I love photos that feature reflections, particularly water reflections, and would like to get some input and tips. Most reflection shots that I see show the original object and the reflection. But in this photo, the original object was far away and all I was able to show was the reflection itself. I don't really have a feel as to whether this is a good photo or not. Are there do's and don'ts as far as reflections go?
Guess my only tip would be to get as close to ground level as possible... Here's a couple where I either rested the camera on the ground or held it a inch or two above..
I think it all depends on the subject. I usually include the object with the reflection, but I usually shoot large, open spaces. I've seen some FANTASTIC images that are reflection alone.
i think reflection shots tend to work better when the water is clear (meaning no plant life or anything floating about)... i agree with @grizzlysghost that a reflection on its own can absolutely work... many will flip the image to give it a sense of rightness that isn't quite right (because the reflection tends to be a bit distorted) and this can create tremendous interest and give the image a painterly feel....
My tip is to decide if you want to be in the shot or not - I am getting better at getting angles to avoid me/my shadow or make sure I am centre stage; like this selfie in a bauble
The tips I can offer is if you are photographing still water try to do it early in the morning when the wind is less or non existent. This will give you the a mirror like surface. Also have the direct light on your subject not the water as it will give you glare.
I posted a reflection photograph today and you only see the reflection. the reflection is of a building that is across the street reflecting on a mirrored building called "Hall of Mirrors." In this situation it works nicely. With reflections in water I like to see the original image as well.
I love reflections as I think they can add a surrealness to a photo, one tip is to use manual focus, especially with puddles
another is to look in windows (derelict buildings obviously) as the textures of windows can sometimes add something to a photo too
and do plenty of flipping and post processing
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here's an example by @amandal
Sometimes it is more interesting without seeing the subject but smooth water is important then.
Here is one I did but, of course, edited, but I did not flip it.
Here is another that I did flip. I love to take reflection photographs!
another is to look in windows (derelict buildings obviously) as the textures of windows can sometimes add something to a photo too
and do plenty of flipping and post processing
and crystal balls, those are fun until you drop it and it hits a rock