I have done a lot of abstract photography and reflection photography too. This is a great way to look further and create not a simple representation of the world but input some twist and mood in it. While you photograph different events happening all around you, try to also see beyond and start doing reflection photography.
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Reflection Photography as an Exercise for Creativity
Photographing reflections is an excellent way to exercise creativity in photography. It provides an opportunity to capture a unique image that can be used as a creative statement. Reflections can be captured in many different ways, from taking a picture of a reflection in a pond to capturing distorted reflections on any metallic surface. By taking photographs of reflections, photographers can discover new ways of seeing the world and express their creativity in unique ways.
To train your creativity, you can go out (preferably to an urban area) and limit yourself to photographing only reflections. Even if you start with more basic shots, like simple reflections in windows, after 10-15 shots you may find yourself taking more and more creative photographs.
Creative Reflection Photography
When I talk about reflection photography I understand that people might have completely different representations of it. By reflection photos I mean the ones a bit more abstract and which make one’s mind wander.
When I searched for interesting photographs of reflections, I searched for “reflections photography” in images. If you look through the search results, this, I would say, will represent the least creative photos of reflections. Although sometimes one can find good examples (sorry, can’t provide any at the moment, as the page I had linked here initially is no longer available).
So, before doing this photography exercise, try to look through Google search results to enrich your visual library and know which shots have been recreated millions of times and which are special.
Create Complex Compositions When Photographing Reflections
When writing this post, I realized that there is one major advantage of photographing reflections: it is similar to the double exposure effect. When photographing reflections in windows, you can create strong compositions consisting of both the reflections and what is behind the window. It is also a great way to train your compositions as well.
Try Reflection Photography Out
I’m pretty sure you have done it before, but what I offer is to immerse yourself in it for a while. When having a photo walk, focus only on reflections and don’t photograph anything else. This way, you will be able to practice photographing reflections better and will start seeing great opportunities for stunning shots.
Look for every opportunity to capture reflections, from puddles, to shop windows, to mirrors, and more. Pay attention to the angle and composition of the shot and don’t be afraid to experiment. Consider the lighting for the best results, as the reflection will be more visible in the right light. Lastly, don’t forget to be creative and have fun with it!
Aside from that you can grab a piece of glass or a small mirror with you and find different ways to use it to input more into your art.
Famous Photographs With Reflections Do They Exist?
The photograph you’re seeing above is very famous and most probably you have seen it before. This photographer is famous for using reflections in her photographs.
Sadly, I’ve searched for some time to find more inspiring examples. I’ve only seen basic photos lacking creativity, such as a landscape with a reflection on the water or a strangely Photoshopped image of flowers with an unnatural-looking reflection. This is the case when the photographer copies the flowers, mirrors them and makes a fake reflection which looks more like bad photoshopping rather than a reflection.
While I will continue to search for great photographs with reflections, try to create some of your own. Who knows, maybe we haven’t yet created many good photographs of reflections and we need to take these photographs to capture the beauty of our world.
If you’d like to check out other related articles with photography exercises, hit the links below:
Diptychs in Photography. A Great Way To Train Your Creativity
Artificial Light Photography. Effective Photography Exercise
Best photography exercise for creativity
Double Exposure Photography. A Great Way To Enrich Your Photos.
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