[Illustration: FIG. 1.--EFFECT OBTAINED WITH PARALLEL MIRRORS.]
Quite a number of novel effects can be obtained by the aid of one or
more mirrors. If two mirrors are taken and placed parallel to one
another, and a person placed between, the effect obtained is as shown
in Fig. 1, where one soldier appears as a whole regiment drawn up into
line. To make this experiment we require two large-sized mirrors, and
they must be so arranged that they do not reflect the camera and the
photographer, but give only multiple images of the sitter. This will
be found quite possible; all that is necessary is to make a few
preliminary experiments, adjusting the mirrors at different angles
until the desired effect is obtained.
A process of multiphotography which was at one time quite popular
consisted in posing the sitter with his back to the camera as shown in
Figs. 2 and 3. In front of him are arranged two mirrors, set at the
desired angle to each other, their inner edges touching. In the
illustrations here given the mirrors are inclined at an angle of 75
deg., and five reflected images are produced. When an exposure is made
and the negative developed, we not only have the back view of the
sitter but the full reflected images in profile and three-quarter
positions as well.
[Illustration: FIG. 2.--DIAGRAM OF THE PRODUCTION OF FIVE VIEWS OF ONE
SUBJECT BY MULTIPHOTOGRAPHY.]
In the diagram, Fig. 2, reproduced from "The Scientific American" the
course taken by the rays of light, determined by the law that the
angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, is plainly
marked out. We see here their passage from the sitter to the mirror
and back to the camera. Provided the mirror be large enough, images of
the full length figure can be made as shown in Fig. 4.
For photographing articles where it is of advantage to secure a number
of different views of the same object this method of photographing
with mirrors opens up quite a wide field of possibilities. In France
it is used for photographing criminals, and thus obtaining a number of
different portraits with one exposure.
[Illustration: FIG. 3.--GALLERY ARRANGED FOR MULTIPHOTOGRAPHY.]
The use of an ordinary mirror in portrait work has enabled
photographers to produce very pleasing results. There is often a very
striking difference between the full and side views of a person's
face, and by means of such a combination as this, one is enabled to
secure a perfect representation of both at the same time. In making
reflection portraits it has often been noted that the reflection has a
more pleasing effect than the direct portrait. The reason of this is
that it is softer and the facial blemishes are not so distinctly
brought out. There is naturally a slight loss of detail, but this is
by no means a drawback. The worst fault of the camera in portrait
photography is the tendency to include every little detail which the
artist would suppress. It not only includes all the detail, but often
exaggerates it to a painful extent. By making a portrait by reflection
this defect is avoided. Of course the image is reversed, but this is
in most cases of little consequence; in fact, the sitter himself would
be more likely to consider it a far more truthful likeness, for when
we look into a mirror we do not see ourselves as others see us, but a
reversed image. With some faces the difference is quite striking.
[Illustration: FIG. 4.--MULTIPHOTOGRAPH OF A FULL-LENGTH FIGURE.]
[Illustration: By H. L. Bostwick. FIG. 5.--MULTIPHOTOGRAPH OF CISSY
FITZGERALD]
[Illustration: FIG. 6.--ELONGATED REFLECTION IN A SPOON.]
Very many amusing effects can be obtained by the use of a convex
mirror. Even an ordinary, well-polished spoon may be made to give some
curious results. (See Fig. 6.) The thin man becomes an elongated mass
of humanity to whom Barnum would have given a big salary, while the
fat man may be reduced to the proportions of a walking-stick.
Convex mirrors for producing these ludicrous effects can be purchased
at any mirror manufacturer's store. The advantage of the camera lies
in the ability to secure permanently the curious images produced.
Even more ridiculous-looking images can be secured by the use of a
piece of uneven glass silvered. For a method of silvering glass we are
indebted to the kindness of Dr. James H. Stebbins, Jr., the well-known
analytical chemist. Dissolve pure nitrate of silver in distilled water
in the proportion of 10 grains to 1 ounce, and add carefully, drop by
drop, sufficient strong ammonia solution to just dissolve the brown
precipitate at first formed, stirring constantly during the addition.
Make a solution of Rochelle salt, 1 grain to the ounce of distilled
water. Clean the plate of glass thoroughly with a little wet rouge and
polish dry with a piece of chamois leather. Warm it before the fire or
in the sun to about 70 to 80 deg. Fahr., and lay it on a perfectly
level surface. Then mix 1 ounce of the silver solution with half an
ounce of the Rochelle salt solution and pour the mixture on the glass
so that every part of the surface will be evenly covered with it.
[Illustration: FIG. 7.--CURIOUS EFFECT OBTAINED WITH A CONVEX MIRROR.]
Allow this to stand in the warm sunshine from half to one hour, when
the reduced silver will be deposited as a fine film over the surface
of the glass. When this is done wash off the glass with distilled
water and wipe the entire surface very gently with a little wet
wadding, which will take off the roughness and render it easier to
polish. When perfectly dry the silver should be polished by rubbing
with some smooth, hard surface. The plate is then varnished by pouring
over it a suitable varnish and is ready for use.