Why is there no camera reflected in the following picture of mirrors from Yayoi Kusama

There is a common question that arises when examining Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, specifically, the absence of a camera’s reflection in certain captured images. This article delves into the possible explanations for this phenomenon, detailing the techniques used by photographers and the impact of post-production.

Shooting into Mirrors with Special Lenses

A key technique in successfully capturing images without a camera reflection involves using a special lens or a shift lens. This lens can manipulate the image in such a way that the camera itself is not captured in the final image, allowing for a seamless and visually impactful shot without the intrusion of the camera. This method is sometimes referred to as the Vampire Effect by popular photography websites like Popular Photography.

The Stealthy Mobile Camera Trick

Even with the use of a shift lens, the photographer may choose to use a smartphone camera for convenience. In these cases, the camera can be concealed by shooting through an extremely small gap, as small as less than half a centimeter. This technique allows the photographer to remain hidden and still capture a pristine, reflective image of the environment. However, it is important to note that for professional purposes and to ensure the highest quality images, extensive post-processing might be necessary to refine the image further.

Post-Production and Publicity Shots

Another explanation for the missing camera reflections is that these images might be publicity shots where the camera was intentionally removed in post-production for aesthetic and promotional purposes. It is not uncommon in contemporary art to manipulate images to enhance their visual appeal or foster a certain visual narrative. This practice is widely accepted and often expected in the digital age of photography and art exhibition.

The Small Viewing Area

The Infinity Mirror Rooms designed by Yayoi Kusama are intentionally small and enclosed, creating a hyper-realistic and immersive experience. Given that the actual display occupies a limited space, it is nearly impossible to capture all the details of the installation without encountering a reflection from the camera used in the shot. Therefore, any effort to capture such a scene would almost certainly include a camera reflection.

This is an example of what one might expect to see if no image manipulation was employed:

An unedited image showing a camera reflection within the Infinity Mirror Room

Conclusion

The absence of a camera reflection in images of Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms can be attributed to the use of specialized lenses, mobile photography techniques, and post-production adjustments. These factors contribute to the creation of visually stunning and immersive artworks that capture the essence of Kusama's vision without the intrusion of the technical tools used to create them.

Keywords

Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Room Camera Reflection Post Production