Reflections of fall

[HappyCynic]

I was feeling in an experimental mood today and here are a couple of the resulting shots.

[Mira]

1. Both luminous....Favorite is number two. Lots of mystery N/T

[Sheepshank]

2. interesting

perspectives. I too really enjoyed the 2nd picture.

[Celebration]

3. I like that

I'm not sure how you got only the reflection in focus. I might try that. It's interesting (as Sheepshank noted).

[Dwinal87]

4. depth of field?

Would the depth of field be different to get just the reflection in focus? I'll have to try that.

[HappyCynic]

5. Depth of field

I used a telephoto from relatively close up and made sure the reflected subject was far enough away so that only it would be in the focal range. It was actually quite challenging to find appropriate puddles - if you're too close, they're probably only reflecting things really close to them or the sky and if you're too far, the angle of view of the puddle will probably result in just a sliver of a reflection. For the above shots, I was only a couple yards from the puddle and the subject was 5+ yards from the puddle. I also tried a few of a nearby bridge that I don't think turned out as well.

One tip if you try this: make sure nothing disturbs the water surface when you take the shot. Besides the obvious wind/rain, people waking by can cause enough of a tremor on the surface that it messes with the image (and your focus as a result).