People try hard to keep it unique and refreshing. Once such technique that is making rounds is mirror photography. Teens around the globe are posting their mirror photographs in social media pages. It has a mix of quirkiness and artistic touch too. Behind the scenes are a few technical hands at work. Though these photographs are not that tough, there is more to what meets the eye. It is not another pose and snap kind of photography. Let’s break it down into details in this post.
1. Reflections Photography
It all started with the artistic reflections photography. It involves using reflective surfaces to create amazing images. It gives a fresh feel to your photography. It extends the creative part of your portfolio. It adds an enchanting spin to locations that has been the traditional hotspots of photography. The backdrops include larger water bodies such as ocean, lakes and even the tiny puddles and rain drops. These locations account for some of the brilliant reflection photographs. Even the artificial backdrops such as metal, tiles and mirrors serve the purpose. Reflections photograph involve an interesting blend of artistry.
One of the commonly used reflection photography hotspot these days is the mirrors. They generate the most wonderful profile photographs for your social media accounts. They allow you an easy access and helps work with a lot of settings. You can enjoy mirror photography experience at the comfort of your home. Though there are umpteen camera settings involved, mirror photography is still fun. Most of the times, you are being your own subject in mirror photography. It doesn’t even involve the new selfie tech.
2. Using mirrors for best effect
Mirrors provides with best and easy options for trying out reflections photography. The reason behind that is it comes with no uncontrollable factors. Almost every time you are going to be the subject. You are bound to have fun while doing that. You get immediate feedback on your photo when posting it on social media. Your friends going Aw on social media is an instant boost. Mirrors offer such smooth and perfect reflection surface. You need to checklist a few things for maximum effect.
Firstly concentrate on the light settings. Well lit environment are perfect for mirror photographs. Still, you need to make sure, there is no glare. Secondly find the best quality equipment. Get the best camera you have access to. Use appropriate accessories when needed. Thirdly maintain your pose throughout the shot. Check your pose in the mirror and keep it that way while snapping the photograph. You cannot afford shaky hands in the photograph. Fourth and final factor is to be ready to do a lot of post editing. You need to work your mirror photography accurately on Photoshop. There is no way your camera can appear in the photograph.
3. Using flash:
Image Source: Google
You need to be extra careful when using mirrors in photography. The first priority is to ensure well lit environment. There can be situations, when it is not possible. You will be tempted to use the built in flash on your camera. However flash can ruin mirror photography. It shows in the generated image. In Greek, photo means light and graph means map. You don’t actually documents objects by taking photographs. You record the light that’s reflected off them. Thus, capturing flash via mirror creates massive distortion on your photograph.
Pay attention to all light sources surrounding the mirror. See different options to light up the area, since it eliminates the need for flash. If you need flash desperately, you can consider using low flash. It takes umpteen adjustments to clear the glare too. Get rid of any glare you notice, big or small, since it impacts the image heavily. Even with post edits, you cannot fix glares. If you are going to use flash, do not stand directly in front of the mirror. Standing off to the side can be a smart alternative. Make sure you’re the mirror is place perpendicular to your body. It keeps the chances of glare very slim. You get an amazing mirror photograph this way.
4. Setting your focal point:
When using mirrors in photograph you need to careful set focal points. Mirrors expose camera without your knowledge. Analyze all focal points possible for your shot. Decide on whether to focus on image in mirror or the subject. You can’t do both at the same time. When you choose the subject, the mirror image becomes blurred. Focusing on reflection is a nice way to attract attention to the mirror. Most of it depends on how you would use the photograph. Focusing on the image adds emotion and dramatic effect to the whole picture.
5. This neat Photoshop trick…
Image Source: Google
You might have come across photographs where people pose in front of mirrors. It will look magical because you cannot spot a camera. To tease your intellect, posers will be planting their hands on the mirror surface too. It will look like the mirror took the photograph itself. The photo happened courtesy of a camera. It can be a mobile camera, point and shoot or even a bulky DSLR.
Hiding the camera out of the photo is just another Photoshop trick. This is a three step shooting process. First, capture a photo with your right hand while your left hand leans on the mirror. Second, do a vice versa with your right hand on the mirror and camera in your left hand. Third add another photo into the mix with camera close to your face.
Use the third photo as the main background image. Over the photo add your first and second photographs in single layer. Blend the left and right side of first and second photo to avoid the camera from the picture. These photos have your unmasked face too. Blend all items as you need appropriately. Give it a little makeover and get the camera less mirror picture ready for your social media.
