Using texture in a photograph is a great way to add visual interest. But how often do you see a photo in which the texture itself is the focal point of the image?

In this installment of our 30-day challenge, we highlight methods you can use to make texture the star of the show.

Fill Up the Frame

When making texture the center point of focus in your photograph, it’s important to cut out all other elements that might detract from its appearance. As a result, you need to fill the frame with whatever texture you’ve decided on as your subject. Doing so tricks our minds into thinking that the texture extends well beyond the boundaries of the photograph, thus making it seem much larger and significant than it might actually be.

Find Variation

When filling the frame with a texture you can add additional visual interest by framing the shot such that there is as much variation as possible. Look for changes in color and contrast, shapes, and lines. For example, when photographing a piece of wood, look for differences in color and patterns, as was done in the image above. The waviness of the layers and the inclusion of the knot serve to highlight the changes in color and shape. 

Use Harsh Lighting

Textures benefit from harsh lighting because it helps illuminate parts of the texture while forcing other areas into deep shadow. This increased contrast gives even the faintest of textures a more three-dimensional look.

Harsh lighting is best achieved when it is bright and very close to the subject. Shooting photos for this challenge at midday will get you the harsh lighting you need, or, you can utilize your own lighting to achieve the harshness that’s required. Bear in mind as well that the smaller the objects, the harder the light will need to be in order to bring out their texture.

Practice and Participate!

Try finding textures in your everyday environment and see just how creative you can get! You can use just about anything to create a texture, from people and food to children’s toys and fabric. The bounds of your creativity are really the only limits! Just remember that filling the frame, highlighting variations, and using harsh lighting are excellent methods by which you can enhance the look of a texture and make it a true focal point in your photograph.

Let’s see what you’ve come up with for today’s challenge! Share your favorite image by uploading it to the forum for today’s challenge. Or, if you need inspiration, have a look at all the wonderful texture photos that other Photography Talk members have already shared.