Photography Tutorial Notebook: Reflection Photography

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Reflection Photography

Autumn Reflection. Taken in Dahlonega, Geogia. October 15, 2011. Nikon Coolpix P500.

def: a technique of using reflective surfaces to capture images. Examples of surfaces include water, windows, and mirrors. Reflection offers a great way to create abstract images.

Technique:

- Depth of field is important with reflection photography. Selecting a higher f-number helps level out the subjects of the shot so the eye perceives them in closer relation, which enhances the reflection.

- Focus also depends a lot on the distance between the subject and the reflection. When the reflection is farther apart, try focusing the camera on the reflection itself and then on the subject that is reflecting. Explore different viewpoints to find the angle at which the reflection is most visible.

- A tripod is useful for reflection photography because it gives more sharpness to the photograph.

- A slightly longer shutter speed can help smooth out the water sometimes.

- The image above is an example of water refection. This image doesn’t include the subject that is being reflected but the trees are reflected almost identically into the water.

Lighting with Reflections Techniques:
- Light is best when it is either bright and early or at the evening when the sun is setting.
- A polarizing filter can help control the amount of surface shine that is coming from the water for more advanced cameras.
- The last image ("Canal Reflection") is another water reflection photo where the colors and light of the canal are reflecting on the black canal water.
- The image "Florence Duomo View" is using a reflective object to reflect the cloudy sky and some of the photographer while looking out at the view. The image below takes advantage of mirror reflections in the mirrored aviators to reflect the fall foliage. Angle is important to avoid capturing the camera in the shot.