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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around determining the optimal camera distance for photographing a mirror image, specifically when standing in front of a plane mirror. The scope includes conceptual understanding of light behavior and camera focus in relation to reflections.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the camera should be set to 10m to achieve the sharpest focus, reasoning that this distance is the sum of the distance to the object and the distance to the image in the mirror.
  • Another participant explains that light entering the camera lens diverges from the image point as if the object were placed directly at that location, indicating that the light paths remain unchanged regardless of the mirror's presence.
  • A request for further explanation is made regarding the behavior of light and camera focus in this context.
  • A link to an external resource is provided for additional reference.
  • Another participant reiterates that the mirror reflects rays from the object to the camera without altering the total distance, emphasizing that the camera should focus at 10m.
  • A suggestion is made to draw a picture to illustrate the concept more clearly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express different levels of understanding regarding the explanation of light behavior and camera focus, with some seeking further clarification. There is no clear consensus on the optimal distance or the reasoning behind it, as participants present varying interpretations of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the behavior of light and the mechanics of camera focus are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the underlying principles governing these phenomena.

Pranav Jha
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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?
 
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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.
 
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
 
Have a look at this
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/refln/u13l2b.cfm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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.
 

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