Photographing Reflections - Lakes and Ponds
1. Break the rule of thirds.
2. Put the horizon line in the middle or try to capture the whole
scene as a reflection.
3. Look for objects of interest like stones, reeds, birds.
4. Use a wide angle lens, get low and include foreground interest.
5. Photograph from a high view point to isolate parts of the scene,
include islands with reflections and mist for more surreal
images.
6. Camera settings, use long exposures, small apertures and a
low iso.
7. Small apertures for a greater depth of field.
8. Long shutter speed to smooth out water and improve
reflections.
9. Low iso to help maintain sharp images and to allow you to
capture all the colour of the scene.
10. Use a polarizing filter to cut through the glare at the top of the
water, do not select the full polar effect as this will cause the
reflection to disappear.
11. Use ND filters to longer exposure times.
12. Use ND graduated filters to reduce brightness in the
background (to balance a brightly lit background with a dark
reflection).