Lightpainting tips: Reflections and mirroring

A special aspect of light painting is the reflections and mirroring on the corresponding surfaces. Reflections on surfaces such as water and glass are of course a plus point, as are reflections on other materials;

These reflections and mirroring in light painting mean that you can very quickly avoid the accusation that you have done something with Photoshop. After all, such light effects can only be achieved realistically in Photoshop with a great deal of effort. But why waste hours in Photoshop when you can just take your photos directly?

In the following light painting example with the title “Lightpainting Sprayer” you can see the orange light spots on the floor and the bridge ceiling.

If different colors are used in the light painting, these colors are also reflected in the reflections. In the following example, the play of colors on the floor and ceiling is simply fantastic. It is therefore important to find the right location for the light painting!

The traces of light can be seen even more clearly in reflections in the water. Here you have to think about the available space. In the following example, the location only allowed space upwards for the light painting, resulting in an upright panorama. Image title “Letting the lightpainting genie out of the bottle”.

Tip for reflections in water for light painting

Tip for reflections in the water when light painting: Light painting should take place as close to the water as possible. Many flashlights also allow them to be immersed in the water so that the reflection and the water merge.