In Philip K. Dick's novel "A Scanner Darkly," the distinction between photographs and reflections serves as a metaphor for perception and reality. The inquiry "When do I see a photograph, when a reflection?" highlights the complexities of understanding oneself and the surrounding world. It suggests that what we perceive may not always be the complete truth but instead a distorted representation influenced by our own experiences and biases.

This theme resonates throughout the book, as characters grapple with their identities and the nature of reality while immersed in a drug culture that obscures their perceptions. The interplay of image versus reality invites readers to reflect on how their understanding is shaped and what lies beneath the surface of their experiences. Ultimately, Dick challenges us to question the authenticity of our perceptions.