Reflections in water have always attracted photographers. Those who like to capture the urban landscape often use puddles. For shooting architecture, I have long been using reflections as an effect that enhances the perception of architectural forms and elements. It all depends on the angle! At first, I used a not-so-low point for shooting, just squatting down. Then I began to try to lie down, but I still did not look away from the viewfinder. But when I learned zen the best technique for shooting reflections, the subjects in the photographs changed dramatically for the better. And you just need to place the camera as close to the edge of the water as possible.
To do this, of course, you still have to break away from the viewfinder. Even without a rotary display at random, you can take a shot with an even horizon with three takes. In the worst case, all geometric distortions can be corrected in Photoshop.
When I began to use the lowest possible points for shooting, another mystery opened up for me: to create a spectacular reflection, there was enough puddle with a diameter of no more than half a meter.
Of course, I do not refuse to search for puddles larger in size, but if there are none, then it is possible to create it even for myself. It is enough to carry a five-liter bottle with you and, if necessary, pour it onto the asphalt. And you can just pee. I’ve never done that before, but I’ve heard about such a method from photographers. I'm talking about a bottle.
I still use puddles as large as possible, but the way they look in the photo is just a geometrical effect. In fact, they are much smaller. There are no "seas" in the center of Vologda!
There are some more rules that I follow. The horizon should be strictly in the center of the frame. Foreground must deleted! The vertical lines must be strictly aligned vertically. The full symmetry of all elements in the frame, which is above, that is from below. The presence of people in the frame is welcome.
This is necessary to create the maximum mirror effect of reflection. In principle, reflection can be created in Photoshop, but there will still be nuances that will give out the presence of the intervention of a graphic editor.
Better to be honest with your viewers. And it’s much more interesting to walk around the city in search of interesting reflections. It captivates in much the same way as going for mushrooms or fishing.
The only difficulty arises when shooting at night. To do this, you need a special low tripod or stand for the camera, because increase in exposure length, and handheld shooting has its negative effects.
Of course, if we approach the issue of shooting reflections at night thoroughly, then everything is solved. But I still have a solution to this problem in a protracted process, probably because I am not a fan of reflections. For me, this is a way to occasionally dilute a series of documentary photographs of a locality.
All photos were taken on the wide-angle camera of the Samsung S10 smartphone (Equivalent focal length = 12 mm).
P.s.: can me offer them articles with examples as an advertisement?
P.p.s: unfortunately, I’m not paid for advertising this smartphone, if you suddenly have suspicions about this.
