Most amateur and new photographers miss-out on one of nature’s truly phenomenal photo opportunity gifts that are photographing during or after rainfall. It may seem a bit obvious to say that the landscape changes because of rain, but to see it through the lens is a different matter!
(image credit:Stanley Zimny )
This is part one of a series of tips on how to make visually stunning photos of reflections in your nature photography. Here are some tips for those photographers who want to capture beautiful scenes of reflection photos.
Basics
Reflections come in many different forms and guises, varying from dramatic landscape shots to detailed macro compositions, but there are a few fundamental techniques which will help you achieve better results when dealing with reflections.
With regards to depth of field, try to select a high f-number such as f/11 or higher, this will help level out the subjects of the shot so the eye perceives them in closer relation, enhancing the reflection effect.
Focus depends a lot on the distance between the subject and the reflection. First, try focusing on the subject, then trying focusing on the reflection. This should produce slightly varied results and your preference will depend on how much attention you want to draw to the reflection.
(image credit:n/tasman2008 )
Set Camera Position
Secondly, the lower the camera position the larger the reflected image area will be – this means that you can include more reflected elements into your shot.
The additional benefit of getting low is that you have scope to include additional elements to a shot – in this case the reflection defines the sand ripples in the shot.
(image credit:casualeye)
Water & Landscapes
The grandeur, colors, and patterns offered by nature can be breathtaking and for me, the essence of this is displayed in a snowy-topped mountain reflecting upon a serene lake. The scene is a photographers dream, but how do you maximize its potential to capture a breathtaking shot?
Try and go when the light is at its best, either bright and early, or in the evening as the sun is setting. Be sure to take along your tripod to ensure a sharp shot and try using a couple of filters.
(image credit:excalibur38)
Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter will help you to control the amount of surface shine from the water, and a graduated neutral density filter will help ensure that the sky isn’t overexposed.
(image credit:pim van den heuvel)
Do Practice
Finally, practicing getting low is critical because it gives you creative options and control over the nature of how a reflection is represented in your image. I think it is always good practice to try new angles and new view points in a scene
(image credit: lydia2693)
Shiny Things
Photography involving reflections doesn’t have to be restricted to water-based landscape shots, there are plenty of other reflective surfaces to utilize that we encounter in everyday life such as mirrors, glass, metal, ceramic tiles and even varnished wood.
It’s necessary to remember that shiny surfaces such as these don’t absorb light, so if using artificial lighting, think carefully about the amount and angle of the light in relation to your surface. You may want to experiment with lighting from above or behind your subject.
(image credit:lrargerich)
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