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Texture Photography Tips

Texture photography tips - architecture - photo credit: Tibor Janosi Mozes

Why should you include texture in your photographs?

Using texture in your photography can bring your images to life and make them more appealing. By emphasizing the texture of a subject you reveal its essence and form. A texture can be soft, hard, smooth, rough, etc.

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Learn to Notice Textures

Begin by paying attention to the small details when you’re exploring a place. Textures can be found in scenery, nature, architecture and practically everywhere else.

Textures in Nature

There are so many lovely patterns in nature to take advantage of. Isolate patterns to draw in the eye of your viewer.

Here are some examples:

Example of texture to photograph in leaves
The swirl of a leaf used for texture photography
The texture of water - an example of textures in nature to photograph
The pattern of a tree provides a wonder texture for photography

Textures in Architecture

Textures can be found in structural details of buildings. Look for interesting architectural features of ceilings, roofs, doors, and windows.

Here are some examples:

Textures in architecture to use for photographs
Photo Credit РC̩line Martin
Interesting architecture feature to use for photographing textures.
Photo Credit РC̩line Martin
Pattern of building featuring the texture of it.
Architectural detail of a door showing texture.
Photo Credit – Jeon Sang-O
Architectural door feature

Textures in Metal & Stone

Metal and stone offer a variety of textures and colors. They can be found on fences, abandoned buildings, signs, nature and more.

Here are some examples:

Barbed wire fence and tree bark texture for photography
Photo Credit – Hermann Traub
Texture of a metal fence
Photo Credit – Manfred Richter
Rusty nail texture photography
Photo Credit – Dean Moriarty
Rusty metal is always a fun texture to photograph
Photo Credit – Steve Howard
Sign featuring textures of metal and wood for photography.
Photo Credit – Amber Avalona
Texture of rock in Antelope Canyon
The texture of slate stone in nature.

Using Light to Enhance Texture

It’s important to be aware of your lighting conditions if you want to capture the details in texture. The direction and strength of your light source will determine how successful your image is at conveying the texture of your subject.

Using Light To Enhance Texture
Photo Credit – Moshe Harosh
Emphasize texture by direction and strength of light.
Photo Credit – Michael Gaida
Photo Credit – Moshe Harosh

Aperture Settings for Texture Photography

For more detail in your texture photography you need to use a higher f-stop or aperture setting. A good place to start is a f/8 or higher. For a bokeh or more abstract look use lower f-stop settings.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Different aperture settings can create very different looks.

Using a Tripod

Tripods can be quite useful when shooting in lower light with slow shutter speeds. Using one will ensure a sharp image. Make sure to use a remote shutter release to eliminate any chance of camera shake.

Need more photography tips? You can find them here.

Are you up to a weekly challenge? Check out our Texture Photography Challenge here.

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