It’s the month of February, and we’re talking all about including reflections <\/strong>in our photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Reflection photography,” according to PhotoWorkout.com<\/a>, “involves photographing reflections of any<\/em> kind.” Any surface that’s glossy or shiny lends itself to a reflection photograph: water, mirrors, glass, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Reflections have a way of adding depth, interest, and a touch of magic to an image. Whether it\u2019s a mirror-like reflection on a calm lake or a shimmering reflection on a polished surface, they create a surreal effect that instantly grabs attention.” (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cReflection photography really is about the ability to look at an image in a different way,\u201d says photographer Patrick Koetzle. \u201cSeeing a reflection in the water appeals to me. It pulls me in. It makes me see this beautiful image twice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As scrapbookers, we are storytellers, and we can use reflections to add more dimension to the story our images tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All you need to shoot a reflection photograph is a camera, a shiny or glossy surface, and some patience. Fancy equipment is not required. In fact, phone cameras take awesome reflection photographs! They’re a great way to get started with this type of photography because you just focus on the subject, the lighting, and the camera angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any surface that is shiny or glossy can work for a reflection photograph. For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Position your camera at the angle opposite to the thing you’re trying to photograph. Learn more about the law of reflection and how you can use it to pre-plan an awesome photo here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don’t want to mentally calculate angles? Move around, side to side, back and forth, and even up and down until you like the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You won\u2019t be able to move some reflective surfaces, like lakes, puddles, or windows, so that means you\u2019ll have to move around in order to find the right angles. (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless? Set your aperture narrow (a higher number for your f\/stop – like f\/8 or f\/11 or f\/16) to keep your shot sharp throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Manual Mode Warning! A longer shutter speed can help you get beautiful shots when there’s ripples on the water, but these long exposures won\u2019t capture reflections. They will turn waves into dreamy, silky pools of water, and you can get gorgeous results with waterfalls, but those surfaces will not be reflective, as they capture seconds worth of waves in motion. (Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflections are affected by the quality of the light, so try shooting at different times of day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shoot water when it’s calm for perfect reflections on a glassy surface without ripples. Wind affects how calm the surface is, and dawn and dusk tend to be when it’s most calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the saying goes, don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good”. Are there ripples in your water? Embrace it for an abstract image. And remember, you can photograph partial reflections or muddy reflections or even distorted reflections if they support the story you want to tell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are several online resources if you really want to sink your teeth into the topic of reflection photography:<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/photographylife.com\/reflection-photos<\/a> Here’s a few more images from the cameras of our Sugar Babes to inspire your reflection photography:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This month, we challenge you to shoot one or more images that include a reflection. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy photograph a reflection?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat do you need for reflection photography?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoosing a reflective surface<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips & Tricks for Reflection Photography<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nDig deeper & learn more<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.photoworkout.com\/reflection-photography\/<\/a>
https:\/\/www.adobe.com\/creativecloud\/photography\/discover\/reflection-photography.html<\/a>
https:\/\/greatbigphotographyworld.com\/reflection-photography\/<\/a>
https:\/\/focus.picfair.com\/articles\/a-beginners-guide-to-photographing-reflections<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nA little more inspiration<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNow, it’s your turn.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n