Capturing an image with a full reflection is so much fun to do. You can use a mirror image in so many ways that enhance an image and add a little touch of magic to them. They can add symmetry and balance to a composition and they can even be used to trick our eyes. Whether reflections are a sharp mirror image of their real life counterpart or a softer, ethereal representation that loosely resembles the shape and colour, reflections rock!

For this challenge we wanted our challengers to create their best mirror image shot with all the important parts of the subject represented in the reflection.

We were blown away by the images and the creative interpretations of the brief and here, in no particular order, are our top 10 images. Huge congratulations to the photographers.

- Charlotte & Craig 🐶 📸 ✨

Nicole Moyer | Sweet Ellie Photography

We love this creative reflection and use of silhouette. The dog looking towards the lightest part of the sky really adds to the emotive quality and story.

Beatrix Szecsenyi | Kutyafotózás Szabadtéren Szécsényi Beatrix

Gorgeous soft colours, lovely, simple composition and a great reflection, what more could we ask for in this challenge?!

Holly Cook | Holly Cook Photography, IIc

A striking image that instantly gives us a story and strong emotional connection. Beautiful work.

Michelle Brasington

There's a really lovely story in this image that is sold through the dog's expression. Who wants to walk in the rain? Not this guy!

Jennifer Patterson | Blue and Moose

A lovely studio reflection that evokes a strong emotional connection to the subject.

Megan Thompson | Megan Thompson Photography

This has such a wonderfully soft feeling, a gorgeous colour palette and of course, a full reflection that fits the challenge brief.

Karen Havenaar | Pr1mo Fotografie

This image has such great humour. We really enjoyed how the reflection is the part of the image in focus too.

Marika Moffitt | SoulDog Creative (Dirtie Dog Photography)

Gorgeous reflection, lovely low shooting angle and the use of negative space is great and with the grasses on the left, really help the image feel balanced. 

Kelly Pettitt | Kelly Pettitt Photography

A really great interpretation of the Mirror Image brief. Using black and white treatment for this was a great idea and has removed any potentially distracting colours in the reflections. 

Keri Nakahashi | Keri Nakahashi Photography

This is a beautifully executed reflection with fabulous use of the palm trees to frame the subject and add balance to the composition.

Emerge is the second series in our Unleashed Challenge courses and is made up of 12 challenges over 6 months. It’s open to anyone who has completed our first course in the series, Embark.

So much more than just a challenge, the Unleashed Challenges are an invaluable educational resource that will help you build up a go-to list of shots to help create variety in your work. Designed for anyone to be able to complete whether you just want to photograph your own dog or you are a professional pet photographer.

If you'd like to know more head over here to register your interest and we'll send you all the details when enrolment for Embark next opens in 2023.