by Jeff Goulden The Teton Range Reflected in the Snake River from Schwabacher Landing One of my favorite things to photograph is scenery reflected in still water. Photographing a reflection creates a unique perspective by adding interest and depth to the photograph. Early morning when the water is calm and the light is soft is usually the best time to capture a perfect reflection. Capturing a perfect reflection is harder than it sounds because even a slight wind will cause ripples and blur the surface of the water.  Haystack Rock on the Oregon Coast You don't necessarily need a calm mountain lake to take a reflection picture. I have shot many mirror-images in calm rivers, ponds and even wet glistening sand. Mountains are a typical reflection subject but I have also successfully shot people, wildlife and buildings reflected in water or sand. I spend a lot of time in Mount Rainier National Park and I have a couple of favorite spots to shoot Mount Rainier reflected in water. Reflection Lakes which is a few miles below the Paradise visitor center is appropriately named. The lakes provide an iconic view of the mountain. In the summer during wildflower season and in fall when the grasses turn to gold are especially lovely times. Mirror Lake near Indian Henry's Hunting Ground, also appropriately named, is another nice place for a late afternoon or early evening shot. Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park has two of the best spots to get the rugged Teton Range reflected in the Snake River. Oxbow Bend has stunning views of Mount Moran framed in the fall by golden aspen trees. The challenge at Oxbow Bend is finding a spot on the riverbank that is not already occupied by photographers and tripods. Schwabacher Landing is another popular spot for an early morning photograph. Both places are best visited in the early morning when the sunrise is illuminating the Tetons.  Greater Scaup When shooting reflections in the early morning I like to have both background and foreground in focus. This means using a small aperture (f16 or f22) to give me maximum depth of field. Use of a small aperture in low light also means using a slow shutter speed and necessitates the use of a tripod.
More reflection pictures can be seen in my Reflections Gallery. Signed fine art prints from many of my photographs are available for purchase on Fine Art America. For special offers and to follow my photographic journey please Join My Email List.
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