On Assignment – Reflections

June 2024

Assignment: June 1, 2024

Field Work: June 1 – 30, 2024

Feedback Session: Juy 7, 2024 @ 7:00 -9:00pm CT (Max: 20 ppl – Cost: $35)

Capturing the Double Take: A Guide to Reflection Photography

Reflection photography adds a captivating dimension to your images. By harnessing the world’s mirrored surfaces, you can create surreal landscapes, intriguing abstracts, and even thought-provoking portraits. This guide explores the captivating world of reflection photography, equipping you with the knowledge and practical exercises to capture stunning mirrored images using your mirrorless camera (MILC), DSLR, or even your smartphone.

Understanding Reflections:

Reflections occur when light bounces off a smooth surface like water, glass, or metal. The key to capturing a good reflection photo lies in finding a surface that creates a clear and interesting reflection of your subject.

• Types of Reflections:
  • Perfect Reflections: Still water on a calm day provides a mirror-like image, ideal for symmetrical compositions.
  • Distorted Reflections: Rippled water, curved surfaces, or broken glass create a more artistic and abstract effect.
  • Partial Reflections: Capturing just a portion of the reflection can add depth and mystery to your image.
  • Subject Choice: Buildings, mountains, trees, or even people can be reflected. Choose a subject that adds interest to the composition.
  • Foreground and Background: Pay attention to what’s behind your subject and reflected in the foreground. Compose the shot to avoid distracting elements.

Camera Considerations:

• Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras:

• Lenses: Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing expansive scenes with reflections. Telephoto lenses allow you to isolate specific reflections.
• Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number) creates a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and emphasizing the reflection.
• Shutter Speed: A slow shutter speed (longer exposure time) can smooth out choppy water or create a dreamy effect with moving clouds reflected in water. Use a tripod for stability with slow shutter speeds.  For perfectly still reflections, use a faster shutter speed.
• Focus: Focus on the reflection itself for a crisp image.
• Smartphones:

• Multiple Lenses: Some smartphones offer wide-angle and telephoto lenses, allowing for more compositional flexibility.
• Pro Mode (if available): Utilize the Pro Mode on your smartphone camera for more control over aperture and shutter speed (if available).
• Third-party Apps: Explore camera apps that offer manual controls for a more DSLR-like experience.

Techniques and Examples:

• Golden Hour: Capture reflections during the golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for warm, soft light that enhances the colors in the reflection. (Example: A golden sunset reflecting on a calm lake).
• Leading Lines: Use leading lines, like a path or a bridge, to draw the viewer’s eye towards the reflection. (Example: A winding path leading towards a mountain reflected in a lake).
• Foreground Frame: Frame your reflection photo with interesting foreground elements like rocks, flowers, or leaves. (Example: Colorful autumn leaves framing the reflection of a bridge in a puddle).
• Abstract Reflections: Experiment with distorted reflections on curved or broken surfaces. (Example: The reflection of a skyscraper fragmented on the surface of a shattered mirror).
• Silhouettes: Use reflections to create silhouette photographs. Position your subject against a strong light source, capturing its silhouette with the reflection forming the “detail.” (Example: A silhouette of a bird perched on a branch reflected in still water).

Field Assignments for June (Adapt based on your location):

Week 1: Urban Reflections

• Find a building with reflective glass windows and photograph its interaction with the surrounding environment. Look for distorted reflections of people or objects.
• Explore a bustling street market and capture reflections in puddles showcasing the vibrant atmosphere.

Week 2: Nature’s Mirror

• Head to a lake or pond on a calm day and photograph the perfect reflection of the sky and surrounding trees.
• Visit a botanical garden and capture close-up reflections of flowers or leaves in water droplets.

Week 3: Architectural Reflections

• Find a monument or historical building and photograph its reflection in a nearby body of water. Focus on the symmetry and grandeur of the architecture.
• Explore a city park and capture the reflection of a bridge or a gazebo in a still pond.

Week 4: Creative Explorations

• Experiment with slow shutter speeds to capture the dreamy effect of moving clouds reflected in water.
• Find a broken mirror or other distorted reflective surface and photograph an object with a unique and abstract reflection.

Bonus Challenge: Throughout June, keep an eye out for unusual reflective surfaces. Try capturing reflections in metallic car bumpers, chrome-plated objects, or even a person’s sunglasses.

Remember, reflection photography is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play with different compositions, shutter speeds, and perspectives. With practice, you’ll be capturing captivating, mirrored images that will add a unique touch to your photography portfolio.

IMAGE REVIEW

Deepen Your Photography: Group Image Review Session (7/7 @ 7:00pm CT – 2 hrs)

Unlock the full potential of your photos with our in-depth online group image review session following the above photography assignment. This interactive session offers a supportive environment to receive honest and constructive feedback on your work, propelling you forward in your photographic journey.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Expert Guidance: Our session is led by an experienced photographer who will offer insightful critiques tailored to your specific images.
• Honest & Gentle Feedback: Go beyond the “like” button. Learn from constructive feedback delivered in a supportive and encouraging way.
• Targeted Review: Submit two photos based on the recent assignment. Todd will provide specific feedback on composition, lighting, editing techniques, and more, helping you master the skills you’ve been practicing.

Beyond the Feedback:

• Group Discussion & Learning: Engage in lively discussions with fellow photographers as everyone’s work is reviewed. Learn not just from your own feedback, but from the insights offered to others.
• Community Building: Connect with other passionate photographers, share experiences, and build a network of like-minded individuals who can support your artistic growth.
• Q&A Session: Have burning questions about the techniques used in your assignment or photography in general? Todd here to answer them during this dedicated session.

This 2-hour online experience will allow you to:

• Identify areas for improvement and receive actionable steps to elevate your photography.
• Gain fresh perspectives on your work, helping you see your photos in a new light.
• Boost your confidence as a photographer by understanding your strengths and tackling areas for growth.

This session is perfect for:

• Photographers who want to break through creative roadblocks and unlock their next level of skill.
• Those seeking honest and constructive feedback to refine their technical and artistic vision.
• Anyone who wants to connect with a supportive community of fellow photography enthusiasts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to:

• Learn from experienced photographers in a collaborative and engaging environment.
• Get focused feedback within a concise timeframe.
• Invest in your growth as a photographer for an affordable price.

Limited spots available! Register today and take your photography to the next level!

CREATIVE NATION

Engage and Inspire and Empower Your Growth

Join our Vibrant Community and connect with fellow photography enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Share your work for constructive critiques in a supportive environment. Experienced photographers can offer valuable insights to help you refine your skills. Get inspired and dive deep into specific photography styles, techniques, and gear discussions in our dedicated forums.

Don’t wait! Join our vibrant community and embark on your photographic journey. FREE for a LIMITED TIME so join now!