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50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

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Using reflections in photography can lead to some amazing effects and beautiful images. Using water, windows, mirrors or any sort of reflective surface can change an image into a work of art. The wonderful thing about using reflections when taking photos is that they can completely alter the image from something fairly straightforward to something richer or abstract or otherwise more artistic. Sometimes reflections can be annoying and certainly not artistic. But creativity and good-quality photos depend on the photographer being able to see things differently, rather than seeing only one part of a larger whole.

Also, using reflected light can vastly improve the quality of lighting available. Diffused light is generally better for taking photos, and using reflected light, either as the main source of light or for highlighting, is an excellent way to capture diffused light.

Whether you choose to use reflection in an artistic way or as a source of lightning, learning to use reflections in photography will help take your photographic skills to the next level.

Below we present over 50 beautiful examples of reflective photography. All examples are linked to their sources. Below, you can also explore other works of the photographers we’ve featured here.

You may also want to take a look at the following related showcases:

Showcase Of Photos With Reflections:

Philippe Sainte-Laudy

Ph in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Pa in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

merriewells

Bi in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Wine in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Mik

Compo in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

François Raimbaud

Sang in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Antti-Jussi Liikala

Spec in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir

Rebekka in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Azzam Merchant

Eye in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Hong in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Avia in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Barbara Jones

Bl in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Julio Salinas

Man in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

kern.justin

Home in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Lynnette Henderson

Wren in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Janusz Leszczynski

Cresc in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Philippe Sainte-Laudy

Cl in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Nejdet Düzen

Dolph in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Meet in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Feeding in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Azm in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Izm in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Xhengis Aliu

Chic in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Ali Al-Zaidi

Pisa in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Chiara

Sydn in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Alfredo Corsaro

Ita in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

5348 Franco

Drop in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Atwose

Atwose in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Matey

Matey 88 in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Lars A. Giusti

Lars A Giusti in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Static Sparks

Static Sparks in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Linda O’Dell

Linda in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

tinygdynamite

Re2 in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Apricot Cafe

Disn in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Philippe Sainte-Laudy

Cham in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Blue2 in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Philipp Klinger

Darm in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Seldon Scott

Her in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

VISION~AIRY~

Refl in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Mike_tn

Uh in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Jörg B.

Lone in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

vedd

Waw in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Ihdar Nur

Ihdar Nur in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Omar Junior

Esp in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Mine Beyaz

Lg in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

AmsterS@m The Wicked Reflectah
“Old School Beauty BMW reflected in a puddle in Amsterdam…no Photoshop, as usual, just some added saturation and contrast.”

Bmw in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Philippe Sainte-Laudy

Paint in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Purp in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Hypergurl

Mackay Botanical Gardens, QLD Australia.Hypergurl in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Maureen_g

Maureen G in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Sean Mantey

Sean Mantey in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Steve Carter

Tow in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

34 in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Last Click

Julio

Geck in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Azzam Merchant

Uns in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Francesca Birini

Kiss in 50 Stunning Examples Of Reflective Photography

Resources

Related posts

Also consider our previous articles:

(al)

Vailancio Rodrigues, born and currently living in scenic beauty of Goa, spent most of his childhood in art and creativity. At present a College student who likes to try and do different things at every moment. Also an webmaster and web designer – Tiny Goa and Pixel Art.

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  1. 1
    Edo
    November 30th, 2008 2:46 pm

    cool! thank’s

  2. 2
    Trond
    November 30th, 2008 2:47 pm

    Nice collection :) here is one of my photos with reflection :)

    - kupen.net

  3. 3
    Ian Armstrong
    November 30th, 2008 3:21 pm

    Great images. Very inspiring work. Love to know what equipment some of them were taken with. Well done for putting these together.

  4. 4
    Tom
    November 30th, 2008 3:25 pm

    it’s funny, how colors changed after digital photography and photoshop postprocessing came up. it’s much more brilliant and contrasted and the effect of the movement of the picture as itself is more merging into the search of detailed information in big connotations – this search for deep meanings and expressions in photography was always there, the perspective is just changing a lot through modern equipment.

    anyway, sometimes there was a “wow” looking at the pictures of this list.

