The Basics Of Texture Photography

The point of any photo is to draw the attention of the viewers. Now, there are many methods to accomplish this. Eye-catching color is often used for this purpose. Another option that is very popular is the use of leading curves. Other images use dramatic vistas. While these methods are very powerful, there exists one method that many photographers neglect. That method is the utilization of texture. Thus, the purpose of this article is to cover the fundamentals of texture photography.

The definition of texture photography is fairly simple. The definition of texture photography is really very simple. The images of texture photography derive at least part of their impact through the use of texture.

The next question is "what exactly is texture?" Texture can be formed by surface irregularities, like the surface of an old brick or by small forms that reside on a surface, like that found on a pile of coins.

Three Types of Texture Photography

This article will go over three of the most common forms of texture photography -- texture used to enhance detail, drama, or information.

Detail: The surface of an object is the primary attribute of a detail texture photo. The rest of the object takes on a secondary role. There are a couple of approaches to detail images. The image can be taken as a macro shot. That way, the camera is moved in close to really expose the texture. The other approach is to photograph only a section of an object (which also focuses the attention on the texture). The texture pattern seen in an old stone structure is an example of a subject that would work nicely for this type of texture image.

Often, the best light for this type of image is side light. Side light will bring out the detail in any uneven surface by casting shadows.

Drama: With this second approach to texture photography, the texture is used to add drama to an image. In this use of texture, the texture is not the principal attribute of the image. The texture is just one part of an image that helps to augment the impact of the photo.

A crucial point is that, generally, the contrast or color of the texture serves to catch the viewer's interest. So, it is important to pick a subject that has good color or contrast.

A good example of this type of imagery is the photos of massive canyons that have multiple layers of varied colored rock.

Side light tends to work well with drama texture images. The side light casts shadows that emphasize the texture and, thus, the drama.

Information: The last form of texture photography to be covered in this write-up uses texture to communicate information. In this type of photography, the texture communicates information about an object that improves the impact of the image. As an example, an image of a rusting, decades old vehicle rusting in the desert sun softly alludes to the historical past of which the car was part.

For information texture images, it is crucial to recognize exactly what information the texture is to communicate and compose the image in such a manner that the texture brings out the proper message. The outcome will be a better image.

Summary

The subject of texture photography is considerably broader than what this short article can cover. The more you learn about texture photography, the better your photographs become.

To discover how to apply the techniques of texture photography, click Shooting Texture Photography.