Patterns are a great way to add an artistic touch and set your images apart from the crowd. Patterns are all around us; they occur naturally in our environment or in man-made structures such as buildings, bridges, and roads. There are countless ways to incorporate patterns into your photography, so experiment with different styles and techniques.
What is Pattern in Photography
Patterns are the repetition of forms, textures, or colors. Repeating elements can be organic, such as trees and wildlife, or artificial, such as architectural geometry or strategically placed objects. Repetition adds structure and leads the eyes through the image creating a sense of rhythm or tempo. Photographers use patterns to create exciting compositions that draw viewers’ attention to crucial details without being overwhelming or distracting.
Why should you include patterns in your photography?
Not only do patterns add texture and depth, but they draw attention to specific elements and form relationships between them. Patterns can add context, set a mood, or evoke feelings in viewers. For example, repeating similar shapes or forms brings a sense of order and harmony; conversely, many unique elements could create a chaotic atmosphere.
Furthermore, Using color can change how a viewer views the image; for example, having multiple subjects in the same color scheme may draw more attention and create more impact than if they were all different colors.
Lastly, patterns can make something stand out from its surroundings by using contrasting shapes and tones. Using an element that differs from the repetition will draw attention directly toward the subject.
Tips for Using Patterns In Photography
Look for Repetition of Threes
An odd number of elements gives the composition more depth and encourages the viewer’s eyes to move throughout the image. The rule of odds is rooted in our natural tendency to pair elements together; with an odd number, one part remains unpaired and stands out from the rest.
Break The Pattern
Viewers are more likely to notice elements that disrupt the expected order, impacting their attention and engagement more substantially. Break the pattern using a different color, texture, shape, or form than the rest of the image. For example, if all other elements are neutral colored, a bright pop of color will immediately draw attention. Additionally, introducing shapes or forms that don’t fit the standard pattern will make for an eye-catching image. This could include introducing curves or angles that disrupt an otherwise linear pattern or incorporating organic shapes that break up a geometric one.
Fill The Frame
Using fill-the-frame simplifies the scene and removes distracting elements that would take away from the pattern itself. Filling the frame also amplifies the detail in the pattern and strengthens its impact, emphasizing not only intricate details but also its overall shape and texture.
Fill the frame
Using fill-the-frame simplifies the scene and removes distracting elements that would take away from the pattern itself. Filling the frame also amplifies the detail in the pattern and strengthens its impact, emphasizing not only intricate details but also its overall shape and texture.
Use patterns in the background
Introducing patterns into backdrops adds texture and depth to otherwise mundane scenes. This is especially true when using complementary colors or high-contrast shapes and forms – as these can break up boring backgrounds and inject energy into those environments.
Additionally, applying patterns to backgrounds help craft engaging stories. For example, utilizing traditional motifs from different cultures could suggest cultural influences or connotations within a single image. The photographer can create a greater emotional connection with viewers on conscious and subconscious levels by using the background to layer messages in the photograph.
Enhance with Symmetry
By using symmetry, photographers can emphasize the structure of a photograph, adding cohesion and balancing the composition. When elements are arranged symmetrically along a line or around a center point, it gives an impression of order and structure. In addition, this arrangement conveys a sense of harmony that enhances when combined with patterns’ repetition.
Different Types of Pattern
regular pattern
A regular pattern is a consistent and predictable arrangement of elements. Traditional patterns involve various attributes such as color, line, shape, texture, and size to create symmetry and balance. For example, a photograph of city buildings might look relatively static without the addition of repeating patterns, such as windows and balconies that form a beautiful array of repeating rectangles.
irregular patterns
An irregular pattern breaks away from the traditional, grid-style, or symmetrical patterns; instead, elements are arranged in a somewhat chaotic composition. An irregular pattern can give an image a sense of movement, depth, contrast, and balance when used correctly. The best way to create an irregular pattern is by incorporating different-sized elements, overlapping shapes, curves, and other unusual shapes or spacing.
Geometric Shapes
Geometric patterns are the repetition of geometric shapes such as circles, lines, triangles, rectangles, squares, and hexagons. Geometric patterns are all around us, from sunsets that form arcs across the sky to buildings with repeating windows and doors. In photography, these simple shapes add visual interest and direct viewers’ eyes as they explore an image.
Natural Patterns
Natural patterns refer to the natural shapes and textures in the environment, such as trees, water, animal fur, clouds, rocks, etc. In photography, natural patterns can capture abstract images. Photographers may look for rock formations with unique lines or curves, tree branches that form unusual shapes, ripples in the water that moves in interesting directions, or clouds that form unique shapes.
Finding Patterns
Architecture
Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it can be used to explore the hidden beauty within everyday items, such as architecture and urban scenes. From graffiti art on abandoned buildings to repetitive exterior designs, the possibilities for capturing patterns in urban photography are endless. The unique angles and perspectives of these areas can create a dramatic effect on the finished product. Additionally, architectural elements like window frames and doorways can lead to interesting contrast between lines and colors in a photograph.
Paint Patterns with Light
Light defines the shapes of an object and creates a strong contrast between dark shadows and bright highlights. This is especially useful when dealing with materials such as wood or metal, which contain detailed textures and subtle color variations. Light patterns occur in various ways, from silhouettes and shadows to diffraction patterns and wall projections. Patterns from light can be seen in the stripes created from sunlight passing through blinds or light reflecting from a CD player creating rainbows.
Nature
Nature offers countless opportunities to observe and showcase beautiful patterns. Photographers might spot patterns in the shapes, textures, and colors of natural elements such as rocks, trees, plants, and earth. Patterns can also be found in clouds, water ripples, animal fur, or feathers.
Patterns are an essential tool in photography that can add interest and creativity to your images. From the repetition of geometric shapes to patterns found naturally or abstract patterns created with light, you can explore many possibilities. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, still lifes, or architecture and urban scenes – patterns should be part of your photographic arsenal as they provide visual interest and direction for viewers’ eyes when exploring an image. Experimenting with patterns will allow you to create unique photographs that capture the beauty inside and out.
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