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Storytelling Using Reflections In Wedding Photography

Reflection photography offers a creative element that enhances the visuals and establishes a connection between wedding photographers and bringing out their couple’s story. These bring a unique perspective to the frame, often uniquely highlighting a couple’s beauty or the venue. You can find reflections on mirrors, water, windows, and even champagne glasses and use them to depict the couple’s romance, family ties, or the joy of celebrating with loved ones. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the impact of the different types of reflections in photography is undeniable, capturing a vivid and dynamic moment in time.

Suggested Read: Storytelling In Wedding Photography: 5 Ways To Get It Right

Reflections In Wedding Photography: Inspiration From Shootdotedit Customers

1. Jorge Santiago Photography

2. Lovers Of Love

3. Photography By Orlando

4. Melissa Fe Chapman Photography

5. Andres Lopez Films

6. Taylor Kemp Photography

7. Looyenga Photography

Tips For Creative Reflections In Wedding Photography

1. Find The Perfect Spot

As a wedding photographer, capturing creative reflections can add a unique and enchanting touch to your client’s albums – and for this, you need to get the shot’s location and timing right. Scout the venue to find the right spot to capture reflection shots; you want to keep your eyes peeled for suitable reflective surfaces like glass, steel, water, or even a polished marble floor. 

Be it glass windows or a still pond or fountain, consider the time of day and your lighting choices to capture the perfect reflection. While reflections are more vibrant and clear in the morning light, sunset can create a more romantic and soft look. Consider the overcast skies for moody effects on a rainy day, or creatively frame the surroundings at sunset and wait for the perfect moment to capture that magical reflection shot.

2. Capture Moments Through Reflection On Different Surfaces

Try experimenting with creative mirror photos when you’re shooting your couple’s getting ready phase of the wedding day. The reflection can add a unique element to a traditional shot. Don’t limit yourself to photography with mirrors – windows, water surfaces, or even shiny surfaces can offer captivating reflections that lend a creative edge to your images.

Use reflective surfaces, such as glass, water, or even walls, to add depth and interest to your images. Some tips for utilizing mirrors in photography and other reflective surfaces include shooting from unique angles, using a polarizing filter to reduce glare, and experimenting with exposure settings to create different effects. 

3. Experiment With Lighting To Add Depth

The contrast and play of light can enhance the artistic value of your images by creating dramatic reflections. If you’re shooting with natural light, look for reflective surfaces that can bounce light back at your subjects. It’s tempting to rely solely on natural light when capturing reflections outdoors, but try using artificial light to add depth and character to your wedding photos. You can use the sun as a backlight and then add a flash or reflector to the subject’s face. 

If you’re shooting indoors, use reflective surfaces like mirrors or metallic objects to add shine. You can use strobes, soft boxes, or ring lights for photography to create reflections that are more controlled and add creative flair to your images. 

4. Get The Right Gear

To get the perfect reflective shot you need the right lenses for wedding photography. A wide-angle lens allows for breathtaking panoramic images of the reflective surface, like a nearby water body, or shooting inside spacious venues. In contrast, telephoto lenses can get you closer to reflective surfaces such as mirrors and windows.

Consider the size of the reflective surface and the distance you will be shooting from when selecting your lens. Note that a shallow depth of field can blur out the background and make the reflection the focal point, while a deeper depth of field can provide a more detailed reflection. 

5. Add Creativity And Unique Perspective To Your Shot

Reflections can add a unique and stunning depth to your images by creating a sense of symmetry, balance, and harmony. The key is experimenting with angles to capture a unique perspective and add interest and creativity to your wedding photography. Such experimentation allows you to find hidden treasures – architectural details, floral arrangements, or guests’ expressions.

Positioning yourself in the right place is crucial to achieving the perfect reflection shot. You may need to kneel, bend, or use a tripod to get the right angle. There are endless reflection photography ideas, so get creative, play around with photography angles and techniques, and turn those simple reflections into stunning works of photography art.

Further Read: Top Wedding Photography Trends You Don’t Want To Miss

It’s not just about visual aesthetics; reflections also mirror the day’s emotions, allowing you to convey the depth and beauty of the surroundings and the people within them. Luckily, with the proper post-production techniques, you can enhance your creative mirror photography to the next level. Experiment with color correction, contrast adjustments, and careful cropping to enhance the final results of your reflections photography. However, if the demands of post-production seem daunting and time-consuming, it’s worth remembering that outsourcing can be a lifeline, ensuring your pictures radiate with the same brilliance while affording you the precious time to focus on your craft. So next time you’re behind the lens at a wedding, don’t be afraid to experiment with reflections – you might end up with some genuinely unforgettable shots.

At ShootDotEdit, we are committed to helping you grow your wedding photography business. To help you with that, we lessen your post-production workload with professional photo editing services that match your style. To learn more about how we can help, check out our pricing plans.