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7 ways to find great reflections for your photos


We usually try to avoid reflections in our photos. That’s why we use polarizing filter. But reflections can also make your photos more interesting. In this article, I have some tips on how to find and use great reflections for your photos.

There are two types of reflection: the one we don’t want and the one we like. The former is usually just a reflection of light, nothing more and nothing less. We eliminate this by using a polarizing filter. The second image is usually a reflection of the subject itself, mostly in a lake or pond. It can turn something like a landscape photo into something special.

Of course, the use of reflections is not limited to landscapes. It’s something that can be used for any kind of photography. So, if you are not a landscape photographer, then this article is for you too.

The benefits of using reflections and where to find them

Reflections in photos can be used to create better compositions. It can also make a less interesting part of the frame more interesting. Sometimes it helps to balance out the overall distribution of brightness in a photo. Or it’s just great to have, which could be reason enough to add reflections in photos.

It’s easy to find reflections in a large body of water. There are many examples of this type of reflection, especially in landscapes and portraits or wedding photos. Such reflective surfaces are not always available, but it may surprise you how often we monitor other possibilities. I have seven places where you can find a suitable reflection. Some can be obvious, others can be easily monitored.

1. Uses a negligible amount of water

While the large water surface makes it easy to get a complete reflection of something like a landscape, you’re not limited to that. Even a small, shallow lake can be enough to create a beautiful reflection.

I captured a reflection as an example in a small pool after just a shower. The amount of water is small and the depth is less than one centimeter. But it can be enough to get a great reflection. The only thing to do is get close to the water.

For this example, I placed my camera on the ground, almost in the pool itself. With a wide angle lens, it is possible to turn this small amount of water into a large water surface. I used the 18mm focal length on an APS-C camera. But you can experiment with focal lengths to find the best field of view.

2. Use a simple mirror

Mirrors are probably one of the more obvious places to find reflections. In fact, it is so obvious that it is often overlooked. Many photographers even hate mirrors because they reflect themselves too. But a mirror can be used to your advantage if you let it play a role in your composition.

I use mirrors a lot in my wedding photography. Not only will it bring in reflections, but it can cover up an uninteresting part of the room you’re in or it can hide a lot of clutter. Just try to get the camera close to the mirror, and it may give an undesired result. At the same time, you avoid entering the frame yourself.

3. Using the Store Window

You may think that a shop window is not suitable for subject reflection. After all, you can see the products on display there. However, it can be quite effective. Combine looking through a shop window with the reflection of an object, and it can yield an amazing result.

But if you place the camera very close to the shop window, it will start to act like a normal mirror. Just watch out for the lights inside the shop windows, as they will shine through this self-made mirror. Try different angles for the desired effect.

4. Use of Ordinary Glass

Just like shop windows, glass panes work in a similar way. You can find these in a lot of places. Modern buildings have a lot of glass, even balustrades. Again, get close, and it will act as a mirror. Create a little distance, and it will become blurred, allowing for a lot of creativity.

If you have a chrome surface available, you can use it as a mirror. Even polished metal can work, although the reflection can be a bit fuzzy. You can find chrome reflectors on the wheel covers, bumpers, door handles and exhaust. Even car paint can act as a mirror.

The only thing to be careful about is your own reflection. Because chrome parts are almost never a flat surface, you may end up in a reflection. A longer focal length can reduce that risk, as you will turn into an insignificant little dot at a distance.

With this type of reflection comes the risk of distortion, changing your subject into odd shapes and forms. Always consider carefully how the object is converted, especially when the object is a person.

6. Using the Perspex . sheet

Perspex sheets are also great mirrors. In contrast to glass or glass mirrors, this material is relatively light and easy to carry around. Again, the trick is to get a low angle relative to the Perspex sheet. This can also hide imperfections and scratches in Perspex.

I’ve used it for portraits and product photography. A small Perspex sheet can also be used on site. It’s not that heavy, and in contrast to glass or mirrors, there’s virtually no risk of breakage. For example, you can use it to photograph mushrooms or flowers. For this, you only need a small piece, as long as you keep it close to your lens.

7. Using a smartphone or tablet

One reflective surface that we always carry with us is the screen of a smartphone. It is usually highly reflective and it works well for macro photography. I use it to photograph the wedding ring along with the bridal bouquet.

If the smartphone screen is too small, try using a tablet. The surface is larger, so there is more space for layout. No matter what you use, black surfaces usually work best. Or get creative and use another color as the background. Fill your collection with some colorful images and display them on screen as background.

Can you think of more ways to get a reflection?

While the seven ways to find great reflections in your photos are based on the same principles, I believe some of these are often overlooked. There are probably ways to get a nice reflection in a photo. If I’ve overlooked one, please let me know in the comments section below. I also invite you to share your most outstanding photo with a mirror image.

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