2020 Photo Challenge #7

February’s theme / technique: Being Creative with Patterns

The six visual keys to a great photograph are:

• • Patterns
  • Texture
  • Lines
  • Light
  • Depth of field

This month we are going to look at Patterns. Patterns can be found everywhere, in nature or man-made constructions. For a photographer, using patterns is key to a good composition.

They are made up of repeated objects, geometric shapes or abstract patterns, or colours and they may be random or ordered. Visual patterns in nature are often loose and organic – think of spirals, waves, rock formations, sand.

• • Try using patterns as the main subject of your photo with the focal point on the patterns removing the context.
  • Or you can use the pattern as a backdrop to something else.
  • Try abstract imagery using close-up photography – peeling paint, rust stains for example
  • Break the pattern, for instance position one red apple in the midst of a pile of green ones. And of course remembering the rule of thirds, any break should be on an intersection.
  • Create your own patterns.
  • Combine patterns. Contrasting or complementary patterns work well.

This week's assignment is a bit more difficult – Break the pattern, disrupt the continuity in some way

Looking for patterns in a surfing town is not too difficult. There are always wetsuits or surf boards, paddle boards or kayaks hanging around. The single red sleeve among this row of black wetsuits grabbed my attention.

The lovely pattern on these pelargonium leaves is disturbed by a solitary flower.

And I rather thought that the pattern of the spores on this fern was interrupted by the leaf in the centre facing the wrong way. But maybe you disagree.

If you would like to join in with the 2020 photo challenge then please take a look at my 2020 Photo Challenge page. No complicated rules, just a camera required 🙂

• • Create your own post with some information about how you composed the shot.
  • Include a link to this page in your post so others can find it too
  • Add the tag #2020PhotoChallenge so everyone can find your entry easily in the WP Reader
  • Get your post(s) in by the end of the month, as the new theme comes out on the first Sunday in March.

More patterns from Becky who has an unusual perspective of something we all know well.  And some from her travels too.

Margaret finds a series of interesting reflective patterns.

Cee’s stairs may make you feel a bit wobbly.

Trish looks up and probably wishes she hadn’t.

Cathy takes time to seek out patterns for the entire month’s assignments, and marvellous finds they are too.

And Pauline takes us to dizzying heights

Thanks to everyone who has joined in so far!