Using Reflections by F.M. Kearney

 

             

Reflections have always played a major role in creative photography. It's for that reason I often try to find a way to incorporate water in many of my images. The two tropical water lilies were shot in one of the reflecting pools behind the Conservatory  at the New York Botanical Garden. So that their reflections would have more of an impact, I had to make sure that they were “clean” and not blocked or partially obscured by any of the surrounding lily pads. To insure that the reflection was as dark as possible, I forewent the use of my trusty polarizer filter. I routinely use this filter saturate colors by reducing glare. However, in this case, it would have produced just the opposite effect of what I wanted. By removing the glare off the water, it would have turned it almost jet black – completely consuming the reflection. I did, however, use a special effect filter to give the shot a warm, sepia-like tone. On some occasions, I like to break the reflection up by throwing a rock in the water. This works really well with fall foliage in producing crazy, abstract colors. But, in this case, I felt it definitely looked better with a motionless reflection.

Nature isn't the only subject that can benefit from reflections. Cityscapes at night take on an almost magical quality when its lights are reflected in water. Since "9/11," the New York City skyline has been in a constant state of change. I shot this photo in 2010, a few years before the new World Trade

Center began to alter this iconic view. I specifically chose a clear evening when the winds were calm so that the reflections would be strong and prominent. Also, when shooting night scenes of a city skyline, it's usually best not to actually shoot them at night. The optimum time is twilight – about a half hour after sunset – when there are still traces of daylight left. The outlines of buildings are still visible, and the sky takes on amazing colors as it gradually transitions from a beautiful golden amber to a rich, cobalt blue.

Reflections can be either a distraction, or an integral part of the photo. It's important to know how to use them to your best advantage.

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F.M. Kearney is a fine art nature photographer, specializing in unique floral and landscape images. To see more of his work, please visit www.starlitecollection.com.