Textures Photography: Adding Depth and Dimension
You've probably heard of texture in terms of fabrics and fashion, and maybe even food. But in photography?
In this blog post, we'll explore texture in photography and provide some tips for using it to enhance your images.
Textures Photography Definition
In photography, texture refers to the surface quality of objects within the frame, such as the roughness of a rock, the smoothness of a pane of glass, or the dimpled surface of an orange.
Through careful composition and lighting, we can capture and accentuate this texture, making it the main subject of our image.
Why Texture Matters in Photography
Texture is important in photography for several reasons. First, it can add visual interest to an image, drawing the viewer's eye and creating a sense of depth and dimension.
Second, texture can create a tactile experience for the viewer, allowing them to imagine the feel of the object in the image. Ideally, you want the viewer to feel that if they reached out their hand and touched the image, they would experience the texture on their fingertips that the photo has caused them to imagine.
Third, texture can convey or evoke emotion. For example, an image showing shards of shattered glass can evoke harsh, negative feelings in the viewer.
On the flipside, the smooth, reflective surface of flawless, polished glass conveys elegance and sophistication, which in turn makes the viewer feel calm and at ease. This can be useful in product photography when you are hoping to inspire the viewer to make a purchase!
Textures Photography Examples
To use texture successfully in your photography, you need to be aware of the surface qualities of the objects within the frame. Here are some tips for incorporating texture into your images:
1. Zoom in
Close-up shots of textured surfaces can reveal intricate details and create an interesting sense of depth and dimension.
2. Use contrast
Contrast between textures can create visual interest and emphasize the differences between surfaces. For example, the rough texture of rock against the smooth texture of water.
3. Experiment with lighting
The right lighting setup can highlight and accentuate the texture of an object, adding three-dimensionality. For example, side lighting can create interesting shadows and highlights that emphasize texture, making your image more striking and interesting.
4. Play with depth of field
Shallow depth of field can isolate the texture of a subject and create a sense of focus, while deep depth of field can reveal the texture of multiple objects within the frame.
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Summary
Whether you make it the main focus of your image, or simply use it to enhance an image with a different primary subject, texture is a great way to make your photography more eye-catching.
By seeking out interesting textures and taking care to compose and light them effectively, you can produce striking images for your portfolio, stock, or client use.
To learn more about texture, download our free 90-page eBook, An Introduction to Photography.
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