  5. 5
    Juan Ernesto
    November 30th, 2008 3:27 pm

    Great collection of photos!

  6. 6
    Jesse
    November 30th, 2008 3:27 pm

    Thanks. great photos. !!!

  7. 7
    www.galaxyspectrum.com
    November 30th, 2008 3:36 pm

    Nice colors – but Some are a bit too Photoshopped

  8. 8
    Mariam
    November 30th, 2008 4:02 pm

    Niiiice!!
    Thanks =)

  9. 9
    old school
    November 30th, 2008 5:11 pm

    I miss the days of the darkroom….

  10. 10
    Paulo Sacramento
    November 30th, 2008 5:21 pm

    I also got to great examples photographed by me right here:
    - Water reflection
    - The world seen through my eyes

  11. 11
    Therapix
    November 30th, 2008 5:48 pm

    Awesome selection!

  12. 12
    Eric- New Orleans Condos and Lofts
    November 30th, 2008 6:34 pm

    Lools like water and clouds are in a lot of these. You gave me some great ideas.

  13. 13
    2expertsdesign.com
    November 30th, 2008 6:43 pm

    Great Collection!

  14. 14
    Al.B
    November 30th, 2008 7:51 pm

    Gorgeous!!!!!

  15. 15
    Shabeer
    November 30th, 2008 8:15 pm

    Amazing collection. a smash hit.

  16. 16
    Manasa
    November 30th, 2008 8:52 pm

    Some of them are truly amazing! Some of them are a bit ‘regular’ though inspiring. Thanks.

  17. 17
    stephanie
    November 30th, 2008 9:47 pm

    http://flickr.com/photos/marshallsutcliffe/2959961115/

    perhaps another photo to consider?

  18. 18
    Steven Clark
    November 30th, 2008 9:56 pm

    I’m a sucker for a good reflective photograph with still water and a few lights like the Kristy Lee, Hobart taken a few nights ago.

    Nice set. HDR is starting to wear a bit thin on me though, its getting oversold lately IMO.

  19. 19
    Ravi
    November 30th, 2008 10:35 pm

    Thanks for giving so many new ideas!

  20. 20
    Elumalai
    November 30th, 2008 11:06 pm

    Amazing!!!

    I like all these, but my first one is “Linda O’Dell”

  21. 21
  22. 22
    dmsys
    December 1st, 2008 12:46 am

    i hate this ucking HDR.

  23. 23
    Modisana
    December 1st, 2008 12:50 am

    Though some of these underwent Photoshop and what nots, it would have been kick a$$ if they were raw…Im not complaining, I mean Im a photographer myself and I know that mastering the camera is no palk in the wark…I mean…Walk in the Park…beautiful post of really inspiring images and place i wish I could afford to go to someday.

  24. 24
    quasiallegra
    December 1st, 2008 1:03 am

    I think that the reflection in the geko last click is a post-production fake reflection (waves can’t be like that).

    Also: I like when a photo with reflection is flipped uspide down, like this one from a friend of mine. Original and clever!

  25. 25
    Francesco Carrella
    December 1st, 2008 1:27 am

    I have this example of reflective photo.. :]

  26. 26
    Paul
    December 1st, 2008 1:31 am

    Maybe too picky, but at least a couple of them are not reflections, but refractions. :-)
    Nice set, anyway

  27. 27
    Keri
    December 1st, 2008 1:38 am

    Some awesome shots there :-)

    Two of my reflection shots on flickr
    B&W with colour
    and
    Marina at Night

  28. 28
    Amateur Photographer
    December 1st, 2008 2:23 am

    some nice shots on here.

  29. 29
    Andy Montoya
    December 1st, 2008 4:44 am

    Düzen’s the MASTER!!!
    Great shoots.

    Cya,
    http://andymontoya.com

  30. 30
    Jason
    December 1st, 2008 5:30 am

    I love these, I like to capture reflections in my oil paintings it’s one of my favorite thing about painting in oils.

