If you want your competition entry to stand out on PicTours.ie, here’s an unusual phone photography tip that most people overlook:
Carry something reflective with you.
It sounds simple — but using a small mirror, sunglasses, a puddle, a café window, or even another phone screen can completely transform an ordinary image into something creative and eye-catching.
This technique works brilliantly across Ireland and the UK, especially in cities and along coastlines where light and texture constantly change.
Let’s explore how to use reflections creatively in your mobile photography.
Why Reflections Make Photos More Powerful
Reflections instantly add:
- Depth
- Symmetry
- Leading lines
- Visual intrigue
- Storytelling layers
Instead of photographing a landmark directly, you photograph its reflection — which makes the viewer pause and look twice.
In busy locations like Dublin or Galway, reflections in shop windows or rain-soaked streets can create dramatic urban compositions.
1. Use a Small Mirror for Creative Framing
Carry a pocket mirror (or use compact makeup mirrors).
How to use it:
- Hold it at an angle near your lens
- Reflect part of the scene into your frame
- Combine foreground reflection with background subject
You can create surreal compositions — like reflecting sky into a cobbled street, or doubling architectural elements.
This technique works beautifully in historic settings such as Temple Bar.
2. Shoot Through Sunglasses
Polarised sunglasses can:
- Deepen sky colour
- Reduce glare
- Add a natural vignette
Hold the sunglasses slightly in front of your lens and experiment with partial coverage. This creates a subtle framed effect without heavy editing.
3. Flip Your Phone for Water-Level Shots
Instead of standing upright, flip your phone upside down and lower it close to a puddle or canal surface.
Why it works:
- You get stronger reflections
- You exaggerate foreground elements
- You create dramatic symmetry
After rain in cities like Cork, puddles become creative goldmines.
4. Use Glass to Layer Scenes
Shoot through:
- Café windows
- Bus shelters
- Car windows (as a passenger)
This creates layered storytelling — reflections of people mixed with street scenes behind them.
It’s especially effective in lively areas such as Belfast where urban life and architecture intersect.
5. Create a “Fake” Reflection with Another Phone
If you’re shooting with friends:
- Use their phone screen (switched off) as a reflective surface
- Position it beneath your lens
- Angle carefully to capture sky or architecture
This hack creates dramatic mirrored effects even when there’s no water nearby.
6. Try Half-Reflection Portraits
For creative portraits:
- Place a mirror beside part of the subject’s face
- Capture half reflection, half direct view
It creates an artistic, editorial-style image using nothing but a phone.
Competition judges love originality — and this technique immediately feels intentional and creative.
Lighting Matters
Reflections work best when:
- Light is soft (golden hour or overcast)
- Surfaces are clean and smooth
- You slightly underexpose to protect highlights
Tap to focus and gently lower exposure to keep detail in reflected skies.
Why This Trick Works for Competitions
Most people photograph scenes straight-on.
Very few:
- Experiment with perspective
- Add layered composition
- Use physical tools creatively
By introducing reflection intentionally, you move from “nice snapshot” to “thoughtful photograph.”
And thoughtful photography stands out.
Final Challenge for Your Next Shoot
On your next walk:
✔ Find three reflective surfaces
✔ Shoot one symmetrical reflection
✔ Shoot one layered reflection
✔ Shoot one abstract reflection
You’ll instantly expand your creative range — using only your phone.
At PicTours.ie, we always say: it’s not about having the best camera — it’s about seeing differently.
And sometimes, the most unusual tip is the one that changes everything. 📸
