Uninspired? Something to Try is...

Mirror Photography.

 

You may come across some of these photos from time to time, but I think this is a really interesting trick that might spark some creativity if you're feeling a little uninspired.

 

 

Many of you may be familiar with the famous photo above.  It was captured by a photographer that I had researched previously--Elliott Erwitt.  Something so simple as catching the perfect angle to capture such a reflection is worth considering when trying mirror photography.  It can be as simple or as complicated in process as your creativity will allow.  A mirror can be used in an almost unlimited amount of ways.  Here are a few examples:

 

-To give depth to your image and more detail.
It can show you things that are hidden from the eye of the camera and open up angles that go unseen.

-As a prop to tell stories.
They can help create insight and a story behind it or create an illusion.

-A great way to show the surroundings.
It gives you a way to see whats behind the camera as well as whats in front of it, which can also create a sort of illusion.

 

 

 

 So if you're feeling inspired to try and add a mirror to a creative portrait session here are 

4 Tips for Mirror/Reflection Photography:

1.  Make sure the mirrors are clean.

     Spots, fingerprints, or a streak on a mirror will cause it to lose quality.

2.  Do not use filters when working with reflections.

     Filters are often used to reduce glares and reflections in images.  A filter would cause distortion in the image and diminish the effect.

3.  Choose a great focal point when using mirrors.

     "You can either focus on the image in the mirror or the subject. Each focal point has its own benefit. If you choose to focus on the subject, the image in the mirror will be slightly blurred. However, if you choose to focus on the reflection, the subject becomes slightly blurred. Focusing on the reflection, especially when using people, is a great way to draw in the attention to the mirror. Doing this with people is a good way to add emotion or dramatic affect to an image." (Ast)

4.  It is often best to not use a flash or to use a very low flash.

    Because it can produce an unwanted glare or bright spot in the image it is best to avoid using any kind of flash.  It is recommended to pay very close attention to all of the light sources in the environment.  If you must use flash, make sure you do not stand directly in front on the mirror; rather, stand off to the side.  Your body should be positioned at an almost perpendicular angle to the mirror to reduce the occurrence of glare and potentially affecting the image.


 

 

Works Cited

 

Ast, Alyssa. "Mirror Reflection Photography." brighthub. Bright Hub, Inc., 30 Nov. 2009. Web. 7 July 2014. <http://www.brighthub.com/multimedia/photography/articles/57923.aspx>

Erwitt, Elliott. California Kiss. 1955. Jackson Fine Art, Atlanta. jacksonfineart. Web. 7 July 2014. <http://www.jacksonfineart.com/elliott-erwitt-319.html>

 

Estes, Chad. "Facing Your Reflection." Photograph. chadestes. Captain's Blog, 26 Jan. 2013. Web. 7 July 2014. <http://www.chadestes.com/2013/01/facing-your-reflection/ >

Hussey, Tom. "Gardner." Photograph. npr. NPR, 7 Aug. 2012. Web. 7 July 2014. <http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/08/07/157743116/does-the-mirror-reflect-how-you-feel>

Smith, Cody William. "A Moments Reflection -- Series." Photograph. photographytuts. Photographytuts.com, 13 Jan. 2014. Web. 7 July 2014. <http://www.photographytuts.com/reflection-and-landscape-photography/ >

Who's in your class?

You log in to your e-classroom, post an assignment, read and respond to at least two peers, and you're done with an assignment, right?  Right.  But there's someone in the classroom that you might not be aware of:

 

You.

Your presence and participation in the classroom speaks more about your academic and professional character than your actual work.  The instructors notice much more than you think and are more likely to pin-point certain students in the first few days of a new class.  They recognize ambitious students, those with great passion and ethics, but they also recognize behaviors of students who are not prepared to give their best effort.  Of course the academic journey is going to have some slow classes that aren't as particularly engaging as others, but that is an opportunity to evaluate yourself; your performance is a reflection of who you are academically and professionally and people take notice of this demeanor both online and in reality. 

Who are you? 

Are you always the last one turning in assignments?  Do you respond at the last minute?  Do you follow all of the instructions and ask for help or clarification when you need it?  Your employers and clients can see these behaviors and it is important to be self-aware about what messages you are sending as a student and professional.  You don't have to be #1 in everything, but it helps you achieve your goals when you have that mentality!  History and writing are not everyone's best subjects, but how you approach these challenges is a reflection of how you might approach similar obstacles in reality.  It's not too late to redefine your work ethic.  Discover your passion, improve your weaknesses, and increase your strengths.  Always try your best and establish a positive presence because you say more than you know. 

 

So, who's in your class right now: ambitious-you or absent-you?

 

What do you want your performance to say about you in the e-classroom?  Is it what you would want an employer or client to say about you? 

 

Tell me what you think in the comments below and thanks for reading today!

 

Works Cited

African businesswoman leaning on stack of paperwork. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 9 Jun 2014.
<http://quest-preview.eb.com/#/search/154_2895939/1/154_2895939/cite>

Woman reading book. Photography. Encyclopædia Britannica ImageQuest. Web. 9 Jun 2014.
http://quest-preview.eb.com/#/search/154_2880970/1/154_2880970/cite