Patterns and Textures

Using patterns and textures are two of some of the most obvious but useful techniques in photography. Both long lenses and closeup lenses can be useful in isolating subjects. Sometimes simple patterns by themselves can be graphic but lack of a good subject matter and/or a center of interest.

The photo of the rooftop certainly shows texture and pattern, but that is about it. Maybe if a cat was walking across the roof, or a chimney, would be enough to make for a more interesting picture.

This photo of the vineyard in Santa Barbara County has a little more going for it than the roof top because the curving lines and color add more visual interest. Still, something to break up the patterns might make a better picture.

The photo of the cracking paint and sign is a texture photo and the subject matter adds meaning to the image.

The strength is the parking lot photo lies in the strong complementary colors and the yellow post breaking up the diagonal white lines.

In this bottom photo the yellow wall and blue shutter could make for an interesting photo of texture by themselves, but the photo becomes much more dynamic with the girl running through the frame.

All photos copyright by Keith Skelton