Tag: pattern

February’s theme / technique: Being Creative with Patterns

The six visual keys to a great photograph are:

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

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 month's final assignment – Use pattern as a background for a more substantial subject. 

Don’t have your subject too large in the frame or it will detract from the pattern. And consider whether the patterned background adds or takes away the impact of the subject. Remember also the general ‘rules’ of compositional techniques.

Continue reading 2020 Photo Challenge #8

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

Continue reading 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
  • Space

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 – Shoot from a different perspective. Look up, look down or shoot from a distance.

Continue reading 2020 Photo Challenge #6

February’s theme / technique: Being Creative with Patterns

If you want to see what this month’s assignments are in advance then please click here. All the assignments are available from the menu on the left under the 2020 Photo Challenge / Assignments.

The six visual keys to a great photograph are:

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

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 – look for various types of patterns - squares, circles, triangles and so on.

When you find an interesting example take several shots, shifting your camera position slightly between each one. Examine your pictures carefully to see which one produces the best result. It may not be the one you expected.

Continue reading 2020 Photo Challenge #5