Today I bring you a dose of texture photos. And it is that although the textures are the observer’s field, they can be a great resource to train our photographic eye, learn to look for beauty in the form or to understand how the direction of the light is capable of modifying a scene. (more on lighting in photography in this mega guide).
Textures have the ability to make us imagine the touch of what we are seeing, which makes the viewer participate in the image, a good resource to draw their attention with our photography.
The first thing to think about is that everything, absolutely everything, has texture. Many times it will depend on the angle at which we photograph it, but above all, it will depend on the light.
I’ve promised you an inspiration gallery, but before we dive into the 23 images I’ve chosen for this gallery, let me tell you a bit about textures.
The orientation of light and textures
Light is capable of enhancing or making any type of texture disappear. A front light diminishes the texture until it practically disappears. It can be ideal for reducing wrinkles or other features that may (or may not) be perceived as “flaws” in the person portrayed.
If what we are looking for is to enhance the textures of a face, an object or a landscape, whatever, then we will have to opt for a side lighting. This type of lighting generates shadow areas and light areas that allow us to get an idea of the volume of the object and, therefore, of its texture.
The details in textures
While textures are not exclusive to details, yes, it is in them where it is easier to identify them, because we can isolate them and give them prominence.
Remember that, many times less is more, if you want to base your composition on the texture, do not abuse the rest of the elements or your image will look very busy.
macro photography and textures
Speaking of details, macro photography is, without a doubt, where they become the absolute protagonists of the image. Macro photography has an impressive level of detail, which makes it a perfect field to explore the textures of the elements.
Natural elements
Natural elements are an endless resource when searching for photos of textures. From tree trunks, clouds, wheat fields, rocks, sand, to the fur of a fox or the rough skin of an elephant. You will find endless inspiration for your textures in nature.
black and white textures
Another field to explore is black and white photography. Through the lights and their shadows and the shapes, black and white is a good protagonist to investigate the textures.
Gallery of textures to inspire you
And now yes, after this not so brief introduction, I hope you relax, take a breath, open your eyes wide and let these 23 images fill you with inspiration.
As you can see, textures are everywhere. A drop of water, a piece of bark, the skin of a face, the feathers of a bird, or a chipped wall… They can all be protagonists in their own right in your photographs.
Remember that textures have the peculiarity of transmitting the touch of an object to the observer. This type of participation between image and viewer is not always easy to achieve, so take advantage of it 🙂 .
I hope you have enjoyed these photos of textures, remember that everything you learn, every idea that is born in your head, can culminate in a great image. As photographers and photographers, we are the sum of many things. This is one more.
Don’t forget to share this gallery to help us spread this article, maybe it will reach someone at the right time when they lack motivation ;). Thank you very much for being here, see you in the next article!