Now that winters here, and flowers and plants to photograph are less abundant I've found it more challenging to take interesting photographs. So every week or so I've set myself a challenge to link photographs with a single word. For the past few weeks I've been looking at "Texture".
When I started out I had decided to look at texture in terms surface irregularities, repeated details, symmetry and colour..
The actual object was unimportant. Often the shot was taken with the macro lens and was only a small part of the object. This emphasised the detail.
In terms of light and shade, I found that the best light for this type of image is side light. Side light will bring out the detail in any uneven surface by casting shadows.
Close-ups of the surface of a log showing the tiny fungi detail
The symetrical detail on a pine cone.
More cone details
The stripes of a phormium leaf
Tubes from an insect chamber...
Fatsia Japonica leaf. The gloss on the surface helps to highlight up the network of veins.
A close up of a rusty surface, the colours accentuating the texture.
The symmetry and sheen of the feathers on one of our hens. Once again the light catches the shine on the feathers and emphasises the texture. She was highly suspicious of the camera.... and so this photo is the best of a bad lot!
Janet, this is a great post! You have a approached the topic of texture in such an interesting way! Fabulous photography, too. You literally show a new world to me. It is really interesting what you get to see if you make the effort to come really close. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteChristina
This reminded me of working with a microscope in school. It was well you captioned the images or some would have remained a mystery.
ReplyDeleteChristina, it's a whole new world to me too. I spend a lot of time crouching and taking photos close up.
ReplyDeleteLinnie, That could have been a competition. I wish I had thought of that...
ReplyDeleteJanet, the photo of the fungi on the log is incredible--like a work of modern art. What a great project to set yourself. Trying to take a macro of a live chicken earns you some sort of Most Determined Blogger award.
ReplyDeleteWow what great shots - things just look so different close up don't they, anything I try to take just looks a little blurry.Love the tiny fungi one.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting! That rusty surface is wonderful, and I like the other images too! I wish I studied my camera's manual!
ReplyDeleteStacy, getting close up makes all the difference. I didn't really see the fungi until I got rightup to it.
ReplyDeleteElaine, a lot of my photos still look blurry but I'm working on it.
Tatyana, I have looked at the manual but need to spend more time practicing!
The most ordinary things seem extraordinary when you really stop and look at them closely. These are fabulous. And I love your idea of thinking of a word to link photographs with.
ReplyDeleteSo true Holley. I've been aware of so much more since I've started the blog and lea
ReplyDeleterned to use a camera a bit better...
Fantastic photos Janet showing such superb detail, you will have us all out on our knees searching for things to capture with the lens!
ReplyDeleteA magical post Janet which really picks up on the detail that we don't always see at first glance. Do you use a DSLR or a compact camera? I look forward to your next theme.
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos Janet! I love the log showing the fungi detail. Great sttuff!
ReplyDeleteLovely shots, Janet. Pleasing that I'm not the only one getting his knees muddy with nose pressed up against logs and stones and leaves and .... and ...
ReplyDeletePauline, we should all have asked for knee pads for Christmas...
ReplyDeleteThe photos were taken with my my compact Canon digital. I do need a better macro lens for close-ups in my Nikon...
Glad you enjoyed the photos, Christine and Dave.
It's amazing how things alter when we look at them in a different way. Love these photos.
ReplyDeleteFantastic abstract pictures. You are lucky to have a macro lens; they are too costly :-(.
ReplyDeleteLorna, I'm ashamed to say I didn't look that closely before.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the photos KL. The macro is part of the camera and is limited. I would like a macro and a telescopic for the Nikon SLR but couldn't really justify the price!
Love the rusty colours, Pictures would look brill on the wall.xx crocosmia.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crocosmia....
DeleteFascinating stuff! Each image is a curious piece of art in itself. The Fatsia leaf is magnificent!
ReplyDelete