For this month, May 2025, the theme challenge is “Reflections”. In coastal Nova Scotia there are many opportunities to photograph subjects near the water, and with calm weather conditions it’s a great time to get out and capture some reflections. So while you’re out on your daily walk getting exercise grab your camera and have fun capturing images of, or include reflections. See what you can find this month, and include us in your success, share the image you’ve created this month.
There are many different types of subjects to photograph and so many different reflective surfaces. The reflection can come from not only calm water but from glass buildings or surfaces; a mirror(s), any reflective surface such as the surface of a car, or even a water puddle.
Some Considerations
The angle where you place your camera is important the lower and closer you get to the reflective surface the more exaggerated and grander the reflection.
Stability of your camera is important for any type of photography and reflection photography is no different. A faster shutter speed while hand-holding your camera or using your hands and body against a fixed object or surface can help with stability. Using a tripod is also an option.
Camera Settings: You can start in Aperture Priority mode (Av for Canon or A for Nikon, Sony) with a smaller aperture (lower f-stop number) say f/8 with a low ISO of 100 to 400. Keep an eye on what the camera chooses for a shutter speed especially if you are taking your images handheld. If the shutter speed is slow say 1/50 then raise your ISO to obtain a faster shutter speed of at least 1/100. For these types of images, landscapes, you would use a wider to medium angle lens, somewhere around 18 to 50 mm. In some instances you may need a longer focal length and smaller aperture (considering depth of field) to allow getting closer to your subject, just remember to use a shutter speed suitable for the focal length you are using.
Example Images
These images show a subject with a portion that is reflecting in the water. In some cases the reflection is minimal, while other cases there is more reflection. In either case including reflections helps provide more interest and depth in your image.
We can also create images that are more abstract. In the first case the subject and reflection take up a more equal part of the frame. In the latter two samples the image is all reflection. With the more abstract images it’s best to compose it to show more colour and contrast which helps the image pop.
Additional Resources
As always with our monthly theme challenges we try to seek out additional instructional resources, below are some YouTube video links to help with some tips, hints and ideas.
Photographing Reflections instructional aids:
■ Secrets For Taking Incredible iPhone Reflection Photos by iPhone Photography School (18min 4sec)
■ Water Reflections Photography Tips and Tricks – Super Ideas For High Impact! by Visual Art Photography Tutorials (7min 56sec)
■ Creative Photography Tutorial – Abstract Photography With Window Reflections by Visual Art Photography Tutorials (9min 3sec)
You’re encouraged to develop the ability to “tell a story or invoke an emotion“, as well as learn to plan and troubleshoot while creating images.
- It’s important to not only create an image but to also include a “Title”, this process helps with; determining your subject or story, and composition.
- Try writing a short paragraph about; how you came up with the idea, any interesting back ground that compelled you to make the image, and describe any techniques how you overcame any obstacles.
- Do some research and include any relevant information behind the subject of your image. This helps with planning and your approach for a story
An important part of improving your photography is practice, practice, practice which is one important aspect of the monthly theme challenge, in addition you have an opportunity to learn about different genres, techniques and tips that you are not familiar with.
Share your images and stories experienced this month
Even though this website is not setup to directly upload your images, you can achieve something similar by commenting on the post; paste your social media or google drive link to your image in the comment, then type any additional message you’d like to share. Everyone who visits will be able to visit your link. Note comments are moderated so it will not show up right away. We do get notifications when any comment is posted, so it won’t take long to get approved and have your comment subsequently show up. By pasting your social media or google drive link in your comment, it gives everyone visiting the blog a chance to click the link to see your image for the challenge and also the ability to look at your other work by viewing your social media through your pasted link. We want sharing to be a positive experience and we hope you have fun with this month’s photo challenge.
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