A photo is successful when captures the attention of viewers. Photos can do this in a myriad of ways. You can achieve this by using mostly captivating color. Furthermore, there is an approach that is often overlooked. That approach is the use of texture. Many use color in photos to catch the viewer’s attention. However, the use of texture is another key element you can use to intrigue your viewers.
What is texture in digital photography?
There is a need to know what texture is in digital photography. The photos of texture photography derive part of their impression through the use of texture.
‘What is texture?’ Texture can be formed by surface irregularities, like the surface of an old brick or by small forms that are on a surface, like the surface of coins. When texture is used correctly, the effect in the photo will be as commanding as the use of pronounced colors.
Texture in digital photography can be tasking, since composition, light and depth is approached differently than in other forms of photography. Texture in digital photography, is all about patterns, colors and depth. Each detail of a particular texture is significant in the total perception of the photograph. The combination of these complex facts, amazing patterns, vivid colors and a fantastic depth – all add to a stunning texture.
How to photograph textures
Find a texture
To photograph a texture, you first need to look for it. Getting simple textures is easy. Textures are all around us. The possibility of photographing anything from the fur of an animal to the different wall types all around you is limitless. However, looking for uncommon, amazing and arresting textures, is not a piece of cake. Immediately, you start looking for patterns and textures, you will begin to notice them much more. The result of this is, you will eventually begin to come across textures that are more intriguing and beautiful than others.
Create a texture
You can also create a texture. You can attempt oil painting with vivid colors or look for stones of different shades. Look for things that can create a texture. Test repeatedly until you get a good result. Always remember the importance of having depth in your textures. Ensure that your textures have shadows because it communicates depth and dimension of a texture. Without shadows, your texture would look like a normal piece of drawing on paper. However, be careful of very dark shadows and overexposed areas because these might actually ruin the texture.
External Light or Ambient Light?
Light from the sun is one of the best sources of light for textures, especially when it is close to sunrise or sunset ; bright sunny days are the best. If you are indoors, an off-camera light is compulsory, unless you have another light source that can light up the texture. Positioning your light source at an angle on the side of the texture, can copy sunlight. In most cases, a single light source is sufficient, but there might be situations when you want to add multiple shadows, meaning more external lights might be needed.
Be creative
A simple straight picture of a texture will be boring, step out of your comfort zone, get creative and attempt to play with the angles. Play with the depth of field by simply increasing the aperture value to a higher number. Textures of the same color and pattern can also be boring. Attempt mixing your texture with other colors and patterns another. The impact can look amazingly intriguing and they introduce an arresting turn to your photo.
Experiment more in post-processing
Take bold steps in cropping your photographs, if necessary. Sometimes, flipping your image vertically or horizontally might give fantastic results. You can play around by adding some more colors and saturation to bring out more colorful and vivid results. Get rid of any defects by using the spot removal and clone tools to sharpen the image.
In texture photography, you can swap colors, add patterns and fake reflections. Hence, making post-processing an important part of texture photography. It is possible to make multiple images from a single texture by simple experiments with your photos in Photoshop. Photographing textures can be quite rewarding, don’t hesitate to experiment.