Reflection is a point of interest in its own right, especially for symmetric images. The penchant for symmetry seems to be in our genes. It attracts our eyes to symmetric facial features of people considered beautiful and handsome. The same can be speak of photos. Verging on a cliché, a scene with the mirrored images on the waters has never lost its appeal to viewers.
(A Kaleidoscope of Trees: Taken in Mai Po Marshes, Hong Kong)Symmetric images make the most appearances in architecture and landscape photography. Such images may connote a feeling of majesty, tranquillity or what you intend to convey by how you mirror a particular scene in composition.
(A Remote Village: Mai Po Marshes, Hong Kong)
A reflection is the point of interest not only for the lure of symmetry. A reflection is intriguing for it can also add an enriched visual dimension to the theme of an image. I like to make use of mirrored images to fascinate viewers. It is a great way to make them pause, look and think about messages in the photos.
(I Spy Something in There)
In the photo "I Spy", The boys is being playful with the mirror in checking out his oral cavity. I was ready with my GX200 and captured this image at the moment the reflection of fingers appeared in the mirror. Now, click open the photo. Cover the eight-fingers palm in the image and then uncover it. You should see how the mirrored image makes the point of interest more intriguing. The palm with eight fingers enriches the playful tone of the image and echoes the fun holding the boy's interest.
Taking about mirror, it is the most readily available source of reflection. Walk on the street and there are mirrors galore. Give yourself an outdoor photo assignment. When you are on the street, walk the scene and try to make use of a mirror to convey your messages in the photos. Let me give some examples of mine and continue the discussion tomorrow.
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