Club Meeting | SS Reflections

Reflection photography is a captivating genre of photography that focuses on capturing reflections in various surfaces such as water, glass, mirrors, or other reflective materials. These reflections can add depth, symmetry, and a sense of intrigue to your images. Here’s a breakdown of reflection photography, including tips and techniques to master it:

Key Elements in Reflection Photography

1. Reflective Surfaces:

   • Water: Puddles, lakes, rivers, and oceans are great for capturing reflections.
   • Mirrors: Used for creative compositions and portraits.
   • Glass: Windows, buildings, and shiny objects.
   • Metal: Polished surfaces like cars, utensils, or sculptures.

2. Lighting:

   • Soft and diffused lighting works well to highlight reflections without harsh shadows or overexposure.
   • Golden hour and blue hour often enhance reflections due to the angle and quality of light.

3. Perspective and Composition:

   • Position your camera at the right angle to align the reflection with your subject.
   • Use leading lines or symmetry for dynamic compositions.

4. Subjects:

   • Look for striking subjects like landscapes, cityscapes, or abstract patterns.
   • Experiment with human subjects for portraits using mirrors or glass.

Tips and Techniques

1. Find Calm Water: For sharper reflections, look for still water. If the surface is rippled, longer exposure can smooth it out.
2. Experiment with Angles: Slight adjustments can drastically alter the reflection’s appearance.
3. Use a Polarizing Filter: This can reduce unwanted glare or enhance the reflection depending on your needs.
4. Focus Carefully: Decide whether to focus on the subject, its reflection, or both (use a narrow aperture for greater depth of field).
5. Include Distortions: Sometimes imperfect reflections (ripples, cracks, etc.) add an artistic touch.
6. Flip Your Frame: Some reflections look amazing when you rotate the image 180°, creating an abstract or surreal effect.

Creative Ideas

• Mirror Worlds: Place a mirror in natural settings to create otherworldly effects.
• Urban Reflections: Use the shiny surfaces of skyscrapers, wet streets, or shop windows.
• Upside-Down Perspectives: Capture reflections so perfectly that they challenge the viewer’s sense of up and down.
• Abstract Patterns: Focus on colors and shapes reflected in surfaces, such as oil slicks on water.