It was easy for me to select a theme for this month's blog. Reflections are so common in photography, even necessary for some cameras to operate! They are ubiquitous, glaring from windows, reflecting in pools of water, keeping us safe with rearview mirrors, dazzling us with shimmering jewelry, and in glittered décor. Even on cloudy days, mirrored images can still be found.
When I began this blog over a year ago, I hadn't considered including research, but as my writing developed, I discovered that added info could enrich the message. Following are some of the discoveries I found while gathering information for this piece.
There are three types of reflections. I did not know that. They are: Regular Reflections
And multiple reflections
I found that there are over 60 synonyms and antonyms for the word and when I checked out the definition, some left me with that "say what?" feeling.
"Reflection The throwing back of a body or surface of light, heat or sound without absorbing it."
Ok, not too hard to understand, although when considering the topic I did not think about the reflection of heat and sound, as well as light. Was that an echo I heard??
But how about this description? "The abrupt change in the direction of the propagation of a wave that strikes the boundary between different mediums."
Mediums? Did anyone plan a séance?? Mediums, no extra large?? (OK, I hear the boooos.)
I had no idea there are laws of reflection.
"Coherent sources should have the following characteristics:
The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal all lie within the same plane.
and The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection."
Most physicists are probably familiar with them, but I found the concepts difficult to grasp. Nevertheless, my research findings enhance my message as I try to learn new ideas and provide accurate information.
My discoveries took me in a number of different directions. All of us are familiar with the mirror hanging over our bathroom sink, or the one in the lobby reflecting a window or artwork on the opposite wall. But mirrors do so much more.
I thought they increased the amount of light, but that is not true. They only seem to make things brighter as they direct light into areas that may otherwise be dark.
I am a fan of the Star Trek TV series and found that one of the most famous shows was Season 2 Episode 4, Mirror, Mirror. Google led me to a movie on IMBd titled Reflections about a Ukrainian doctor who was captured by a Russian in a conflict zone and exposed to horrible experiences of humiliation. Considering what is happening between these two countries, I found that almost ironic.
We are familiar with the Myth of Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection and from which we get the term narcissistic personality, but where would we be without reflections? Is my shirt buttoned right? Is that dirt on my cheek?
Saint Paul mentioned a mirror in his letter to the Corinthians, "now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face..." I Cor. 12:13
The great mystery writer, Agatha Christie authored, When the Mirror Cracked, which was also made into a movie. There are so many examples, but I found it quite interesting to discover just how much information was readily available once I started digging.
So now, reflections in photography. DSLR cameras function using mirrors: Digital Single Lens Reflection camera which enables the photographer to see exactly what the film or sensor captures. Of course, cell phones now have such good quality cameras built in that other more traditional ones may become outmoded--except for the purists who like to have more control over the pictures they are taking.
Reflections are not always helpful in photography but can interfere with a good shot.
This was taken in the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City. It is a cell from the cartoon Yellow Submarine. The reflections ruined things.
Some pictures are made more interesting or prettier because of reflections.
The riches of the rich were more prominently displayed when flattered under spotlights.
Rain often provides interesting reflections where they would not normally occur.
Glass provides some great spots of light which create great images.
What would Christmas be without reflections? Notice how the cross is reflected in the Christmas ornament. It is a sermon all its own.
In addition to its use in math and physics, reflection also has psychological implications. Self-reflection is the ability to witness and evaluate our own cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes.
It allows us to identify and appreciate positive experiences and better identify ways to improve. It can be useful when we have had more challenging experiences; helping us to process and learn from them.
It is a common tool in psychotherapy as the therapist reflects back to the patient. I am introspective and frequently reflect on life and the world around me.
One of the goals in composing this blog is to encourage those who visit to reflect on the ideas and photos on these pages. Hopefully, that was accomplished in the few lines and photos posted.
