Focusing on reflections...

Yaro · 08-16-2010, 07:43 AM

I was trying to work it out in my head befor, but confused myself. Could someone explain to me if shooting reflections you focus on the reflecting object or the distance of the reflection itself?

Many thanks

yaro

RioRico · 08-16-2010, 08:47 AM

That depends what you want in focus. If you want the distant reflected object to be sharp, focus on it, not on the closer reflected surface.

mickeyobe · 08-16-2010, 08:50 AM

A reflected image is as far behind the mirror as the reflected object is in front of the mirror.

Mickey

JeffJS · 08-16-2010, 08:59 AM

This is a reflected image. It was taken using a front surfaced mirror (the purpose of doing so is to lower the viewing perspective in a way that photoshop cannot). The mirror is set at a 45 degree angle and the camera is pointed down at the mirror. The focal point is the combined distance of the lens to mirror plus mirror to the front of the train and is the same as if I had just pointed the camera at the train. (yes, the photo is photoshopped, quite a bit).

It is a little different than you are asking about I think. Just an interesting (to me) addition to the topic of taking pictures of reflections.

joebob · 08-21-2010, 07:53 AM

Very cool!

JeffJS · 08-21-2010, 11:32 AM

Thank You.

08-16-2010, 07:43 AM	#1
Yaro Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Tasmania Photos: Gallery Posts: 101	Focusing on reflections... I was trying to work it out in my head befor, but confused myself. Could someone explain to me if shooting reflections you focus on the reflecting object or the distance of the reflection itself? Many thanks yaro

08-16-2010, 08:50 AM	#3
mickeyobe Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,759	Reflections A reflected image is as far behind the mirror as the reflected object is in front of the mirror. Mickey

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08-16-2010, 08:47 AM	#2
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	That depends what you want in focus. If you want the distant reflected object to be sharp, focus on it, not on the closer reflected surface.

08-16-2010, 08:59 AM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	This is a reflected image. It was taken using a front surfaced mirror (the purpose of doing so is to lower the viewing perspective in a way that photoshop cannot). The mirror is set at a 45 degree angle and the camera is pointed down at the mirror. The focal point is the combined distance of the lens to mirror plus mirror to the front of the train and is the same as if I had just pointed the camera at the train. (yes, the photo is photoshopped, quite a bit). It is a little different than you are asking about I think. Just an interesting (to me) addition to the topic of taking pictures of reflections.

08-21-2010, 07:53 AM	#5
joebob Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 184	Very cool!

08-21-2010, 11:32 AM	#6
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Thank You.