Project 52, Week 27, Reflection

Let's reflect on composition this week and compose photographs using reflections.  Reflections are images of an object, or group of objects, reflected on another surface.  "Reflection photography is the art or technique of using reflective surfaces to capture beautiful and unique images."  Bright Hub

There are many different types of reflections.  Reflections can be subtle so that the reflected image is barely visible or can be mirror images where it is difficult to distinguish the reflection from the actual object.  Reflections can add depth, dimension, and drama to ordinary photographs.

Things to Consider:

• When considering subjects to compose with a reflection, don't just think of waterscapes.  To note just a few other objects which reflect images: buildings with shiny surfaces, windows, metallic Christmas tree ornaments, gleaming pots and pans, puddles, rain drops, shiny jewelry, sunglasses, and mirrors (of course).
• Mornings are the best times for capturing reflections.  Late afternoons are second best.
• A wider depth-of-field works best for most reflection pictures.
• Use a low angle when shooting reflections on water for better results. 
• Don't forget to move up, down, left, right and all around to catch the best reflection.
• The reflection itself may be the primary focus of the photograph with the actual subject remaining outside the frame.
• Just like you watch the background when composing your shots, make sure the reflection doesn't have intrusive objects ruining your composition.
• Reflection is a type of repetition which we will cover in the week of September 16th.
• Some reflections create symmetric compositions.
• Polarizing filters remove reflections from non-metallic surfaces.

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. Quick Tip - 4 Steps to Remarkable Reflection Photography by Simon Bray at phototuts+; a short article with four different examples 
2. How to photograph water reflections at SLR Photography Guide; a few good tips on taking better reflection photographs; include photographic examples with camera settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speeds, etc) 
3. Top Reflection Photography Tips by at ePHOTOzine; 8 short tips.
4. 100+ Creative Examples of Relections in Photography by Josh Johnson at phototuts+; short article with over 100 pictures
5. Adding Reflections to Make Photographs Incredible at Jeff Dexheimer Photography; very short 3 paragraph article with 3 photos.
6. Reflection Pictures at BetterPhoto.com; 47 pages of reflection pictures
7. Create and Enhance Your Images with Reflections at kirpi.it; very short article with 15 examples of interesting composition
8. Louis Barton's Dallas Skyline at NYIP.com; short article on NYIP student who sold over $250,000 worth of prints of one reflection photo.
9. Raindrops Reflection by Linday Adler Photography ; 10 minute YouTube video; step by step instructional video on macro photography
10. Avoiding Flash Reflections in Eyeglasses by Mark Wallace; 7.5 minute YouTube video from Adorama Photography TV