Understanding Mirror Reflection vs. Camera Reality

Mirrors reflect a reversed image, while back cameras capture a true representation. However, perception of accuracy varies due to familiarity with mirrored reflections.

The mirror flips our image along a vertical axis. This reversal often makes the mirror view seem more 'normal' to us, even though it's not an accurate representation.

Back cameras can introduce distortion based on lens quality and focal length. Wide-angle lenses can make features appear larger or smaller than they are.

We're accustomed to our mirror image, so photographs can seem strange. This phenomenon is known as the mere-exposure effect, influencing our preference.

Lighting in photography plays a crucial role. Unlike mirrors, cameras can create varying shadows and highlights, impacting the perceived accuracy of the image.

Mirrors provide a consistent image, which cameras can't always guarantee due to changes in settings, angles, and environmental factors.

While neither is perfect, a well-calibrated back camera generally offers a more accurate depiction of how others see us compared to a mirror's reversed image.