Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Why cant you see the photographer and the camera in this picture? It has a physics related answer.

alirahimi430,

This forum is for students looking for help with science experiments and projects. is your question related to an experiment you are or have conducted? If so, please restate with more detail so we can provide better advice.

This is the original image from 'Fundamental Photographs' by Richard Megna. You can't see the photographer and camera because he positioned himself so that his image didn't reflect in the mirror. You can see that same effect in the bathroom - if you stand directly in front of the mirror you see yourself. If you stand to one side, you see the room behind you but not yourself. Or, I suppose if you're a vampire you can stand anywhere you like.

http://fphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery- ... pMrSOyzs_Q will take you to the site which has a short description of how the shot was made. It demonstrates a visual image effect named for a Dutch cocoa manufacturer. As you do your research you'll learn more about it and find all sorts of fun examples.