Kempsey can be found at the following spots:
BLOG // INSTAGRAM