    I even did a reflection in my logo on my website :) not an art site :)

  31. 31
    Musback
    December 1st, 2008 5:49 am

    Very beautiful images thanks so much for sharing these!
    If i could share some of my reflective images…


    and

    Hope you liked

  32. 32
    Spindrift
    December 1st, 2008 5:56 am

    the third photo from the bottom has a faked reflection. (bad one too)
    It most likely was never near water at the time of the photo.

    all else are nice.

    ..well, except for the exaggerated HDR in some.

  33. 33
    oindypoind
    December 1st, 2008 6:05 am

    All of mine tagged Reflection [flickr]
    Reflection Image [flickr]
    Refelection Image [flickr]
    A few by me.

  34. 34
    oindypoind
    December 1st, 2008 6:06 am

    Great inspiration in this post, thanks.

  35. 35
    webdesign
    December 1st, 2008 7:07 am

    These images are beautifull! Thanks for sharing

  36. 36
    Blake
    December 1st, 2008 7:18 am

    Great list! Here’s another one I’d recommend:
    http://flickr.com/photos/blakesamic/2066771462/in/set-72157602124237457/

  37. 37
    Jim Gaudet
    December 1st, 2008 7:39 am

    Stunning! Great pictures…

  38. 38
    vedd
    December 1st, 2008 8:04 am

    Thanks for showcasing my picture on the Wawasan bridge!

  39. 39
    Doodie
    December 1st, 2008 8:22 am

    Hehe…yes the Gecko is a digital reflection. Most likely done with Flaming Pear’s “Flood” plugin, which actually is a great plugin for reflections. A roll of the random seed dice might have made a better effect though.

    I’m stilll shocked that people take the time to leave messages like “these have nothing to do with design”.

    It’s called INSPIRATION.

    Any graphic designer worth their salt has a creative bug in them, and should have hobbies including photography. It’s all in the eye people… composition, framing etc.

    Good times!

  40. 40
    Elias
    December 1st, 2008 9:13 am

    mmmm too much saturation, sharpen, contrast for my taste. Even if subject matter is interesting there’s too much post processing going on. Effects up to eleven FTL.

  41. 41
    Ori
    December 1st, 2008 9:31 am

    Amazing. Thanks!

  42. 42
    petronella
    December 1st, 2008 10:05 am

    stunning! love the castle!

  43. 43
    André
    December 1st, 2008 10:12 am

    I also made some studies with water reflections (but using body parts….I think the results are curious):
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/andre_graciotti/279562088/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/andre_graciotti/279562090/
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/andre_graciotti/279562085/

  44. 44
    V.
    December 1st, 2008 11:37 am

    >Elumalai: The “photo” by Linda O’Dell was created digitally. The real reflection on the water would not skew proportions and the perspective would be slightly different.

  45. 45
    kern.justin
    December 1st, 2008 12:56 pm

    Thanks to the eds for picking up my photo! To anyone who is curious I shot it with a Nikon D100 an old and nearly broken 14mm f/3.5 that I picked up on ebay some years ago. As with all the images of which I am proud, it is the product less of meticulous work and more of being the lucky one to walk by the cabin at the right time. “f/8 and be there” will hold true no matter whether post is in the dark room or the cpu!

  46. 46
    Aiko
    December 1st, 2008 2:06 pm

    Very nice work. Thou i have this feeling some of them are photoshoped, if there not photoshoped then its ashame as they feel photoshoped. Allot of these look like there not fully created by a camera. Anyways allot of them are really nice, so good work :)

  47. 47
    neko
    December 1st, 2008 2:16 pm

    as always…love the photograph posts. very inspirational!

  48. 48
    jade
    December 1st, 2008 2:23 pm

    Vedd, thought you’d like the inside reflection at Christmas time here: http://www.wels.net/s3/uploaded/76992/treeview.jpg

  49. 49
    AO
    December 1st, 2008 3:30 pm

    You missed one guy’s worked… He was featured in Time magazine some years back for his mostly reflective photography on the beaches of Karachi. See his work on flickr.

  50. 50
    Nico
    December 1st, 2008 7:05 pm

    Probably the greatest shot ever at:

    http://www.lucnix.be/main.php?g2_itemId=35972

  51. 51
    tom
    December 2nd, 2008 6:24 am

    I love the focus points. It is amazing to see itmes in the forground blurry with a focus point through water or similar items. Also reflective framing is also fantastic. Always love eye candy.

