Reflections in Photography
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Are you fascinated by reflections? I am. And if you are, come and join me here.
Reflections Catch Attention
Among the things (aside from patterns) that usually catch my attention when I am with my camera, are reflections. There is something about reflections that always make me take a second look. I’m not sure though what that something is. It’s probably the symmetry that is created. The moment a reflection is created, it naturally makes a symmetrical pattern and patterns and symmetry are always naturally attractive.
I was inside an elevator when I saw my reflection on the mirror forming its walls. I right away turned on my camera (it's good I had it with me) and started clicking away. I just love this never-ending reflection effect!
What is a Reflection?
There are different kinds of reflection. There is reflection of sound or heat. There is also reflection in Mathematics as well as in Anatomy. And there is reflection of thought as in meditation. However, the reflection that I will be dealing with here is the reflection created by light and the formation of an image. This mirror-like image is called specular reflection in Physics.
If the reflecting surface is flat like a mirror or a body of water or a polished surface, then the image created is an upright image that appears to be reversed from left to right. If the reflecting surface is spherical however, the image formed may sometimes appear upside down. A curved surface also forms an image that can either be magnified or demagnified. This is the reason why curved mirrors are used in car mirrors or in double sided mirrors.
There was a photo challenge in an online photo website. The theme for the challenge was "photo of yourself taking a photo". I submitted the above photo as my entry. Although I did not win any price, this photo still got a citation as "editor's choice". This is usually the first phase in the elimination process. Since hundreds of photos are submitted everyday to this website, I felt elated when my photo got through the first hurdle. That's honor enough for me already.
The Beauty of Reflections
After I uploaded the above photo to my computer, I was right away reminded of the quote from the French philosopher, Etienne de Grellet.
“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good
therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can
show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me
not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this
way again.”
- Etienne de Grellet
Mirror-image Effect in Photoshop
We can also create reflections using Photoshop or some other photo editing program. I tried my hand at this and below is what I came up with. Neat, isn’t it?
I did not realize it was that easy! If you are interested in learning how to do this, drop me a line and I’ll tell you how I did it.
Anyway, even if I can create mirror images with Photoshop, I still am attracted to natural mirror images or reflections and I keep watching out for them every time I go out with my camera.
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Comments
Really like teh reflections on the pool -as usual you have given us great artistic photography -thanks
Love it! Very nice photo hub!
"Stillness of the early morning" is an incredibly beautiful photograph. And I love that quote by Grellet. How great a thought that is. Thank you for sharing that quote, your exquisite photos, and your reflections on reflections. I enjoyed this immensely.
More great work Jill ! You are definitely an artist !
Hi Catlyn,
Thank you very much for your inspiring comment!
Hello Coffeesnob,
Thank you for the visit my friend. You always make me happy with your comments.
Hi IslandVoice,
Thank you very much! I love your comment!
Hello James,
You always say such nice things. I appreciate your comment even more because you are an artist.
I love that quote from Grellet too.
Hi Tony,
Thank you very much! Coming from you, that's indeed a compliment!
Jill, reflections do interest me. I've been told that in film they symbolize deception. They also reference the fourth dimension as in Alice in "Through the Looking Glass." Wonderful photos with lots of sparkle.
Hi Canopygallery,
Thank you for the visit and for leaving a wonderful comment.
Why do reflections symbolize deception? Is it because they are not the true thing? I find that very interesting. From now on I will watch out when they use reflections in films.
Oh, I forgot about "Through the Looking Glass". I like your reminder here. Thanks again!
I am mesmerized by reflections as well. In fact my avatar is a picture I took of a man-made pond, reflecting the sky and the trees overhead, I waited for the wind to ripple the water first. I found this hub to be very interesting. I couldn't help but smile at your comment of the photo you took in the elevator. Our bathroom mirror has the same effect!
I enjoyed reading this, your hub and beautiful pictures made me smile today. Thanks!
Hi Ninna,
Thank you for dropping by and leaving this beautiful comment. Yes, reflections are really mesmerizing. You must be having fun everyday with your bathroom mirror!
I am happy if this hub made you smile. Thank you too!
BRAVO JILL ;)
Thanks very much Doods!
Great shots! I like best your photo with the caption, "Stillness of the early morning reflected on a pool." Amazing!
Hello jandas,
Thank you very much for your kind words. They made me smile and started my day right!
Cool hub..
Very interesting and delightful!
Jill of alltrades,
These are Beautiful reflections of what you see with your extended eye!
You have a wonderful gift.
Thank You for sharing!
Blessings!
Hello nikki1,frogyfish, and DeBorrah,
Sorry, it took me a while to acknowledge your comments. We have been affected by the recent typhoon and flooding here in the Philippines and I have been busy cleaning up and throwing out so many damaged things.
Important thing is we're ok. Things can be replaced but lives can't be.
Anyway... thank you all for your beautiful and heartwarming comments. They are really music to my ears and help me forget about aching muscles.
God bless! I promise I'll be back hubbing soon.
I really enjoyed looking at the amazing pictures you took. You have quite a gift and I'm glad you're sharing it with us. Love the quote--reminds me of random acts of kindness and one life to shower them on others.
Great article. You can do even more than just a mirror image in photoshop. You make it seem like a reflection in the water or on a shiny surface. It can create great effects. Really loved your article and amazing pics
Hi anglnwu,
Thank you very much! I'm happy that you enjoyed this hub and especially the quote. Yes, acts of kindness especially to those we don't know will always go a long way.
Hello sasuke,
Thank you very much for your inspiring words. They really made me smile and started my day on a bright note.
Yes, I also discovered a tutorial on how to make reflections on water and shiny surfaces. I'm going to try it one of these days. I still prefer the natural reflection though but learning photoshop techniques is fun.
So sorry that you were affected by the recent typhoon but glad to hear that you are OK. Your photos as always are stunning! Thanks for sharing them with the rest of us.
Beautiful photos! Lovely reflection!
I hope you're fine despite the typhoon. Take care! :)
Hello Peggy,
Nice to see you again! Thank you very much for your concern. Yes, I'm ok, still have not finished cleaning up though.
Thanks for your kind words. They warm my heart!
Hi lancelonie,
Thank you very much for dropping by and leaving a beautiful comment!
Thanks too for your concern. God bless!
wow, cool shots.
These photographs are fantastic. Well done. :o) Keep up with the great work. Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful and creative talents with us.
*S* Cynthia
Hello nikki1,
Thanks very much!
Hello Cynthia_Jones,
Your words are music to my ears! I am happy that you like my work. Thank you very much for visiting and leaving these wonderful words!
Beautiful photos. I especially love the reflections of water.
Hello Jessica,
Thank you very much for dropping by and leaving a wonderful comment.
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Catlyn says:
3 months ago
Beautiful images! I am always refreshed by your Hubs and appreciate you sharing!