SIDEBAR

On Reflection…

15 comments
Feb 24 2014

this can add another interesting dimension to your outdoor photography. Not only does the viewer get to see the subject matter well executed, but gets to see it twice!

I was exploring Cardiff Bay Waterfront a few days ago and tried shooting the Techniquest Education Centre using a nearby puddle. Both the shots are below, with no reflection and with reflection.

I have to say that my preference is for the reflection shot, but what do YOU think?

Maybe after a shower of rain (very likely any second now in the UK) go out and actively seek reflections – they don’t HAVE to include the main subject as well – maybe just the reflection on its own works for you?

Do let me know via the comments bubble – would value your views on this.

🙂

Techniques web_DSC8712

Techniquest web_DSC8708

  4. Andrea 

    I like more the photo with reflection, in my opinion it is more filled with life, and very inviting to look at this pic much longer 🙂

  6. brian haggerty 

    hi Nick

    pictorially i prefer the reflections and it should go down well in club competition ect. but i suspect the one without the puddle would sell better.
    i cant remember who said it but he said (you shoot for show and you shoot for dough} i think this is a typical example

  7. bob 

    Got to say I like the reflection 1) coz of the smoddy lamppost getting in the way, perhaps if you have gotten the top of the lamp post in the reflection it might have been better but for me it still cuts the picture down the middle. 2) I prefer the prespective in the first shoot it has more impact. It says “I am a smoddy big building look at me”. the other says “I am a shy little building hiding behind a lamp post. Also as any dog owner would contend puddles in front of lamppost are not always water. Perhaps 2 would work as 5×4 portrait without the lamppost. You have the pixel go crop.

  9. Sharon 

    I like them both but for different reasons. Without puddle looks great for an advertising image, but with the puddle looks good for more interest. If I had to choose one for my wall it would be the one with the puddle 🙂

  10. Judi Lion 

    A bit horses for courses, so I think that if the intention was just to show off the building, then the first one, but the reflection, railings, bollards etc help to put in in its place and it is a much more pleasing image with a lot more interest

  11. Richard Bingham 

    With the reflection is much better – whole image is better balanced and interesting to look at. Without the puddle and the street furniture it is just a boring building. Furthermore, the lamppost gives a sense of scale to the building behind.

  13. Simon Meeds 

    The first has impact and an interesting sky but no foreground interest. The second has foreground interest but little impact and a less interesting sky. I think the first is slightly better for me. As other have said, it depends what purpose you’re shooting for.

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