Reflections are one of the easiest ways to add drama, symmetry, and magic to your photos — and the best part? They’re everywhere.
Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone, learning to spot and photograph reflections can instantly elevate your creativity and give your images that “wow” factor.
This guide will show you where to find reflections, how to shoot them, and what to watch out for.
Why Reflections Are So Powerful in Photography
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They create symmetry and balance
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Add depth and duality to a scene
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Allow you to tell a story in a unique, artistic way
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Make everyday locations feel surreal or unexpected
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Challenge you to see differently — a key to creative growth
1. Where to Find Interesting Reflections
🌊 Water
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Puddles, lakes, fountains, swimming pools, wet pavement
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Best when the surface is still and calm
🪞 Mirrors
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Small handheld mirrors, bathroom mirrors, car mirrors
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Great for self-portraits or framing other subjects
🧊 Glass and Windows
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Storefronts, buildings, windows on buses or trains
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Use to layer subjects with the world around them
🧱 Shiny Surfaces
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Polished floors, cars, countertops, smartphones, sunglasses
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Often adds a modern or abstract feel
Tip: Always move around the reflection — it changes completely depending on your angle.
2. Look for Symmetry and Balance
Reflections are perfect for symmetrical compositions, where both halves of the image mirror each other.
Ideas:
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A mountain or skyline reflected in water
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A person standing above a puddle
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A building mirrored in a city window
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A portrait framed with a hand mirror
Use the center of the image as a dividing line for balance — or break it for a more abstract result.
3. Try a Low Shooting Angle
Shooting close to the reflective surface creates a stronger, clearer reflection — especially with water or glass.
How to do it:
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Kneel or lie down to get eye-level with puddles or shiny floors
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Hold your phone or camera low to the ground
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Try placing the camera just above the surface
The closer the lens is to the reflection, the more intense and immersive it will be.
4. Use Manual Focus for Clarity
Your camera might get confused by the layered depth of a reflection.
Fix it by:
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Switching to manual focus
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Tapping to focus on the reflection (on smartphone)
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Using a smaller aperture (e.g., f/8) for more sharpness across the image
Make sure the reflected subject is crisp, not just the surface.
5. Control Light and Time of Day
Light affects how reflections appear — or if they appear at all.
Best times:
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Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset): soft, warm tones
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Blue hour (right before/after sunset): moody, colorful skies
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Night: reflections from neon signs, streetlights, car headlights
Avoid harsh midday sun — it can wash out reflections or create unwanted glare.
6. Use Polarizing Filters (Advanced Tip)
A polarizing filter on your lens (or clip-on for phone) can:
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Remove glare from glass or water
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Enhance colors and contrast
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Help you control what’s visible in the reflection
Great if you want more control, especially in nature or city photography.
7. Experiment with Abstract and Artistic Shots
Reflections don’t always have to be realistic or clear — sometimes the magic is in the distortion.
Try:
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Shooting through wavy glass
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Using moving water for rippled effects
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Combining reflection with shadow
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Creating double exposures or mirror illusions
The goal is to get creative, not just literal.
Final Thoughts: Reflect Your Creativity
Reflections give you the chance to show the world from a different angle — literally and emotionally.
They help you slow down, look deeper, and compose with intention. And best of all, they’re accessible to everyone, no matter your gear.
So next time it rains, the window steams up, or you see sunlight bouncing off a car… stop and ask:
What story could this reflection tell?
Then raise your camera — and reflect your unique way of seeing.