Desert Textures

Whenever I have a camera in my hands a range of things intrigue me and catch my eye. During our recent photography tour to the Western USA I found myself drawn to various desert textures.
NOTE: Click on images to enlarge.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 10mm, efov 27mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 10mm, efov 27mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160

As photographers, when we are out capturing landscape images we often forget to look down at our feet or at textured objects close at hand.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 24mm, efov 65mm, f/8, 1/200, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 24mm, efov 65mm, f/8, 1/200, ISO-160

Often times there are interesting textures and patterns that nature provides for our viewing pleasure and creative urges.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 17mm, efov 46mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 17mm, efov 46mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160

I enjoy framing undulating patterns.,..

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 12mm, efov 32mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 12mm, efov 32mm, f/8, 1/400, ISO-160

And also those with stark shadows that help to accentuate textures and surface relief. Composing these images using corner exits can help create image flow.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 26mm, efov 69mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-160

I also look for softer and more gentle sweeps of motion.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 12mm, efov 31mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 12mm, efov 31mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-160

I also find well-defined repeating lines of interest.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-160

Tree bark and the inside surfaces of limbs and tree trunks have their own unique appeal. I enjoy creating compositions that seem to radiate from a corner.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-160

I also love finding surfaces that meet at a well defined angle and create strong visual lines and image flow.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/7.1, 1/400, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 100mm, efov 270mm, f/7.1, 1/400, ISO-160

Parallel lines that combine to create a broad, sweeping motion also catch my eye.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 78mm, efov 210mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-160
Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikon 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 78mm, efov 210mm, f/8, 1/800, ISO-160

I’m also attracted to very unusual shapes and contours that have their own very unique texture.

The next time you’re out with your camera gear look down at your feet and around you. You may find something interesting to capture.

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Article and all images are Copyright 2016 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use.

5 thoughts on “Desert Textures”

  1. I have noticed and taken many photos of objects with neat textures – old, worn, wood, worm-hole, rotten wood, rusty metal, broken glass, crumpled papers, moss, grasses, clouds, sand and gravel, frost on leaves and windows, textures in stones and rocks, woven baskets. Textures are all around us.

    You found some wonderful ones!

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