Texture

Texture in photography pertains to the surface character of an object as portrayed in a photograph. This concept primarily explores the appearance and/or (in)consistency of a surface or specific object. Various textures are often placed side by side to emphasize them even further.

Importance. This photographic concept is used to emphasize the features and details in a photograph in order to create form. Texture gives realism and character to the picture and customarily adds a three-dimensional look and feel to a two-dimensional object. Proper use of texture can greatly impact an image and be more powerful than radiant colors, clever composition, or dramatic landscapes.

Method. Texture in photographs can be executed in several ways, but there are really no rules or steps to achieving this type of image. Different lighting scenarios or slight changes in camera angle can improve the depiction of texture in a photo, and clever use of color and contrast can also bring out the various textures of an object.

Variation. Photographers can use texture to pull off a variety of effects. The three main types of texture photography are for detail, drama, and information.

Texture for Detail. In this type of texture photography, the object's surface detail is the most important characteristic of the picture. The object itself is, interestingly, not as important as the textural detail. This particular technique is usually construed through the use of stark color contrast in order to enhance the detail of the texture.

Texture for Drama. The texture is not entirely the most important element of the image in this type of texture photography. Instead, it is one part of the image that serves to vitalize the photograph as a whole. In addition to color contrast, this technique requires side light to bring out the texture and intensify the drama of the picture.

Texture for Information. This technique is used to convey information about the image. The photograph must be composed in a manner that will emphasize the desired message. A prime example would be to photograph the cracking paint of a door to reveal its age.