The new Indianapolis Public Library.

Reflections can be either your bane or your best friend- here, the latter. For this shot, I got up close with a wide angle lens, and let my composition wander over the frame until my spidey-sense tingled and I said “That’s It.” This is just about exactly what came from the camera.

Steak and Shake restaurant, Indianapolis, IN

Can you spot the trick in this image? Even prosaic experiences can offer interesting photo opportunities if you keep your eyes open. I was waiting for an early morning takeout when I noticed this repetitive pattern all over the restaurant. Every light fixture was reflecting the neon around the store! The secondary lesson here is always have a camera handy- even on a 3 AM food run!

Reflections are sometimes difficult to manage. The polarizing filter is your ally here. I sat there and adjusted the filter until I had the exact amount of reflection of the car in the next space that I wanted. Notice, as well, the composition I used- I placed the headlight just about at the 2/3 horizontal and vertical junction, and let the chrome strip sweep back towards the opposite corner to create a sense of movement.

Predawn hours can yield striking light, and the stillness calms water, which can lead to extraordinary clarity in reflections. Learn to watch the weather and use these precious hours.