What is the Optimal Camera Distance for Photographing a Mirror Image?

In summary, to take a picture of an image in a plane mirror while standing 5m in front of it, the camera should be set at a distance of 10m for the sharpest focus. This is because the light entering the camera lens diverges from the image point, as if the mirror were removed and the object was placed at that location. This can be better understood by looking at a diagram.
  • #1
Pranav Jha
141
1
If I wish to take a picture of your image while standing 5 m in front of a
plane mirror, for what distance should I set your camera to provide the
sharpest focus.

I guessed the answer would be 10m (distance of object+distance of image). But i don't know why the focus of camera would be sharpest at that distance?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
The light that that enters the camera lens diverges from the image point, exactly as if you removed the mirror and placed the object at that location. The light rays travel exactly the same paths just before they enter the camera, in both cases.
 
  • #3
jtbell said:
The light that that enters the camera lens diverges from the image point, exactly as if you removed the mirror and placed the object at that location. .

Could you please explain this further
 
  • #4
Have a look at this
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/refln/u13l2b.cfm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
Pranav Jha said:
Could you please explain this further
Simply put: a mirror will reflect the rays from an object to the camera; but it does not change the total distance. The total distance from object to camera is 10m, thus the camera wants to focus at 10m.

Draw a picture.
 

FAQ: What is the Optimal Camera Distance for Photographing a Mirror Image?

1. How does a camera capture our mirror image?

When light reflects off of an object, it enters the lens of the camera and is focused onto the camera's image sensor. The image sensor then converts the light into electrical signals, which are then processed and stored as a digital image file. This process is the same for capturing a mirror image.

2. Why does our mirror image appear reversed in photos?

Our mirror image appears reversed in photos because cameras capture images using a mirror-like process. Light travels through the lens and is then reflected off of a mirror, which flips the image before it reaches the image sensor. This creates a reversed image on the final photo.

3. Can our mirror image be captured without a camera?

Yes, our mirror image can be captured without a camera through the use of a mirror. When we look into a mirror, our reflection is created by light bouncing off of the mirror and back to our eyes. This process is similar to how a camera captures a mirror image.

4. How can we take a picture of our mirror image without being visible in the photo?

This can be achieved by using a technique called "photographing the reflection". This involves positioning the camera at an angle where the mirror's reflection is captured without the camera being visible in the photo. This can also be achieved by using a remote shutter or timer function on the camera.

5. Is our mirror image the same as our actual appearance?

Yes, our mirror image is the same as our actual appearance. This is because mirrors reflect light in the same way that a camera captures it. However, our perception of ourselves can be influenced by the angle, lighting, and distortions of the mirror's surface.

Similar threads

Virtual and real image with concave mirror at 45 degrees
Replies
4
Views
2K
I Image appears outside of q -- Lens Maker's Equation confusion
Replies
17
Views
2K
I Using simple lenses to image AFM Probes
Replies
10
Views
2K
Understanding Reflection of Light on a Concave Mirror
5
Replies
172
Views
16K
I Applications of Virtual objects
Replies
9
Views
2K
Optics question: Looking at mirrors from parallel to the surface
Replies
6
Views
1K
B Why do reflections in water sometimes appear different from what we see?
Replies
15
Views
2K
I Lens angle of coverage/image circle
Replies
5
Views
1K
Image if a mirror is placed at the focal distance of a biconvex lens
Replies
8
Views
1K
Depth effect in mirror reflections
Replies
24
Views
15K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top