VSL:WEB // These photographs really reflect the world

French photographer Robin Soulier splits his time between Paris and New York, finding inspiration in the gutters of both cities. His mission: to capture the most striking scenes he runs across, as reflected in each city’s puddles.

Who knew that these brackish pools of water, strewn with cigarette butts and dead leaves, doubled so nicely as canvases? And yet the photos are beautiful: In Paris, a stately apartment building looks like it’s built out of cobblestones. In New York, an ominous-looking SUV is framed by a supersized pothole. Click through the entire photo set — 60 pictures in all — and the next time you see a puddle, you too will look before you leap.

This post is from Observer Short List—an email of three favorite things from people you want to know. Sign up to receive OSL here.