Photography Ideas for a Reflection Portrait

Self-Portrait

• A portrait of your own reflection creates an interesting optical illusion for your audience to view. If done properly, the mirror is not visible between you and your reflection, making it look as though you have a twin standing next to you. Set your camera on a tripod so it̵7;s level with your face and set the self-timer on your camera. Depress the shutter button to start the timer. Position yourself next to a mirror and incline your head in so it̵7;s almost touching the glass. Face slightly toward the mirror while still turning your face toward the camera.

Double Landscape

• Water moves so violently at times it can be difficult to remember exactly how reflective it can be. Choose a location with a small pond has a clear view of the sky and a vibrant reflection of the surrounding countryside. Choose a time when the sun is high but not reflecting clearly in the water. Stand the focus of your portrait next to the water of the pond so his reflection shows in the water. Snap a picture with the pond in view of the scenery and the portrait subject so it creates a clean image of the actual scene as well as the upside-down reflection.

Glass Distortion

• The world looks different through the reflection in a wine glass, but that isn̵7;t necessarily a bad thing. The reflection caused by the distorted light in the glass makes you view the scenery in a new, warped perspective. Fill a wine glass half-full of a beverage such as wine or cider. The bubbles add to the interesting effect. Train the glass over a particular scene with a person and snap your photo. For example, hold the glass so it covers half of someone's face. Snap the image, making half of it look distorted while half the face remains normal.

Surprised Reflection

• Watching an animal or small child examine the mirror for the first time creates a memorable moment. You can capture that funny moment in a photograph by luring the animal or the child over to a mirror covered with a cloth. Train the camera on the mirror and subject while an assistant pulls the cloth away from the mirror. Snap a picture immediately to get the first reaction. Continue snapping pictures as the subject is at first startled then inquisitive about the mirror.