1.11.10

Reflections


Short and sweet this week, but a great effect...

Over the last couple of weeks we've been talking about ISO and Shutter speed.  I thought it might be fun to turn back to composition.  Today I'm going to be teaching you all an incredibly simple trick which can give you really cool effects.  It's also a technique that is difficult to execute unless you use Program Mode or Automatic and can be done with any camera.  Today we're talking about reflections.

reflection

First step:  Set your camera to program mode or automatic.  If you're using automatic, make sure you switch the flash off.

Second step: If you can, adjust your ISO to an apropriate level

Third step: Find some water - it doesn't have to be particularly deep or big - the photo on the left was taken using a muddy puddle which only had about 1-2cm of water in it.

Fourth step: Try to get your camera as close to the water as you can, without actually touching it.  The camera body and lens should be at a 90 degree angle to the water surface.

Fifth step: Take your picture! 

Sixth step: Have a look and laugh about how bad you are at keeping your camera straight.

Seventh step: Repeat steps 4-6 until you are happy with the photo (be patient, you'll get better at it).

That's it!

I told you - easy-peasy.  And you can do this with almost any body of water.  The best reflections will come when the water is still, although you can get some creepy looking effects with all the trees going loopy by throwing a few sticks into the water as you take the shot.

Fun, huh?

Next week: Aperture

13 comments:

Kristina said...

This picture is simply amazing - wow!!!
Love your Photo Know-How posts, as there is always space for improvement on my side :)
Have a nice week, viele Gruesse, Kristina

Jess said...

Wow it is so pretty. I'm camera-less at the moment but this just makes me want one even more!

Unknown said...

thank you for sharing! nice tutorial!

Diana Mieczan said...

That is such a beautiful photo:) It really sounds easy...I love to try it out
Kisses,sweetie
Happy Monday
Did you dress up for Halloween?

Kat Sloma said...

Fabulous shot, and perfect timing with the people in the distance.

Jamie said...

So simple - and yet the effect is incredible! Amazing.

Ashley Sisk said...

I'll have to try that. Very cool.

Jen said...

Look at that picture!! I've been looking at it for the last five minutes and am in awe!

Happy Monday my dear! xo

Justine said...

this is wonderful, I will definitely give it a go.

allyn said...

nice trick. really lovely photograph. thanks for sharing so many photo tips! really helpful.

urban muser said...

a really great shot! love this.

SJ said...

well i'm glad i now have a go to for photography tips! i love reflection shots, always an easy way to make a photo really interesting.

k said...

I really want to do this now, it needs to rain :) that pictures is gorgeous