Rolleiflex Challenge 7: Reflective Self-Portraits Inspired By Vivian Maier
ABOUT THE SERIES
Welcome back to my year-long Rolleiflex Challenge — an analog photography project using my grandfather’s vintage camera from the 1960s. This series celebrates the nostalgia of medium format film through a modern lens.
Every month, I follow a theme and shoot at least one roll of 120 film using my Rolleiflex 2.8F. Then, I share a personal story, reflect on my artistic journey, and review the photos.
This project launched to encourage mindful creativity and push my creative growth. Along the way, I aim to inspire others to slow down, connect with the world around them and discover their own creative habits that spark joy. Thanks for following along!
To support this self-funded series, you can share this post with a friend or donate a roll of film.
The City As My Mirror
As a film photographer, I’m naturally drawn to the ways light and reflections shape a visual story. Inspired by Vivian Maier’s iconic medium format work, I set out to create a series of self-portraits using reflective surfaces—focusing on windows, metal, and mirrors throughout Amsterdam. My own journey with this technique began years ago but this series was the first time I focused exclusively on reflection self-portraits with medium format film.
“If you really have something to say, better to be behind the camera than in front of it.” — Vivian Maier
Like Maier, I’m often more comfortable behind the lens, but this project was a personal challenge to position myself as the subject. Vivian Maier, is known for her street photography and self-portraits using reflections in creatively. She often with a Rolleiflex like mine, too! I had hoped to visit her Unseen Work exhibition in NYC this summer but in the end life got in the way. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it will come to Europe soon! If you aren’t familiar with Maier’s unique story, check out the Finding Vivian Maier documentary.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite shots, talk about the challenges I encountered, and highlight what I learned along the way. If you're interested in shooting your own reflection series, keep reading for my tips and tricks.
Double portrait with Elyse
The Story Behind the Lens
Light is key when it comes to reflections, and July was ideal for this series with its abundant summer sunshine. Over the last few months, I prepared by noting down the shiny surfaces and smooth mirrors I'd spotted throughout my day so I could return with my camera at the right time. I had recently stumbled upon a mirrored statue of Jacob Van Lennep near Westerpark and later I returned with my Rolleiflex accompanied by Elise, a fellow film friend.
I shot the rest of the series on morning or afternoon walks around the city, hunting for random reflective surfaces like metal and mirrors and pulling from my list. I’m really happy with how this series turned out, it’s one of my favorites of the year because the reflections are kinda like a conversation between myself and the city.
All images in this series were created with my Rolleiflex 2.8F and Kodak Gold 200 plus, I’ve included a few examples from Vivian Maier’s archives too.
Above are a few of my favorite shots from this series.
What worked well: All of these have smooth reflective surfaces and bright lighting paired with a dark background and light clothing. They also include details and depth of field that add impactful.
The frames below were shot at the Jacob Van Lennep statue near Westerpark. I loved how the statue’s wavy shape added character with the reflection of the adjacent water and trees. The mirrored statue reflects its surroundings but also blends in magically. The evening golden light was striking, but I think we could have arrived earlier during stronger sun for better results because some of my shots were underexposed. I could have also gotten closer to the mirror and shot with a wider aperture.
Golden Hour Reflections in Amsterdam West
Window reflection illuminated with interior lighting inspired by Vivian Maier - Self-portrait, Chicago, 1976
Assorted car mirror reflections, a classic style.
Last frame is Vivian Maier, Untitled Undated Self Portrait © Estate of Vivian Maier
Getting experimental — Self-portrait reflection double exposure made in camera with my Rolleiflex 2.8F. I love this one!
My Tips for shooting reflection self-portraits on film
Layering Light
Capturing a good reflection involves more than finding the right surface. It’s about light, timing, and how the elements layer together. When photographing window reflections, dark or dimly lit interiors contrasted well with sun lit street scenes, adding more dynamic range. The dark windows work well if you wear light clothes. Look for bars or restaurants closed during the day, they usually have bottles or other textures that ad to the scene.
I experimented with different times of the day, and found that mid-day sun worked best for the look I wanted. Bright overcast days also gave nice results with less constrast. One technique I loved was shooting with the light shining directly onto me while standing between the reflective surface and the scene beyond. Side lighting also created a striking effect, where half of my face was illuminated and the other half in shadow.
Surface Matters
Amsterdam’s windows presented a unique challenge. Unlike the smooth, modern glass that Maier saw in 1960s Chicago, the windows here are often wavy, frosted, or simply aged. Instead of seeing this as obstacles I tried to embrace imperfections. Distortions added unexpected texture in some cases but in the end, I still prefer windows with smooth surfaces. I think playing with surface texture would be cool to try with steamy glass, dirty mirror, or even puddles.
The City as My Mirror
When shooting reflections, the surroundings elevate the story. Look for interesting details in both the foreground and background, whether it’s buildings, trees, lights, or street life. You can also get creative with surfaces beyond windows—car mirrors, puddles, indoor lights, or shop windows are excellent for layered compositions adding abstract visuals and textures that creating something special.
Patience is Key
Reflection photography takes time, especially if you’re shooting with a waist level viewfinder. I often found myself waiting for the perfect moment for the light to hit just right or to catch a reflection without too much visual noise.
Challenges
Last but not least, here’s what I learned through my challanges in this series…
1: I actually really like this photo but it’s important to remember that the TLR has a bottom-taking lens and sometimes it’s tricky to frame from the bottom up.
2: Wear light clothes because backlighting with dark clothes plus a dark background doesn’t work so well.
3: Accidental double exposure because my first frame jammed
4: Underexposure happens, oops. Next time, I’ll get closer and open the aperature.
Now it’s your turn to try Reflection Photography
I loved this challenge and am already plotting my next project—perhaps I’ll try shooting through windows or look for mirrors in different places?
Reviewing other photographers, like Vivian Maier, is so inspiring for experimenting and developing your creative voice. If you shoot something similar, share it with me, I’d love to see your work or hear about your process!
Thanks for following along. If you’d like to support this self-funded series by sharing this post or donating a roll of film. With the rising price of film, it costs €50/month for a roll of film, processing & scanning. Your contributions help cover the cost of keeping this project alive all year long. Thanks for your support!
