Project 12, Month 9, Pattern and Textures

Our topic this month is Patterns and Textures which includes rhythm and repetition. 

• Patterns are repeated elements such as shapes, colors, objects, etc,  even rays of light.  They can provide structure and harmony to a composition.  Interrupted patterns can provoke tension in the viewer.
• Texture refers to the surface of an object.  Is it smooth, rough, nubby, prickly (etc)?  Texture can make the viewer want to tough the photograph.
• Rhythm is the regular repetition of an element that encourages a directional movement of the viewer's eye, like a waltz through the photo.. 
• Repetition is the appearance of an object more than once.  Repetition can refer to the same object appearing several times such as a row of trees or theater seats, or bubbles in a bath. Repetition can also be different objects that mimic the same shape, color, or texture (etc).  For example, a composition containing a tree, a lamp post, and a tall, skinny man.

Things to consider:

• Look for patterns and textures everywhere.  Sometime it takes a trained eyed to recognize a pattern.
• A pattern can make an interesting background or frame for the focal point of your composition, but make sure it enhances, not distracts or overwhelms.
• When the pattern or texture is the focal point, fill the frame with the pattern or texture to make the most impact.
• Perfect patterns and textures can be boring.  Look for little (or big) imperfections, as well as variety in shadows,colors, tones, lines, etc. 
• One "expert" in the following articles recommends that when creating a composition with patterns the photographer should maintain a long depth of field, keeping everything in focus.  Another says that a narrow depth of field will often hide irrelevant elements in the scene, emphasizing the patterns.  I say - use your own judgement.  Tell your own story.
• Texture can add depth and dimension to a photo. 
• Don't forget to move - up, down, left, right and all around.  A slight change in lighting or camera position can make a significant difference in how well texture is rendered in a photograph. 
• Remember the rule of odds.  An odd number of objects is usually more interesting than an even number.  However, like other compositional rules, this one can be broken.  For example, reflections are a type of repetition and there are usually only two of those..

Suggested Reading and Examples:

1. A 10 Step Guide To Understanding and Utilizing Pattern by Simon Bray at phototuts+; illustrated article, about 1 paragraph and photo per step.
2. Zim Zuckerman on Composition: Patterns at MAC-On-Campus; well illustrated short article
3. Patterns and Textures at Fodor's Focus on Travel Photography; illustrated short article
4. Using Repetition and Patterns in Photography by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; illustrated short article
5. Emphasize Patterns in Composition by Kristine Hojilla at Photopoly
6. Repetition in Composition by Scott Simmons at Learn Outdoor Photography; very short article with 2 photos.
7. Pattern and Texture from NAVY training manual at photoinf; article covers other topics so look for very short sections on Pattern and Texture on page.
8. Composition - Repetition and Pattern at Crooked Lane Photography; illustrated short article;
9. Hena Tayeb: Brilliant, Rhythmic Photography; 3 photos
10. How to Photograph Textures by Nasim Manurov at Mansurovs Photography; 10 steps with large pictures