How to Photograph Patterns

A pattern is a repetition of visual elements in a photograph; a motif; a thematic conception. Patterns, if used correctly, can be used to capture your viewer's eye, provoke thought, and add creative reverence to your composition. The correct use of repeating shapes, colors, lines, or textures can stimulate your photograph; transform it into deep artistic expression, a personalized touch. In a few facile steps, I am going to teach you how to photograph patterns, using the commonplace environment that surrounds you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camera
• Aesthetic mind
• Optimism
• Objectivity

1. 
    

   Search for unique patterns. In the world around us we are encompassed by a variety of disguised patterns; whether natural, like the canopy of a rain forest; or, man-made, like the skyline of the city. Patterns contain a harmonious blend of balance and rhythm. Beware of using too much similarity between your patterns, look for distinct variations, so that your compositions are not stuffy and dull, but dynamic and fresh, pleasing to your viewer's eyes. The best way to use variations is to look for color contrasts within your motif; by utilizing colors your photographs will successfully display responsive impressions. (Other subtle distinctive elements: the amount of light in your shot, shadows, textures, and the shapes of different objects.)

2. 
    

   Photograph your pattern with a straight on camera angle, using flat lighting, so that your motif contains as little depth as possible. If you set up your composition so that the flat plane overshadows, you can easily search for creative variations and improve your personal photography style. When you use extreme angles and three dimensional lighting your pattern will stand out, be too oppressive and blasé. You must turn your pattern into the image of solidarity, a pleasurable proletariat, an aesthetic union of shapes, lines, and textures.

3. 
    

   One last tip for setting up a unique rendition of patterns in your photography is to fill your entire composition with your subject. Like a rainstorm of autumn leaves, staining sorrow on the base of an old oak tree, if shot from too far a distance you will miss out on expressing your desired pattern and your multicolored leaves will only represent tears of rage and not tears of joy. Be sure to tightly frame your patterns, so that they consume your photograph; embody it from top to bottom and from side to side in an endless sea of passionate beauty.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect to perfect these techniques all at once. Practice makes perfect. Even Ansel Adams started somewhere.

[jeansmith99]

on 12/12/2009 Great article! I like taking pictures of very random things sometimes... :)

[gbabyevans]

on 11/7/2009 Great tips on photographing patterns. I love taking photos of all kinds of random things. In addition to patterns I love to catch things at very unique angles.

[jaxicat]

on 11/4/2009 I never thought about myself taking photographs
this way...with patterns. The idea is so neat and
you explained it so well. I'm definitley going
to give this one a try....tomorrow!!!!!:)
Big Thanks and 5*

[kamdarsak]

on 11/1/2009 Great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[dreamteller]

on 10/10/2009 Good ideas on taking photography to a new level.