Reflection Photography, comments please

[David]

Lately I have been getting more and more into taking photos of reflections. I took these on the Keyside, Newcastle at New Year's Eve. I took a few more too, being a wet day lol.

 

I just wondered what your thoughts and reactions are to these as it is an area I really want to explore and develop further.

 

This 1st one has some litter and a carrier bag in the puddle, not sure if they add anything to it but I left them in

 

 

I loved The Tyne Bridge reflected in a bit of a dirty window:

 

[Guest]

I prefer the first one, I like reflections in shots they can really add another dimension to the image

[Heather]

i like the first one but i would have moved the bag as i think its distracting 

 

the second one i cant really see any reflection in it ??

[GrahamNfk]

I like the first one most, quite alot as it goes. Second one just looks like it was take through a grubby window with a bit in the way.

[David]

Thanks Richard I agree, that's why I think I am drawn to that type of shot

 

Thanks Heather, I agree but at the time of framing the shot, I thought it was a bit edgy - but yeah it doesn't come across that way lol. The second one is a reflection on the mirrored glass of the window

 

Thanks Graham, looking at the second one now, I think if I had framed it with more of the window frame it might have imroved it

 

I will upload another 2 and see what you think. The 1st will be the colour version of #2 to see if it looks any better (probably wont lol) and the 2nd a similar shot to #1 but with the Tyne Bridge...

[colinb]

not sure about the kids on the left as they pull your eye to them rather than the puddle.

 

David do you focus on the puddle or the distance?

 

2nd pic - Whilst I can see the whole thing is a reflection I'm not sure it really works, in this case I would prefer to see the actual bridge than view a streaky window reflection. 

[David]

I see what you mean Colin, and thanks. And I focused on the bridge in the puddle to try and make it stand out more in the image, I can see how it made the main bridge look a little softer though

 

Here is the colour version of #2:

 

 

And here is another puddle reflection:

 

[GrahamNfk]

Window reflection still isn't blowing my skirt up, but I'm convinced there's a piccy in there somewhere.

 

I really like the second one though, one of them photos that just works even though it breaks the rules of dividing lines at midway points etc. The tonality, the symmetry, the shapes.... it's lovely

[David]

Thanks Graham, I also think the second one is begging to be viewed from a distance to get the best from it.

 

The 1st is lacking a lot of the original depth, it was one of those things you see and just think wow, I have to take a shot of that, then the camera just flattens the whole thing out, or the settings I used? It really looked impressive by eye. I still think more of the window frame in the shot may have done something for it

[ChrisLumix]

I love that first one. Could I make one suggestion? Try cropping out the right hand edge with the building, leaving just the bridge and its reflection, and the kids to the left. 

 

I also like the last one you posted - especially the slight ripple in the reflection.

 

I'm afraid the window shot doesn't work for me either - it's just a reflection of a bridge, nothing else, so I can't see any story there.

[David]

Thanks Chris. The window reflection doesn't work but it was so impressive in real life I was desperate for it to work lol

 

Something like this Chris?

 

[ChrisLumix]

Yes, exactly - that both simplifies it and at the same time gives it a narrative. I think it's a winner  

[GrahamNfk]

Oh wow, that one is totally transformed! Love it

[David]

Thanks guys, I agree. I think it gives it much more depth and perspective aswell - I will get better at composition...promise! haha

[Guest]

Crop on the first is much better. It's a stronger image than #2 although i do like your take on that.