  52. 52
    Mark Folgo
    December 2nd, 2008 8:39 am

    This photographer has very good reflections photos

    http://www.filipebianchi.com

  53. 53
    .SCHL
    December 2nd, 2008 9:33 am

    You’ve gotta see the work of Gilad Benari, he’s awesome using reflections. http://gilad.deviantart.com/gallery

    Awesome list nonetheless.

    .SCHL

  54. 54
    Helen Bradley
    December 2nd, 2008 9:54 am

    What an inspiring collection of reflections.

    I captured some wonderful reflections in Rome and Venice recently, not only in canals and puddles, but also on cars and in windows which made for some great results.

    Check them out here: Projectwoman.com

  55. 55
    ag
    December 2nd, 2008 2:36 pm

    “Hehe…yes the Gecko is a digital reflection. Most likely done with Flaming Pear’s “Flood” plugin, which actually is a great plugin for reflections.”
    not only that one, several others as well (except for the gecko, there are 3 other really evident ones). it’s a shame, as the real ones in this bunch are truly stunning. the first one reminds me of The Shining ;)

  56. 56
    HErve
    December 2nd, 2008 3:30 pm

    Can t beleive how much these are photoshoped!!
    Do we talk about photography or virtual imagery!???
    Sorry, looks like crap

  57. 57
    Carabear
    December 2nd, 2008 4:27 pm

    Beautiful photos! Thank you for sharing :)

  58. 58
    Adam Alyan
    December 3rd, 2008 2:36 am

    Some of them are made using HDR techniques but not overdone.

  59. 59
    Marina Popova
    December 3rd, 2008 7:43 am

    Very cool!!! And what about this…
    http://photo-forum.net/en/index.php?APP_ACTION=USER_IMAGES&USER_ID=16753
    ?

  60. 60
    Megapixelphotos
    December 3rd, 2008 11:36 am

    http://www.megapixelphotos.com/index.php?showimage=327 <– Another cloud gate example.

    Also hard to believe a US monument in the reflecting pool wasnt there but I suppose there are a lot of those..

  61. 61
    Yuuzaa
    December 3rd, 2008 6:31 pm

    great ! ..thank’s for sharing.

  62. 62
    Anto
    December 3rd, 2008 7:02 pm

    Stunning pictures!
    I have taken a reflection picture of my friend. It is a different style, where a sunset reflects on his glasses. Tell me what you think!

    http://www.antoyoussef.com/2008/09/antoine-watching-the-sunset-salar-de-atacama/

  63. 63
    angeloff
    December 4th, 2008 1:55 am

    Incredible. Smashing Collection as usual

    Visit My ArtWord on my blog
    Angeloff

  64. 64
    szenen
    December 4th, 2008 5:38 am

    whats so stunning? how easy it is to use photoshop?

  65. 65
    Peter
    December 4th, 2008 6:40 am

    Great Pictures, Thanks!

    Here are some more great reflection-pictures i found recently. The second one is my absolute favorite.

    Picture Nr 1
    Picutre Nr 2
    Picture Nr 3

  66. 66
    Jon
    December 4th, 2008 9:13 am

    wheres the reflecto-porn

  67. 67
    Artturi Mäntysaari
    December 4th, 2008 9:26 am

    Here is one of my photos with reflection: http://www.harhakuva.org/view/117609

    (sorry finnish language)

  68. 68
    p33nicorn on dA
    December 4th, 2008 2:55 pm

    One of my favourite pictures I’ve ever taken is a reflection pic, here.

    A lot of them were stunning, some.. not so much.

  69. 69
    Wayfaring Wanderer
    December 5th, 2008 7:41 am

    I really liked that feather shot, and the last one, too. Who can beat an awesome reflection mixed with some sunset silhouettes…..dream photo!

    “But creativity and good-quality photos depend on the photographer being able to see things differently, rather than seeing only one part of a larger whole.” AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!

