The use of mirrors and reflections varies from the simple use of checking one’s appearance, to deceiving even the most trained human eye with complex illusions. In photography however, if used correctly – a reflection can double the perceived size of any object or area; so shiny surfaces like water, mirrors or clean glass are powerful tools for photographers.

Extending a space

This technique is most commonly used in landscape photography, focusing around large masses of water like lakes and ponds etc. A good example of this is the photo below, the use of the water helps to double the sense of space in the photo by extending the open sky in both directions. The land edging the water is no longer isolated from the sky, but acts as a divider, suspended in-between 2 alternate and reflected worlds.

Reflections from water used to extend the reach of the open sky in both directions.

Objects or landmass isolated in the water are no longer lost in an image, but become the central focus of the photograph. As demonstrated here, the building shown would only be half the size and lost amidst a field of grass; if it wasn’t for the clever use of the water! Now it appears as a huge castle-like structure floating between two huge layers of cloud and blue sky, no longer lost in the landscape – but the focus of your eye.

Flooded architecture, doubled in size with the use of water

Bending reality

Reflections aren’t just from perfectly smooth and flat surfaces however, as shown by the ripples in water – reflected light can be twisted,  distorted and reshaped to create an array of effects. A good demonstration of this is the photo shown below, where a stainless steel structure is used to distort the world around it with its reflective surface, take note how the strict linear paving slabs become twisted and curved. Tall, straight structures become flexible almost liquid pieces of scenery.

The "Cloud Gate" artistic sculpture located in Chicago. Reflecting the surrounding world in a totally different perspective.

The two photos below are both examples of bending light with different surfaces and materials, the first photo is of a chrome sphere creating a perfectly warped replica of its surroundings – and the photo underneath, shows how refraction can be used to create a similar ‘twisted reality‘ effect by warping light through a transparent material, as opposed to just bouncing it off a surface.

A fully chromed, perfect sphere - mimicking the effect created by using a "Fish Eye Lens"

Light refracted through glass and transparent liquid, inverting the landcape horizontally and vertically.

Reversal

Reflections can be used to challenge the audiences perception of which way is up, by photographing things in reverse – as in turning the camera upside-down and photographing the reflection. This gives the illusion that the original scenery is actually the reflective surface, and the reflection is the right way up. This is demonstrated perfectly in the two photos below.

The reflection of a classic car in a rain puddle. Which way is up?

The leap of faith... Which way is up?

We are sure you can find plenty of other uses for reflection and refraction in photography, if not, get out there and discover some! Challenge your audience’s perception of angles, gravity and reality!

Have fun Reflecting on this article =).

The Picture Frames Express Team

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