Photographic Psychology: Shooting Clones

Also known as “multiplicity” shots, images involving clones can be comical, intriguing, and even disturbing. As highly self-aware creatures, we humans are fascinated by mirrors and reflections of ourselves, by the idea of having a twin, alter ego, doppleganger, and multiple personalities.

The multiplicity shot is a visual representation of the fact that the psyche is not a homogenously unified entity. The human personality is made up of various parts that sometimes cooperate with each other, and sometimes not. Clone images capture the various ways these different elements of the psyche might interact - what some psychologists call “intrapsychic dynamics.” For example:

- The hidden, unconscious, or dissociated parts of ourselves that operate behind the scenes or behind our backs, without our even being aware of their existence

- The unconscious self that suddenly and unexpected appears, much to our surprise, delight, or shock (see The Unconscious)

- The self that we wish or fear to be

- The contradictions, divisions, or opposites within our psyche

- The “evil” or aggressive qualities within, that we usually suppress

- The parts of ourselves that are in conflict with each other, that oppose, thwart or resist each other (see Inside the Psyche)

- The unknown part of our psyche that acts as a “trickster” who creates unpredictability in our lives (see Prankster)

- The inner wise self that wants to help us, perhaps even the “God within”

- Self acceptance, self love, or narcissism

- Inner confusion and chaos created by ambitions, feelings, and thoughts that are at odds with each other

- The inner parts of our psyche that cooperate with each other, work in unison or in parallel with each other, perhaps aware or unaware of each other’s presence (see Biography)

- The self that is simply aware of itself, of the process of observing itself, perhaps with judgment, or, in a mystical fashion, without any judgment or evaluation (see Infinite Progression)

Multiplicity images tend to be more convincing and intriguing when the clones visibly demonstrate this awareness of and interaction with each other. Otherwise the clones appear as unrelated, somewhat uninteresting duplications of each other. Body language and line of sight can suggest a bond among them, although direct eye-to-eye contact can be difficult to simulate. Humans are exquisitely sensitive to the eyes, so if the eye connection among clones is off, even just a little, the viewer will notice and feel that the simulation is false. The most convincing clones are those that overlap, touch, or engage each other physically, although this effect requires careful planning in the shooting of the photos and skillful editing of the composite image.

One strategy for creativity multiplicity images is rather straightforward. Set the camera on a steady surface, preferably a tripod, and shoot the same scene several times over, each time with the subject in a different pose within that scene and in the spot where you want that subject to appear within the final composite image. In a photo editing program, choose one of the shots as a background, then copy just the subjects from the other shots and paste them into their position in the background photo. The tricky part will be the editing of the edges around the clones so that they blend convincingly into the background photo. Also pay close attention to the shadows cast by the clones. Inconsistent or missing shadows will result in an unrealistic final image. Scenes with even or diffuse, steady light will usually result in fewer complications. Poor edge editing, changing light sources, and problematic shadows will produce anomalous clones that look like they were just pasted into the scene.

In the image at the top of this page, which clones appear least convincing as natives of that shot, and why? Can you guess which one wasn’t cut and pasted?

* This image and essay are part of a book on Photographic Psychology that I’m writing within Flickr. Please see the set description.