Reflection, often applied in symmetrical composition, further validates that photography is the art of light and shadow.

Mastering reflections can elevate a composition, making a seemingly simple and mundane scene more profound, abstract, or artistic. So, how can one capture reflections effectively? What are the techniques involved?

Capturing reflections requires adept photographic skills, a powerful imagination, and keen observational abilities. Our surroundings have abundant Opportunities to capture reflections, making it a commonplace yet versatile technique. One of landscape photography's most widely used forms of reflection is on water surfaces. Water often produces excellent reflection effects, and almost all types of water surfaces can be utilized for creative reflection photography.

Apart from water surfaces, mirrors, the glossy surfaces of cars that catch the light, damp pavement, icy surfaces, or even everyday items like the back of a smartphone can create exceptional reflection effects. Finding a distinctive subject for your photography is vital. The subject can be an animal, a building, or a landscape – anything that stands out and adds visual interest to the overall composition can be the focal point for reflection photography.

You can present both the subject and its reflection in the frame, making it easier for viewers to focus on the reflection. Suppose you remove the main subject from the frame and only leave its reflection. In that case, viewers might find identifying it as a reflection challenging, possibly mistaking it for a tangible object.

When creating reflection photography, capturing just the reflection can create compelling visuals. However, integrating natural scenes and elements into the reflection, combining reality and illusion, often enhances the artwork. The essence of photography lies in turning the complex into simplicity, making the content simple yet rich in meaning.

When capturing reflections, consider keeping only the most crucial elements in the frame – the main subject and its reflection – while removing distracting elements. Simplifying the darker areas and emphasizing the bright subject creates a vivid contrast.

In contrast to typical compositions, balance is crucial when capturing reflections. It can be symmetrically centred or alter the overall structure while maintaining symmetry, seeking diverse variation forms. Achieving balance in the composition requires thoughtful consideration based on the shooting environment and the emphasis on expression.

In general, expansive landscapes and minimalist environments are suitable for symmetrical compositions. In more spacious or irregular environments, experimenting with negative space by placing the main subject and its reflection on one side can create imaginative possibilities.

When reflections exhibit interesting effects or involve unique mediums, consider deviating from reality and featuring only the reflection as the main subject. Preserve the primary form of the reflective medium. Besides the aesthetic appeal, incorporating particular objects can provide meaningful implications, resulting in images rich in storytelling.

Reflections manifest in various forms with no fixed rules. During the photography process, uncontrollable factors may arise, such as controlling the subject's posture, position in the photo, and arrangement. Managing water ripples is also a consideration. While many factors are beyond human control, controlling the overall scene and taking multiple shots allows for selecting the most satisfying images, potentially giving rise to unexpected visuals.