During our latest Street Photography 101 Workshop, we delved into the fascinating world of capturing images through different forms of glass. From the sleek surfaces of bus shelters to the transparent walls of skytrain stations and the reflections found in store windows, we explored the art of using these elements to our advantage. By incorporating reflections into our compositions, we were able to add depth and complexity to our photos, creating layers. Here, we showcase a selection of the images captured during our workshop. Additionally, we share some tips and techniques for mastering this unique approach to street photography.

Tips for Capturing Reflections Through Glass:

Embrace the Reflections: Incorporate windows, glass, and other reflective surfaces to add depth and layers to your compositions. Experiment with capturing both the outside scene and its reflection.

Play with Angles: Explore different perspectives by shooting from various angles. Try shooting straight through the window, from an angle, or even from above to discover new and intriguing reflections. Be mindful of avoiding capturing your own reflection, unless you're aiming for a Vivian Maier style.

Utilize Manual Focus: To ensure your camera focuses on the intended subject, switch to manual focus as reflections can sometimes confuse autofocus.

Pay Attention to Light: Observe how light interacts with the glass and experiment with shooting at different times of the day to capture unique lighting conditions.

Look for Distortions: Embrace the unique distortions and abstract patterns that reflections can produce to enhance the artistic quality of your photos. Frosted or opaque windows can create a sense of intrigue when silhouetting a person behind them.