Project 52, Week 40, End of Summer

Autumn has begun in the Northern hemisphere.  The trees are turning color and school has started again. 

We have completed 3/4 of this year's projects so let's take a break from learning a new compositional tool and employ what we've already studied this month by composing photos of fall patterns, repetition, rhythm, and textures. 

Examples:

• Sweaters and coats can offer a good source for texture.
• A bike rack at a local school can create a pattern - with or without bikes. Look for one that creates a rhythm.
• A row of yellow school buses
• A stack of books, or pencils, or lunch boxes
• Geese flying south or water fowl filling a pond
• A row of home canned tomatoes or grape jelly
• A harvested corn field
• A basket of apples
• A carpet of crunchy golden leaves on your front yard
• An ivy covered wall at your alma mater

Things to consider:

• If you're in the forest - Get close for texture, step back for patterns.  Then try the reverse.
• Experiment with horizontal and vertical shots of the same subjects.
• Step out of the box and locate some out-of-the-ordinary scenes of patterns or textures.  Don't just do the usual trees and leaves.  (If you go on a search for unique back-to-school photos, do be respectful of the children.)

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. A Photographic Journey Through Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere by Peter West Carey at phototuts+; illustrated article
2. A Detailed Guide to Photographing Fall Foliage by Christopher O'Donnell at the PhotoArgus; a well illustrated longer article; look for photos of patterns and texture

Project 52, Week 39, Texture

Texture refers to the surface of an object. It adds dimension and depth to a flat photograph.

Things to consider:

• There are three reasons to use texture in photography: Detail (the texture is the focal point), Drama (actively supports the focal point), and Information (gives information about an element). 
• Perfect textures can be boring. Look for little (or big) imperfections, as well as variety in shadows,colors, tones, lines, etc.
• 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.

Suggested readings and photographic examples:

1. How to Photograph Textures by Nasim Mansurovs at Mansurovs Photography; 10 tips with illustrations
2. Photographic Composition: Texture as a Design Element at Valerie Hayken Photography & Design; shows a good example of how lighting can effect the way texture is seen in a photograph
3. Texture Photography Essentials and Tips by Ron Bigelow at Picture Correct; short illustrated article on the 3 reasons to use texture in photography
4. How to Photograph Texture (Lighting for Texture) by Robert Grant from LightMyShot.com
5. How to Apply Textures to Your Photographs by James Brandon at Digital Photography School; tutorial on using Photoshop

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