Texture Photography

A photographic image is successful when it successfully grabs the attention of the viewers. Of course, there are numerous ways to do this. The use of saturated colors works well for this purpose. Other images utilize leading curves. Dramatic scenery is also used for this specific purpose. While these methods are very powerful, there exists one method that many photographers neglect. That method is the utilization of texture. Consequently, this article will take a look at the various types of texture photography.

Let's start out with a definition of texture photography. For the purposes of this article, texture photography is any imagery that relies, at least partly, for its power on the texture of the objects in the image.

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.

<strong>Types of Texture Photography</strong>

While there are several forms of texture photography, this article will focus on three types. The three types of texture photography to be discussed are detail, drama, and information.

<u>Detail</u>: With detail texture photography, the detail of an object's surface is the most essential element of an image. The rest of the object takes on a secondary role. When this technique is used, the image is often taken as a macro shot in order to move in very close to emphasize the detail or as a partial object shot where only a portion of the object is photographed. An example of this type of texture image would be a close-up of the patterns found in aged rock formations.

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

<u>Drama:</u> Drama texture photography depends on the texture to enhance the drama of an image. In this type photography, texture actually has a supporting, rather than the main, role in an image. Instead, it is one component of the image that serves to spice up the image.

A key point is that, usually, the contrast or color of the texture serves to catch the viewer's attention. So, it is essential to select a subject that has good color or contrast.

A good example of this type of imagery is the shots of large canyons that have numerous layers of different colored rock.

The best light for bringing out the drama in texture is often side light. The side light casts shadows that emphasize the texture and, thus, the drama.

<u>Information:</u> The last form of texture photography to be covered in this article uses texture to communicate information. In an information texture image, the texture tells part of the tale of the image by communicating something about the image. As an example, an image of a rusting, decades old vehicle rusting in the desert sun subtly alludes to the history of which the car was part.

When creating information texture images, it is crucial to compose the image so that the texture can correctly convey the story of the image. The outcome will be a much better image.

<strong>Wrap up</strong>

The information in this article gives merely a hint of what can be done with texture photography. Much more can be learned about texture photography.