How do you center a reflected subject?

My fellow photographers and friends,
Is there a "rule" as to where you place a subject and it's reflection in the image? I feel that when I place my "subject" above center as I normally would (or below) when it has a reflection it changes the feel of the "centering" thing and it seems the whole subject and it's reflection fall centered which feels off to me. Does this make any sense to you? Here are two image crops of what I mean. Crop #1 feels better to me although the "subject" is pretty centered. Crop 2 shows a Not centered subject but the combination of the subject and it's reflection seem too centered to me.
I'm also curious how many of you selective sharpen the rflection as well. THANKS

Heres crop 2

Cheryl, in this case I prefer crop 1. It all depends on the reflection. if it's a good clean reflection of the entire bird, then I think that the bird+reflection is actually the subject, and if you view it that way, the subject is nicely positioned in crop 1, and is centered in crop 2. If the reflection is less distinct, incomplete, or disrupted, then I see the reflection as less a part of the 'subject' of the shot.

I typically don't sharpen my reflections, but would consider it.

I don't know of any such rule, and I am glad of it. We are taught rules of art and then told, "Think outside the box". My advice: Trust your own instincts. As to sharpening, why? Subtle reflections have more power. I would consider defocusing, darkening, and desaturation before I would go to sharpening. And don't get into a rut with placement. The surroundings of your subjects fit together in an endless number of ways.

For what it is worth I would suggest letting the image decide, place it where it looks best! I have not been a strong advocate of the not-centered rule. Both of these images work for me. Your choice.

Cheryl,

As others have indicated, the placement of the main subject within the frame is a creative decision. I actually prefer image #2 because the reflection of the trees on the left has a little more 'breathing room' with respect to the lower edge of the frame.

My suggestion is to make several shots with different framings and then choose which one looks best to you. As you gain experience, you'll be better able to visualize what will work best.

With regard to sharpening reflections: Again, this is a creative choice. Also, some reflections may not sharpen well, resulting in halos or intensification of noise, or could look out of key. You can always try it, but be sure to do this on a copy of the image, or on a layer, so that you can undo it if it's not working.

--P

I prefer to center all my reflections where they look like a mirror image of the original...or at least have the same amount of space above them. Therefore, I like crop number 2. Also, your second photo , IMO, works better with the strip of haze toward the top and not so close to the center....that makes you eye go right to the subject and not follow the hazy horizontal line

Amazing how art is truley in the eye of the beholder and we all notice different things. That's why I can't see making so called rules. I was very curious as to the responces I would get and everyones opinion makes sense. Thanks all.

Cheryl: Interesting question and responses. I much prefer the first crop. In this shot I tend to consider the combination of bird and reflection as a unit and the main subject placement off center works a lot better for me. In the first crop I like seeing more of the shoreline in the BG and less of the relatively empty and bright reflected sky. If the sky had more color or interest I might change my mind. When I first started in photography I invariably tended to put the horizon line right in the middle of the frame with reflections. I've had to consciously avoid that natural tendency and think my images are the better for it. As for sharpening the reflection I would only do it if it was absolutely mirror perfect. A little tension in the water is nice most of the time and I don't think most folks would like to see that softness modified. >=))>

For me, the first image is more appealing. Having it off center puts some visual energy into the image. The second image is too balanced for my taste, stagnating the image a little.

Interesting responses. My preferred way to photograph birds is with reflections, to the point of shooting landscapes instead of birds if there is enough of a breeze to ripple the water and degrade their reflections. My preference is your second photo, because I like the balance of giving the reflection equal weight, but really I think it depends on the circumstances and mostly it depends on your preferences.

I prefer image number 2 here. Reflection shots are on of the few times I will purposely center the photo with equal space above the subject and below the reflection as it gives the image a feeling of symmetry.

Image #2 looks better to me as the bird and its reflection both fall in rule of thirds positions. I like the space the bird is looking into and the symmetry created in this crop.