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When it rains in San Francisco, most people rush indoors. But for photographers? It’s an invitation to create something magical. At Photosprouts Photography School, we teach our students to see the world differently—and that includes spotting beauty in the most unexpected places, like water puddles.
Whether you're a beginner or a budding enthusiast, puddles can become one of your best tools for creative photography. In our in-person photography classes held in San Francisco’s Financial District, we encourage students to explore reflections, symmetry, and perspective—and puddles are perfect for all three.
1. They Create Stunning Reflections
Puddles act like natural mirrors, reflecting buildings, people, trees, and sky. With the right angle, you can double your subject or create surreal, dream-like compositions.
2. They Add Symmetry and Depth
Symmetry is visually powerful. Shooting a subject reflected in a puddle can add a layer of balance and visual interest that elevates your image.
3. They Turn Ordinary Scenes into Art
A quiet alley or sidewalk becomes a cinematic masterpiece when reflections are involved. Especially in iconic locations like Pier 14 or a rainy street near the Powell Street, puddles bring photos to life.
4. They Encourage Creative Angles
Getting low to the ground and close to a puddle helps you discover unique perspectives. With the flip-screen of the Canon R50 mirrorless camera, the equipment that we provide in the weekly Beginners & Intermediate Workshops, you can get a perfectly symmetrical shot of the reflection and the real world.
5. They’re Perfect for Practice
Capturing puddle reflections helps students sharpen their skills in composition, lighting, and focus—all core parts of our curriculum at Photosprouts.
To capture stunning reflections in water puddles—whether you're using a camera or a smartphone—you’ll need to get low. The key is to position your lens as close to the surface of the puddle as possible to fully reveal the mirror-like effect.
With a Camera
With a camera, crouch down or even lie flat if needed, keeping the lens just above the water. If your camera has a flip screen just like the Canon R50 mirrorless camera that we provide, you can use it to your full advantage.
With a Smartphone
If you're using a smartphone, flip it upside down so the lens sits at the lowest point, right near the puddle’s surface. This simple trick makes a big difference, letting you capture clean, dramatic reflections that add depth and symmetry to your shot.
Here's a screen shot of how we demonstrate the technique in the Iphone Photography eBook:
Next Time It Rains...
Don’t stash away your camera—head outside! Look for puddles near curbs, in alleyways, or on park trails. Get low, frame wide, and have fun experimenting. You’ll be surprised how much beauty you can find right at your feet.
Located in the heart of the San Francisco Financial District, Photosprouts Photography School offers fun, hands-on photography classes for adults and teens. We provide everything you need—including the Canon R50 mirrorless camera, a user-friendly tool that lets you preview exposure and composition directly on the screen.
Our Camera Photography Classes and the Advanced Smartphone Photography Workshop are perfect for anyone who wants to level up their photo game and discover the hidden beauty of everyday scenes (like rain puddles!).
Ready to Learn?
Check out our weekly in-person photography classes in San Francisco and see how you can turn rainy days into photo opportunities. No camera? No problem. We’ve got you covered.
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