Why can't we see the cameraman as a reflection on a mirror in movies?

Mirrors on movie sets have always been carefully placed, not just to not show the cameraman but also the lights. In the olden days you never saw many mirrors in a scene because it got really complicated. But these days they can use computer software to cut out the images in mirrors.

The same thing happens to me. Technically, what you see in pictures is what you really look like (since the mirror is a reflection of yourself). But pictures are 2D and can distort some features. And you're probably over-thinking it as well. You're used to your mirror image, so that's why you feel so weird about pictures.

They create a sort of matte (a sheer cover) to add to the footage, which blots out any reflections shown. However, there actually are some movies/shows that failed to do this (ex: http://www.moviemistakes.com/picture4904).

It is carefully done using planning and camera angles. They don't stand in front of the mirror, they stand at an angle to it.

They hire vampires to hold the cameras.

Hugh stole my answer. :)