For several years I enjoyed using a particular point-and-shoot camera – the Olympus TG-3, which was followed by the TG-4. These cameras had a “Reflection” effect in their shooting modes. It basically split the viewfinder in half, with one side being a mirror image of the other “true” side. I played with it a bit, but the reason I originally purchased the TG-3 was for its ability to shoot underwater, which I wanted for beach vacations (once we were able to afford them).
But, during one summer vacation, feeling somewhat uninspired with basic landscape and nature photography, I switched the mode dial over to “Reflection”, and went to town. It led to a series of images that cranked up my imagination and gave me probably the most creative fun I’ve had with photography.
I love these images. There’s the familiar, mixed with its reverse image. It creates a somewhat surreal picture and opened doors to new worlds and ideas for me. I called these images “Mike’s Mods”. There’s a Facebook page and an Instagram account. There was an exhibition, called “Revenge of the Mods”.
Here are a few of them:
