Photographing Textures
Why Textures Matter in Photography
Textures add a tactile quality to your images, evoking sensations of touch and enhancing depth.
Whether it’s the roughness of bark, the smoothness of glass, or the intricate weave of fabric,
textures draw viewers into your composition. Mastering texture photography requires thoughtful use
of light, focus, and composition.
Step 1: Selecting Textures
Look for subjects with unique surfaces that tell a story:
Natural Textures: Tree bark, leaves, sand dunes, and rocks offer earthy and organic textures.
Man-Made Textures: Concrete, rusted metal, weathered wood, peeling paint, and bricks can evoke
urban or industrial moods.
Fine Details: Fabrics, lace, paper, and other close-up surfaces create intricate patterns perfect
for macro photography.
Pro Tip: Seek contrast in your textures. For example, rough bark against smooth moss creates visual
interest.
Step 2: Light and Angles
Lighting dramatically alters how textures are perceived:
Side Lighting: The most effective for texture, side lighting emphasizes depth by casting shadows
and highlighting details.
Backlighting: Adds drama and can make translucent textures like leaves glow. Direct Lighting:
Creates hard shadows, which can work for bold and gritty textures but should be used sparingly.
Diffused Lighting: For soft and subtle textures, overcast skies or diffusers can
reduce harsh contrasts.

Tip: Experiment with angles. Photographing from above may flatten textures, while shooting from an
oblique angle adds dimensionality.
Step 3: Camera Settings
Lens Choice: Use a macro lens or extension tubes for detailed textures. For larger subjects, a
standard or wide-angle lens works.
Aperture: Use f/8–f/16 for consistent sharpness across the surface. For selective focus, use a
wider aperture like f/2.8.
Shutter Speed: Use a tripod for stability if shooting at slower speeds due to low light.
ISO: Keep ISO low (100–200) to maximize detail and avoid noise.
Focus Tip: Switch to manual focus to ensure precision, especially in macro shots. Step 4:
Composition
Patterns: Look for repeating shapes or lines in textures. Abstract patterns often have a hypnotic
quality.
Contrast: Pair different textures in one frame to create visual interest. Filling the Frame: Get
close and eliminate distractions, letting the texture dominate the image.
Step 5: Post-Processing
Sharpening: Enhance clarity to bring out fine details. Use Lightroom’s texture and clarity sliders
carefully.
Dodging and Burning: Accentuate highlights and shadows to add depth.
Black and White Conversion: Removing color shifts the focus entirely to texture
and contrast.