Secrets to Getting Great Reflections in Your Photos

Photographing reflections can be quite rewarding and produce stunning results. Reflections come in various forms and guises, ranging from dramatic landscape shots to detailed macro compositions. Some of the most beautiful reflections are found on water surfaces. Any water bodies including tiny puddles, lakes or ponds are ideal for reflection photography. Here are five secrets to getting great reflections in your photos.

Time of Day is Important

For a mirror-like reflection, you need virtually no wind whatsoever. Early in the morning or in the evenings as the sun is setting are the best times of the day for getting stunning reflections. Remember to take along your tripod to ensure a sharp shot and try using a couple of filters. Polarising filters will help you control the amount of surface shine from the water while a graduated neutral filter will help ensure the sky is not overexposed.

Get Close to the Surface

Another thing you can do make your reflection photos stand out is to get really close to the reflective surface. This enables you to remove any distractions, place emphasis on the reflection and create symmetrical photos, where the reflection extends towards the horizon.

Use Waves for Distortions

Reflections do not need to be perfect like a mirror. In fact, they become more interesting if they are unpredictably distorted by waves. If there are no waves, consider creating the waves yourself. You can do this by splashing the waters with your hands or throwing a small pebble into the water.

Symmetry is also Crucial

Symmetry plays a significant role in the success of an image. Reflection photos should show some degree of symmetry, and it is essential you emphasize it to create a visually dramatic effect.

Experiment With Exposure

A faster shutter speed will give you a detailed reflection, especially if there is a little wind creating gentle ripples on the water. A slower shutter speed, on the other hand, will create an entirely different look and feel to the photo.

Photographing reflections and achieving dramatic shots can be a difficult task. The above five tips will help you on your way to taking some breathtaking reflection photos.

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