Capture an image with a creative use of reflection

Challenge 1 Jules Gallagher

Built in the early 1800s, Foxton Locks is located on the Grand Union Canal and is home to Britain’s longest and steepest staircase flight of locks. While transporting cargo by canal has long given way to pleasure cruising, Foxton Locks is still very much in use by houseboats. Surrounded by bucolic Leicestershire countryside, it is a very agreeable place to visit in fine weather – and that’s what we’re doing today, with a local Digital Camera- reading couple in tow. Jules and Tony recommended this location for its richness of photo opportunities, and to ease in to the day we’re going to embrace the reflective potential of water.

“Walking along the canal, something in the water caught my eye,” says Jules. “I realised it was a reflection of the pub sign and liked the way I could see both the sign and the clouds above. Trying to get the photo was not that easy, though, as the movement in the water changed the way my camera focused on the sign. My first few attempts were out of focus and not what I wanted; this shot captures the moment when the movement of the water was just right. I am glad that I took the time to wait for the water so that I got the shot I wanted.”

Expert opinion

If your camera is struggling to focus, it might be a good chance to try doing it manually. We’re glad you got a good one in the end though, Jules! Choosing to keep the surrounding walls in the top of the shot gives it some context.

Challenge 1

Tony Lake

Tony tried a different tack from his spouse, framing a scene halfway up the staircase of locks from the basin at the bottom. He has created a pleasing colour palette by combining the reflection of a cloudy blue sky with the red, green and brown of the grassy bank and the canal infrastructure.

“What I liked here was the mix of colours shared between the land and the reflection,” says Tony. “The fact that the blue sky balances with the green grass and the leading lines on the picture all lead to the strong red lock paddle gate, even in the reflection, is just balanced.

“I am happy with the image, but it could have been a bit better if the cloud in the reflection was all blue – this might make it ping a bit more.”

Expert opinion

This is an interesting composition, with a lot to take in all at the same time. We agree with Tony about the blue sky – perhaps the entire image could have a tad more saturation or some contrast applied to bring out the colours, in particular the red.