Puddle reflections turn a wet street into a second frame. To use them well, get low, find a puddle that mirrors something interesting, and compose so the reflection and the real scene both contribute. A short wait for a person or vehicle to pass often makes the picture.
Finding Good Reflections
Look for still, shallow puddles with a bright or colorful scene above them, such as signs, windows, lit shop fronts or a clear sky. Dark ground makes reflections easier to see. The best time is often just after rain, or in the evening when street lights add color.
- Check puddles near crossings, tram stops and doorways, where people pass.
- Look for lines, such as building edges or railings, that lead into the reflection.
- Avoid puddles that are rippled by wind or dripping water, unless you want an abstract look.
Step by Step: Shooting the Reflection
- Get low. The lower the camera, the more of the reflected scene shows in the puddle. Crouch, kneel, or use a tilting screen to hold the camera close to the ground.
- Pick a wide or standard lens. Wide angles show the puddle and the scene together, while longer lenses isolate small details.
- Set aperture to a mid value, roughly f/5.6 to f/8 as a baseline, to keep both the puddle and its edges reasonably sharp.
- Choose a shutter speed of roughly 1/250 or faster if you want to freeze people walking through. Raise ISO to keep that speed in dim light.
- Focus on the puddle surface or the edge of the reflection, then check whether the reflected details look sharp.
- Compose with the puddle in the lower third and a clear subject, such as a person, an umbrella or a bike, near it.
- Wait for a moment. Take several frames as a subject steps near or into the reflection.
- Flip the final image upside down in editing for a surreal version, if it suits your idea.
Exposure and Editing Ideas
Reflections are often darker than the real scene, so check the highlights and consider exposing for the bright signs and lifting shadows later. A polarizing filter can reduce reflections, which is the opposite of what you want here, so take it off. In editing, adding a little contrast and a touch of clarity can make the mirror image stand out.
Camera Care in Wet Weather
Keep a cloth handy to wipe the front of the lens, and follow the maker’s guidance on weather resistance for your own camera.
FAQ
Do I need a special lens?
No. A wide or standard lens is enough. A phone also works well since it can sit very low to the ground.
Can I use puddles after the rain stops?
Yes. Puddles often last for a while, and the calmer water can give cleaner mirror images.
The Short Version
Get close to the ground, frame the reflection along with a clear subject, and be patient for people to enter the scene. Use a mid aperture and a fast enough shutter speed, and adjust as the light changes.
