Reflections capture our imagination because they create an alternate vision of our world. If the reflection is perfect, then that vision is a literal representation of what we experience. If the reflection is imperfect, that vision becomes abstract. Either way, incorporating reflections into your photos will challenge the viewer’s visual perceptions, and open up many creative possibilities. For this photo of flamingos below, the reflection makes the image more interesting, adding creative flair.
Possible Reflective Surfaces
Almost everything reflects light, but what we’re concerned about here are things that reflect a lot of light. Mirrors are obviously at the top of the list, but water is extremely reflective as well (with still water appearing almost mirror-like under the right conditions). Of course, other surfaces reflect well too, although not necessarily with the same intensity and perfection as a mirror or still water. Moving water, wet surfaces, ice, polished metal, glass, and coated plastic can all be used effectively to create reflections. For this image, still waters create a perfect reflection of a squawking great blue heron.
Get Creative with Symmetrical Reflections
Perfect reflections (or near-perfect, at least) are great for creating images that use symmetry. Also, the juxtaposition of a subject and its mirror image can create interesting shapes. For this image, the clouds in the sky alone wouldn’t be all that interesting, but when combined with their reflection, an eye-catching radiating pattern emerges. The pebbles in the foreground help break up the symmetry, adding further visual interest.
Create a Dash of Impressionism with Blurred Reflections
Imperfect reflections can add an element of abstraction to your photos. Here, I chose a symmetrical composition of the bridge and city skyline, and the reflections in the moving water below. The reflection is rendered as an abstract blur, which adds visual interest to the composition.
Use a Polarizer Filter to Enhance Reflections
A polarizer filter is your “secret weapon” when photographing reflections. Although a polarizer filter turned to full polarization is designed to remove reflections, some scenes with colorful reflections benefit from creative polarization. For this photo of fall color reflected in a stream, I avoided full polarization, instead spinning the filter until I found a setting that brought out the best colors in this image. This technique won’t work well with all reflection images, but scenes with a lot of water and exposed wet surfaces seem to benefit most.
Use Reflections to Create Color Contrast
For this image of autumn color reflected in wind-blurred waters, I zoomed in to create an abstract study of color and shape. The fall foliage was in the sunlight, whereas the marsh grass was lit only by light reflecting from the blue sky above. The juxtaposition of the two opposing colors creates a pleasing, artistic effect.
Related Article: Tips for Capturing Breathtaking Fall Photography
Use Reflections to Accent Your Photos
Reflections don’t always have to be a prominent element of your photos. Here, reflections in fresh rainwater on the city streets help bring color and luminosity to the dark flagstones. Instead of being a significant element of the photo, the reflections instead merely accent the composition.
Conclusion
Reflections are a great way to add a dash of mystery and some extra style to your photos. So no matter where you are shooting, always be on the lookout for reflective surfaces, and always be thinking about creative ways to incorporate reflections into your images.
About the author: World-renowned professional photographer, writer, and adventurer Ian Plant is a frequent contributor to and blogger for Outdoor Photographer Magazine, a Contributing Editor to Popular Photography Magazine, a monthly columnist for Landscape Photography Magazine, and a Tamron Image Master. Ian is also the author of numerous books and instructional videos. Ian leads photography workshops and tours around the world to help beginner and advanced photographers explore and expand their personal vision. His personal photographic project, Dreamscapes, moves beyond the literal and transforms subjects into something unexpected, bridging the line between the real and surreal. Ian relies on long exposures, unique lighting conditions, non-traditional perspectives, and special natural events to show his subjects in a new light. Ian travels the world, seeking out the hidden spaces in between the familiar, in his never-ending quest to inspire, entertain, and educate others in the art of photography. You can see more of Ian’s work at www.ianplant.com.
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I am a amature ,but appreciate any learning info on. Photography.thank you
Good stuff to learn and always review. Thanks for the information
I love reflective photos. It makes the composition much more interesting. Thanks for the HOW TOO.