In this lesson: Use the distortion created by bending light to draw viewers into the shot

Learning how to use reflections and refractions as primary subjects can help you compose shots that are unique, eye-catching, and help viewers engage with the photo on a deeper level.

Reflections are often used to enhance photos by adding symmetry, as was done in the sample landscape photo of the mountain and the lake. Note how the mountain peaks reflected in the water give the image greater balance from top to bottom. But, note as well that the reflection is a supporting detail that gives the entire scene more visual appeal.

But, by shifting the emphasis to the reflection itself as the primary subject, you can create a sense of wonder that invites your viewers to look more closely at the image. Using the image of the pool reflection as an example, note how this very common scene takes on heightened interest given that the subject of the photo is the reflection itself. The details of the objects reflected in the pool’s water become more interesting simply by virtue of the fact that they are reflections.

By the same token, the effect of refraction can make a photo more interesting by giving viewers a distorted perspective, which entices them to take a closer look at the photo. In the sample image of the straw, note how the photo isn’t of anything spectacular – just a glass of water and a straw. However, because we can see the effects of diffraction, the otherwise nondescript image takes on much a much greater level of interest.

Challenge Activity

Find and photograph reflections and refracted views, using them as the primary subjects to create images that are of more interest to viewers.

Step 1: Scout locations were reflections and refractions can be photographed as subjects. Water, mirrors, utensils, and other items may all offer opportunities for creative compositions.

Step 2: Find a point of view for each subject that isolates the reflection and offers an illusory view that requires closer inspection to recognize what’s being reflected. For example, you might need to get low to the ground and shoot at a downward angle, as was done in the image of the man at the park, to maximize the impact of the reflection.

Step 3: Photograph each subject, then process with your normal workflow. Evaluate your results, noting compositional choices you made that enhanced the photo as well as some things you could have done differently to create a more compelling image. Look particularly at how you frame the shot, and try to frame it such that the reflection takes up the entire photo.

Step 4: Scout for subjects that are distorted by refraction. Water glasses can create interesting effects, and glass spheres or water drops can be photographed closely to present an inverted view of objects behind them.

Step 5: Find a vantage point that highlights the refraction in a way that emphasizes the unusual aspect given the object by refraction. For example, in the sample image of the glass and straw, the view straight on into the glass optimizes the viewer’s ability to see the effects of diffraction, thus maximizing the photo’s visual interest.

Step 6: Photograph these subjects, process the images, and, again, evaluate your results, noting what you feel you did well and what could have been done better.