In Namibia, Marsel van Oosten captures the mirror image of a springbok, pausing to drink at a watering hole in the afternoon light.

When we talk about reflections in photography, some of those discussions are about avoiding them for fear of distracting glare (that’s what lens hoods and polarizing filters are for, after all). But the truth is that reflections are also a creative photography tool, and when used wisely, there’s nothing quite like the effect they create.

Image by @thehoody

Image by @thehoody

Browse social media for trending hashtags like #reflectionphotography, #reflection_shotz, #reflection_perfection, and you’ll find hundreds of thousands of pictures made around the world. Reflections can be found on many surfaces, both natural (quiet lakes, ponds, even puddles) and manmade (mirrors, metals, or even wet pavement). For that reason, reflections transcend genres; you’ll find them in classic landscape photographs, but you’ll also find them in street photos and experimental portraiture.

Reflections in landscapes and cities

Landscapes and seascapes offer plenty of opportunities for “mirror images,” but since you’re dealing with an unpredictable subject, planning is essential. Tomas Havel captured this tranquil moment while exploring Sparks Lake in Oregon in the morning light. In general, the best time for those still waters is early morning before the sun rises; after the sun appears, the water will usually lose that calm, marble surface.

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Landscapes and seascapes offer plenty of opportunities for “mirror images,” but since you’re dealing with an unpredictable subject, planning is essential.