Whether it's trees, ripples in the water, or the brick on the side of your house, patterns are all around us, even if we don't pay attention to them. This weeks photo challenge is pattern photography so let's jump in with some examples and some different ways to photograph them!
In the above example a succulent has a pattern arrangement. This might not be the most exciting example of a pattern in the world, but it does illustrate the point that you don't have to go far to find them! In this case a straight overhead angle is used. ISO is at 100, no need to introduce unwanted noise in a stationary subject, and the F-stop is kept fairly tight at F 7.1 to have even sharpness throughout the image.
In this example the lines in the sand create the repeating pattern in the image and become the main subject. In this shot the F-stop remains narrow at F 11 but the focal point is close, only about 10 inches from the lens. This keeps the lines clear throughout, however it softens the mountain in the background slightly.
One of the most common questions I've answered about pattern photography is does the repeating portion of the image have to be exact? The answer is no, of course, but it does help to have some symmetry. This leads to the next example and probably an image I've showed far too much, so sorry in advance.
Are the layers an exact replica of one another? Not so much. But do layers meet the criteria of pattern photography? Yep. Once again maintaining a narrow aperture using an F-stop of 11 allows for even sharpness throughout the image.
Don't get into the idea that you have to wander nature to find repetitive patterns, architecture is full of amazing patterns! A few fellow photographers I know got up for a morning shoot at the Ouse Valley Viaduct in the UK and here is one of their shots. An excellent example of patterns in architecture. You can find links to each one of the photographers that went on this shoot below. Great people and artists.
So this week get out and find those patterns! Maintain a narrow F-stop when possible, nothing under f 7.1 if light allows, keep the ISO low and be sure to tag me in the photos or message them to me and I'll share your work, giving credit of course, on Instagram!!!
UK photogroup: