Reflections on the Water

There’s a certain magic that happens on the River Thames when the breeze drops and the water goes still. The boats drift. The sails fall slack. And the surface of the Thames becomes a mirror — reflecting every tree, buoy, paddle, and mast.

That is the time w
hen the wind drops and the sun peeks out, the river transforms into a perfect glass sheet — reflecting trees, clouds, boats, and occasionally, someone peering curiously over the side of a dinghy trying to spot if the centreboard is actually down.

It’s in these rare moments that the river photographer in all of us emerges.

On days like this, the Jib hand often has nothing to do, except wait for a hint of a breeze. So I can get the camera out and take photographs of the other boats drifting on the glass surface.  A red buoy reflected crisply in the still water. The ripples from a passing swan created gentle distortions like someone was brushing the image with a soft focus filter. And in the background, the silhouette of a Wayfarer glided silently by, its sail and mast casting a flawless shadow in the water.

So how do you get the perfect reflection photo?

Here are a few tips we’ve picked up between races, while waiting for wind, or sitting in the safety boat (camera in one hand, coffee in the other):

1. Wait for the calm

Reflections only happen when the water’s still — no wind, no ripples, no passing Raters. Early mornings and windless evenings are your best bet.

2. Use the light

Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives the water a warm glow. Harsh midday sun flattens everything. Cloudy skies can work too — especially if you’re photographing colour contrasts or shapes.

3. Get low

Kneel, crouch, or shoot from the gunwale — the lower you are, the more dramatic the reflection. Even a puddle on the hard can reflect a sail or a cloud.

4. Watch the composition

Split the image evenly, or angle the boat across the frame. Leading lines — like pontoons, ropes, or trees — help guide the eye into the picture.

5. Use what you’ve got

You don’t need a DSLR. Most phones are perfectly capable these days. Just remember to clean the lens and tap to focus.

And if all else fails… try again next week. Reflections are fleeting, just like the wind.

Whether you’re on the helm, crewing, or hiding in the reeds with a long lens, keep your eyes peeled for that magic moment.