How to Take a Picture of a Mirror (Without Reflections)

When it comes to product photography, the reflective surface of a mirror can elevate your images and add a touch of intrigue and creativity.

A mirror picture can be used to create captivating compositions and unique visual effects.

But let’s be honest, working with mirrors is tricky!

So, how do you create those stunning photos without the camera being visible?

It may require some experimentation and skill to learn, but it’ll be worth it in the end.

And from my experience, these are the things I wish I learned when I was new to working on mirror pictures.

Equipment Needed for Taking a Picture of a Mirror (for Product Photography/Real Estate)

Various pieces of equipment are needed for a mirror picture when it’s incorporated into product photography or real estate photography.

In these two photography styles, a mirror helps to up the quality and creativity of your images.

Let’s take a look at what equipment you would need for hidden camera mirror photography in these two genres.

Product Photography

For product photography, a solid camera is a great start.

The Canon EOS T3 is perfect if you’re still starting and don’t have the budget for more expensive cameras.

The Nikon D5200 is another affordable option.

As for lenses, a nifty fifty can suffice for many scenarios involving mirror pictures. For example, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the go-to lens of many product photographers.

It’s also great to have a tripod to help you maintain an angle, especially when working with mirrors and playing around with product reflections.

Real Estate Photography

In the real estate industry, high-quality images are crucial for attracting potential buyers and making a lasting impression.

Potential clients usually scroll for hours on end until they catch something impressive.

Mirrors can play a big part in making a property stand out, as they can showcase its design, layout, and natural light.

In short, mirrors enhance the appeal of real estate photography.

If you’re doing real estate photography, full-frame cameras are great, and wide lenses will help you capture the beauty of small spaces like compact bathrooms.

I’m a Canon person, so all my gear is from this brand, but other brands have great options, too.

You also want to look for lenses with versatile focal lengths and that offer crisp images – especially since you’re working indoors and may face low-light conditions.

Like product photography, real estate photography is easier with a tripod – I’m personally a fan of the Manfrotto brand. (Here’s a full tripod guide to the best makes and models.)

You may also want to invest in shoulder mounts and sliders, especially if you plan to expand into video production.

How to Take a Picture of a Mirror Without Seeing Your Reflection

Back to the question, how do we do hidden camera mirror photography?

How do we take photos with mirrors involved without seeing our reflection or the camera?

In my case, getting good at mirror pictures took some experimentation and lots of patience. But don’t worry, once you get used to it, it becomes much easier.

1. Position the camera on the opposite side of the mirror

Positioning comes first. Ensure the camera is positioned at a slight angle so you won’t see its reflection.

You may want to use a tripod and remote shutter button, so the only reflection you need to worry about is the camera’s. This is also where a tilt-shift lens can come in handy.

2. Play around with lighting positions

When doing a mirror picture, there’s no be-all, end-all answer to lighting.

Because every circumstance is different, allow yourself time to play with the lights.

Figure out the best position so you don’t get glare in your images.

It’s also best to avoid bright lights, which can negatively impact your images.

3. Use a white sheet with a hole

Another technique is to use a big white sheet with a hole in it.

Cover the area of the reflected image with the sheet and take the shot.

Later, you can use photo editing software like Photoshop to remove the hole or camera lens from the picture.

4. Replace the reflection with a photo of the opposite side

You can also try this process. First, simply photograph the mirror – say, a bathroom mirror – like you normally would.

This will show the tripod, the camera, and you.

Next, photograph the opposite side of that mirror, say the wall or the shower, whatever the mirror is facing.

Use Photoshop to place that second photo in the mirror to create that reflection and remove the original reflection that is the tripod, the camera, and you.

How to Take A Mirror Selfie Without Your Phone Showing

8 Creative Mirror Photography Ideas

Let’s make the best out of every mirror picture – regardless of whether it’s a fine art self-portrait, real estate image or product photograph.

I’d also like to highlight the importance of having an open mind and allowing yourself to see things from different perspectives. Creativity is everywhere when you open yourself up to it.

Here are some ideas to get your inspiration flowing.

1. Play with your reflection

Experiment with capturing unique reflections in the mirror.

You can create interesting compositions by incorporating reflections of objects, people, or landscapes.

Don’t be afraid to take the time to play with your compositions.

Remember that mirrors also have symbolic meaning that can be incorporated into conceptual photography.

2. Use props

Introduce props to add visual interest and create a narrative.

Objects like flowers, accessories, or other creative small items can complement the overall theme of your photo.

3. Experiment with angles

Try shooting from different angles to create dynamic and visually appealing compositions.

You can shoot from above, below, or even from the side to capture unique perspectives.

4. Create illusions

Use mirrors to create optical illusions or surreal effects.

You can try different mirror placements, angles, and reflections to create intriguing and mind-bending images.

5. Focus on details

Instead of capturing the entire mirror, focus on specific details or patterns within the reflection.

This can create abstract and artistic images that highlight interesting textures or shapes.

6. Combine mirrors

If you have multiple mirrors, try arranging them in creative ways to capture multiple reflections or create a sense of depth in your photos.

7. Experiment with lighting

Play with different lighting techniques to enhance the mood and atmosphere.

You can use natural light, artificial light, or even experiment with colored gels to create unique effects.

8. Look into tilt lens photography

Tilt-shift lens photography involves using a specialized lens called a tilt-shift lens.

These lenses allow photographers to control the perspective and depth of field in their images.

By tilting or shifting the lens, photographers can achieve unique effects such as making buildings appear upright or creating a miniature-like effect.

FAQs on How to Take a Picture of a Mirror

How do you take a picture of a mirror to sell it?

Ensure the mirror is clean and has no smudges! Check your lighting situation, then angle your camera so you can photograph the mirror without yourself showing in it.

You can also use post-processing to remove the reflection if you prefer.

If the mirror has unique features or details, make sure to capture them in the photo. This can help potential buyers better understand the mirror’s design and quality.

How to photograph glass without reflections and shadows?

Firstly, consider using a lens hood and a polarizing filter.

Experiment with the positioning of the glass and the lighting setup. Placing the glass at an angle to the light source can help minimize reflections while avoiding direct sunlight.

Should I use a polarizing filter when taking a picture of a mirror?

Using a polarizing filter when taking a picture of a mirror is not necessary and may not be effective in reducing reflections.

Polarizing filters are primarily used to reduce glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, or leaves.

How do I take a picture of a mirror on an iPhone?

Frame the shot by adjusting the position of your iPhone and yourself to capture the desired reflection in the mirror.

You can experiment with different angles and distances to find the best composition.

After taking the photo, you can review it and make adjustments or edits using the built-in editing tools, such as cropping, adjusting brightness, or applying filters.

What is the invisible camera mirror trick?

The “invisible camera” trick is a technique used to capture photographs or videos in front of a mirror without the camera being visible in the reflection.

This trick is commonly employed in various contexts, such as architectural photography, selfies, or film production.

The basic idea behind the “invisible camera” trick is to position the camera in such a way that it’s hidden from the mirror’s reflection.