Project 52, Week 36, Patterns

This week we're composing with patterns.  Patterns are repeating elements (lines, colors, shapes, objects) in a scene.  Patterns are all around us: a row of telephone poles, flags, school buses - windows in an office building, roof shingles, tract houses - people standing in line, sitting in the bleachers, racing in a marathon - leaves on a tree, petals on a flower, scales on a snake - cows in a field, sheep on the hillside, horses leaving the post at the Kentucky Derby - stripes on a zebra, on your boss's suit pants, of a corn field - a stack of chocolate chip cookies, a basket of apples, a dozen eggs in a carton - a pile of river rocks, bubbles in a bath, rain drops beading on your newly waxed car.  Get the picture?  It's not just wall paper patterns we're talking about here.

Things to consider:

1. Recognizing unusual or abstract patterns takes a creative eye.
2. Filling the frame with a pattern can make a bold statement. Or it can be boring. 
3. If the pattern isn't the main focal point, remember it should enhance, not distract.
4. There are 5 types of patterns: Regular, Random, Alternating, Flowing, and Progressive

Suggested Readings and Examples:

1. A 10 Step Guide to Understanding and Utilising Pattern by Simon Bray at phototuts+
2. How to Use Pattern in Photography Composition at 1st Photographer; very short, but informative, illustrated article
3. Elements of Composition - Pattern by Aamir Shahzad at PictureSocial; 11 photographic examples
4. Nature's Pattern Photography by Acquil Akhtar at Noupe; 35 photographic examples
5. Patterns at Fodor's Focus on Travel, short illustrated article