Oct 5, 2012, 00:02
Reflections from water, metal, glass and any shiny surface can be a great subject for a photograph. When used as just an element, reflections provide the image with extra color and sparkle. And they may present a much more detailed description about the surrounding of the main subject. When they are photographed as the main subject strange, exciting abstract patterns can be created.
Photographing reflections is a very creative way of telling a story. Here are some tips regarding reflections photography.
1.A brightly lit subject close to a smooth patch of water creates a still, immobile reflection. Choose your angle wisely to maximize the effect of reflection. Shoot from low ground.
2.Shoot to indicate symmetry. You can place the horizon symmetrically across the frame in photographing the subject and its regular reflection off a still water surface.
3.A reflection in water can be one or two stops under, if you expose for the subject rather than the relfection. You may edit this later on photoshop, or you can use a graduated neutral density filter.
4.Shoot in manual mode. Use manual focus if available. Auto focus can be tricky here, because sometimes the camera tends to focus on the reflective surface rather than the actual reflection, which we want to capture.
5.For reflections in water at night, choose a camera position where the reflections help to fill areas of deep featureless shadow.
6.small changes in camera position can make a huge difference to the appearance of reflections.
7.When photographing reflections of shiny surfaces, be careful if you use artificial light because they do not absorb the light.
8.Experiment with different surfaces. Try using only the reflection as the main subject of the photograph, and try to tell a story.
Photographing reflections is a very creative way of telling a story. Here are some tips regarding reflections photography.
1.A brightly lit subject close to a smooth patch of water creates a still, immobile reflection. Choose your angle wisely to maximize the effect of reflection. Shoot from low ground.
2.Shoot to indicate symmetry. You can place the horizon symmetrically across the frame in photographing the subject and its regular reflection off a still water surface.
3.A reflection in water can be one or two stops under, if you expose for the subject rather than the relfection. You may edit this later on photoshop, or you can use a graduated neutral density filter.
4.Shoot in manual mode. Use manual focus if available. Auto focus can be tricky here, because sometimes the camera tends to focus on the reflective surface rather than the actual reflection, which we want to capture.
5.For reflections in water at night, choose a camera position where the reflections help to fill areas of deep featureless shadow.
6.small changes in camera position can make a huge difference to the appearance of reflections.
7.When photographing reflections of shiny surfaces, be careful if you use artificial light because they do not absorb the light.
8.Experiment with different surfaces. Try using only the reflection as the main subject of the photograph, and try to tell a story.