Reflections can transform a simple photograph into a complex, layered composition that invites the viewer to look deeper. Our "Reflections" photo challenge was about capturing these mirrored images, whether in water, glass, or any reflective surface.
For this showcase we explore how reflections can alter perception and add depth to an image.
The allure of reflections in photography
Reflections draw interest because they offer a different perspective on the world, often creating a surreal or abstract effect. By 'duplicating' elements of a scene, reflections can enrich the narrative of a photograph and challenge the viewer's perception.
How reflections impact the viewer
- Enhanced depth and complexity: Reflections can add depth to a photograph by introducing a new dimension. This layer can make an image feel more spacious and complex, offering multiple focal points or leading lines.
- Symmetry and balance: Mirrored images often bring symmetry and balance to a composition, pleasing the eye and making the photo more harmonious. This symmetry can also evoke feelings of tranquility and stability.
- Altered reality: Reflections can create a distorted or altered version of reality, adding an element of surprise or intrigue. This can captivate the viewer’s imagination, prompting them to explore the boundaries between the real and the reflected.
- Mood and atmosphere: The way light interacts with reflective surfaces can dramatically affect the mood of a photograph. For instance, a calm body of water reflecting a sunset can evoke peace and serenity, while a shattered mirror reflecting a street scene might convey tension and chaos.
Highlights from the challenge
From tranquil waters reflecting the sky to windows mirroring urban life, the challenge participants utilised reflections to double the visual impact of their scenes.
The photographs you will see below reinterpret our world, offering new angles and deeper insights. They are not just about what we see but about what they invite us to see beyond the surface. Through reflections, photographers capture the complexity of the world, making ordinary scenes extraordinary and showing us the beauty in duality.
