Capturing mirror images – the subject and its reflection – can be both fun and challenging. Catching that reflection in a mirror on on a window is easier than on water. Water is subject to environmental influences, like wind, which can distort the reflection.
Near Perfect Mirror Images
A perfect reflection shot on water is when any movement is so minute it can’t be spotted, even by the lens. Being at the right place at the right time to catch a reflection off water that is so still you’d think there was a mirror laying on the ground in front of the subject you’re shooting. A couple of other environmental influences that come into play is the location of the ambient light source and the sky conditions. The mid day sun and quilt-like clouds covering the sky tend to washout the subject you are shooting’s reflection.
This picture of an old boat house illustrates how even the gentlest of breezes and river current distorts the subject’s reflection. This can be both a plus and a minus depending on what you are after. I captured this image from a pedestrian bridge just before sunset with the light source primarily behind the camera.
Shot with: Canon 7D MkII w/ Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM at 100mm 1/250 f/5.0 ISO 2500 Handheld.
Check out my Reflections Gallery where I will be sharing more reflection shots as I capture them.
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