{"id":92779,"date":"2023-04-05T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T14:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=92779"},"modified":"2023-04-03T12:40:46","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T16:40:46","slug":"pattern-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/pattern-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"The Art of Seeing Patterns: Tips for Mastering Pattern Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

Of all the composition techniques<\/a> that we as photographers can pull from to enhance our imagery, photographing patterns is one of the most powerful. All kinds of patterns exist around us, in nature as well as in man-made objects, but they often go unnoticed. With practice, we can learn to recognize and capture these patterns in unique and creative ways. Eventually, we can incorporate them into a variety of genres, including portraits or landscape photos. Below, we’ll explore the art of seeing patterns and share tips on how to master pattern photography as an art form as well as a means for strengthening our photography skills in general.<\/p>\n

What is Pattern Photography?<\/h2>\n

Pattern photography focuses on capturing and highlighting various patterns, designs, and textures in photos. Including patterns in our photographs is a great way to make our images more visually interesting. Like other genres, this type of photography requires a keen eye for detail, as well as an understanding of composition, lighting, and perspective to create striking images that highlight the patterns and textures we find.<\/p>\n

A Guide to Mastering Pattern Photography<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Different Types of Patterns in Photography<\/a>\n
      \n
    1. Geometric Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
    2. Organic Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
    3. Abstract Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
    4. Repeating and Symmetrical Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
    5. Color Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n
    6. Tips for Capturing Pattern Photography<\/a>\n
        \n
      1. Start with Common Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
      2. Look for Breaks in the Pattern<\/a><\/li>\n
      3. Capture the Pattern from Different Angles<\/a><\/li>\n
      4. Use Lighting and Shadows to Enhance Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
      5. Edit to Further Enhance Lighting and Shadows in Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n
      6. Incorporate Other Elements of Design in Pattern Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
      7. Use Patterns as a Backdrop<\/a><\/li>\n
      8. Add a Pattern to the Scene<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Different Types of Patterns in Photography<\/h2>\n

        To begin our journey toward mastering pattern photography, let\u2019s take a look at different types of patterns that we might highlight in our photos. We\u2019ll need to know what we\u2019re looking for before we can confidently recognize and identify these patterns in the wild.<\/p>\n

        Geometric Patterns<\/h3>\n
        \"geometric
        Photo by Laura Meinhardt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Geometric patterns use and often combine basic shapes, lines, and angles to create a repeating, symmetrical pattern. They can be found in a wide range of visual arts, including textiles, architecture, ceramics, and graphic design. Some common types of geometric patterns include chevron, hexagonal, herringbone, and tessellations. One effective trait they lend to our photography is that they create a sense of order and structure in the frame and help us lead our viewer\u2019s focus.<\/p>\n

        Organic Patterns<\/h3>\n
        \"organic
        Photo by Ron Lach<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Unlike geometric patterns, which use regular shapes and lines to create a structured and repeating pattern, organic patterns are often irregular, asymmetrical, and fluid. We can use organic patterns in our photography to create a sense of balance or convey movement, among other things.<\/p>\n

        \"Leaf
        Photo by Kelly<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Some common types of organic patterns include floral patterns, animal patterns (zebra stripes, leopard spots, fish scales, etc.), landscape patterns (trees in the forests or waves in the ocean), as well as abstract organic patterns, like those you\u2019d find in the flowing lines of water or the patterns of light and shadow in a forest.<\/p>\n

        Abstract Patterns<\/h3>\n
        \"top-down
        Photo by Nat\u00e3 Romualdo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        This is the point where we jump into less structured territory, but there are still telltale signs to look for when exploring abstract patterns. This unique pattern type doesn\u2019t aim to represent any recognizable objects or forms. Instead, they use a combination of shapes, lines, colors, and textures that are often non-representational and non-figurative. Some common types of abstract patterns include curves, swirls, blobs, dots, lines, dashes, or even a variety of colors.<\/p>\n

        We can use abstract patterns in photography to create a sense of energy or to convey a particular mood.<\/p>\n

        Repeating Patterns and Symmetrical Patterns<\/h3>\n
        \"Symmetrical
        Photo by Ekrulila<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        When we think of \u201cpatterns,\u201d we typically think about some form of repeating or symmetrical patterns. We can often find these in man-made objects as well as in nature. Clean repeating patterns work equally well as a background element or standalone subject for pattern photography. They can do it all!<\/p>\n

        Color Patterns<\/h3>\n
        \"Umbrellas
        Photo by Engin Akyurt<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Color patterns use different colors, typically in a repeating pattern, to create a particular visual effect. Some common types of color patterns include the following:<\/p>\n