5 Water Reflection Photography Tips for Beginners

Water reflection photography is all about timing, light, and positioning. So, although you can get some truly beautiful shots, it's not always easy. When you’re out on the water — especially on a boat tour — those elements can shift quickly. 

The views are constantly changing, the water surface moves more than you think, and you have a limited window to line up your shot. But the good news is that with the right approach, you can still come away with images that feel calm, balanced, and striking.

Here are five water reflection photography tips to help you get a great shot, even from a moving boat.

1. Watch for Still Water During Pauses

The most vivid reflections show up when the water is still. On a boat, that stillness typically won’t last long, but you can watch for moments when the captain slows down or pauses. These short windows are when reflections will look their cleanest.

Bays, coves, and inlets often have more shelter from wind and waves. So, if your boat tour enters these spots, keep your camera ready. You may only have a few seconds of perfect water.

2. Time Your Shot Around the Light

Lighting matters more than gear. The best time to capture water reflections is early in the morning or late in the day when the sun is lower. This softer light helps reduce glare and gives the scene more warmth and contrast.

Midday sun — though also beautiful — tends to create harsher shadows and can wash out the reflection. But if that’s when your tour runs, it’s still possible to get good results. Just try shooting at an angle to the light, and focus on subjects with strong shapes.

3. Use a Polarizing Filter with Care

If you’re using filters for water photography, a circular polarizer can help you cut down surface glare. But be cautious — polarizers can also reduce or eliminate the reflection entirely if turned too far.

If you’re shooting from a boat, you may not have much time to adjust. Try setting the filter before the boat gets moving, and be ready to fine-tune it quickly. In some lighting conditions, you may get better reflections without a filter at all.

4. Frame Thoughtfully from Your Seat

You won’t be able to move around as much on a boat, so framing becomes more about timing and angle than position. Try to shoot from a lower angle if you can, or angle your camera slightly downward to catch more of the reflection.

Symmetrical shots (like where the horizon runs through the middle) can work well if the water is calm. But don’t be afraid to offset your framing to highlight interesting shoreline features, boats, or trees. Just keep the horizon level and make sure your subject and its reflection are both clearly in frame.

5. Let the Weather Guide You

You don’t need a perfectly sunny day for great water shots. In fact, overcast skies can make reflections more even and give your image a softer feel. A light fog or low clouds can add texture and atmosphere.

If the weather shifts during your tour, don’t put your camera away. Look for how the mood changes on the water. Sometimes the best images come when you stop chasing perfect conditions and start noticing what’s already in front of you.

The Bottom Line

Water reflection photography on a boat may take some patience and a bit of improvising, but the results are often worth it. If you’re looking to explore new perspectives and practice shooting in open water, Collingwood Charters offers boat tours that take you right into the heart of Georgian Bay. Check out our events calendar, and book your spot on one of our sightseeing, sunset, or dinner cruises today.

Oh, and bring your camera — you’ll have plenty to work with!