  70. 70
    jimmy
    December 5th, 2008 11:01 am

    if all these werent photoshoped i would like them. but the computer is taking away form the true beauty of life, i stick to film and that’s what i prefer. the real deal.

  71. 71
    zemichael TY
    December 8th, 2008 5:50 am

    thanks, it’s a real inspiration!!!! lovely pieces of work …this things i’m looking at …wow

  72. 72
    Anon
    December 8th, 2008 4:45 pm

    Too bad a lot of these are photoshopped.

    These are some good reflective pictures.
    http://robinsoulier.com/

  73. 73
    what's up with dolphins?
    December 9th, 2008 12:48 am

    Dolphins aren’t that great . . .
    That’s right, I said it. Dolphins. Not that smart. Do you think a dolphin could take a picture?

  74. 74
    sanjay raikar
    December 18th, 2008 3:00 am

    beautiful photographs, fantastic locations, treat for the eye, love it.

  75. 75
    Psalms
    December 19th, 2008 12:56 pm

    i luv it!!!
    i wish i can go 2 those places!

  76. 76
    stringer
    December 19th, 2008 8:10 pm

    every one of them photoshopped within an inch of their lives

  77. 77
    PANO
    December 22nd, 2008 6:50 pm

    赞!how beautiful

  78. 78
    Christopher L Moore
    January 1st, 2009 5:56 pm

    Several of those were actually better examples of Refraction not Reflection (Looking through a clear droplet http://www.flickr.com/photos/12708811@N07/2633069893/ or glass of water http://www.flickr.com/photos/merwells/464167469/) It is otherwise a nice collection.

  79. 79
    Cpt
    January 4th, 2009 7:54 am

    Most of the shots are good ones, but some are a bit oversaturated and artificial amateur pictures, not really suitable for demonstration in a high class place like this one – in my opinion.

  80. 80
    quelen
    January 19th, 2009 8:26 am

    muito lindas as imagens

  81. 81
    sJ
    January 19th, 2009 1:05 pm

    Reflections really amplify the beauty of a photograph… Very nice job here; thank you for sharing.

  82. 82
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    January 22nd, 2009 10:02 pm

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  83. 83
    jithesh
    January 23rd, 2009 3:57 am

    very beautiful pictures ” great” thanks

  84. 84
    lorne
    February 7th, 2009 1:22 pm

    Nice. Perhaps a little heavy on the saturation and/or dynamic range ‘cranks’ in photo shop, but nice example of reflections none the less.

  85. 85
    baha'aldeen
    February 16th, 2009 5:22 am

    fantastic work,the best one is the 1st one.

  86. 86
    nikki
    February 17th, 2009 2:46 pm

    soooo pretty!

  87. 87
    Liz Gregory
    February 27th, 2009 6:01 am

    Glorious, gorgeous and great! Loved looking at all these beautiful images – inspirational, thank you :)

  88. 88
    mun imnyeo
    March 2nd, 2009 2:47 pm

    beatiful pictures!!
    thanks for sharing.

  89. 89
    Gabrielle
    March 11th, 2009 12:32 pm

    So I was wondering about settings on a manual non digital camera?

  90. 90
    Shrikant Kelkar
    April 13th, 2009 11:57 pm

    Some pictures are really beautiful.

  91. 91
    Sohni mutiar
    June 21st, 2009 2:04 pm

    amazing and cool picsssssss !!!!!!!!!

  92. 92
    aussie
    August 2nd, 2009 12:55 am

    not top 50 photos here.. but top 50 photoshop examples.
    yes, the final picture is beautiful.. but its not REAL photo anymore, if all visual effects, colors and mirrors was changed or modified by some image redactor.
    sad.

  93. 93
    Adam Mutum
    October 7th, 2009 2:08 am

    All I can say is Wow! Great photographs.

  94. 94
    jason Gambhir
    October 15th, 2009 11:33 pm

    The photographs here are sadly not quite there inter,s of quality or content. They are poor cases of bad pj photography.

  95. 95
    samantha
    November 9th, 2009 2:05 pm

    they started off good but then i realized that some of these pictures where PHOTOSHOPED ! It upset me cause i believed the pictures where so magical when indeed it was not even taken that way.

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