Week 5: Pattern & Texture
This week in class, we explored pattern and texture creation through photography, as well as micro shots of these images to create an interesting composition.
#oneperday
Succulent
This succulent was found in the QUT gardens and demonstrates a flowing and smooth leaves contrasted against the sharp edges of another leaf. I like the pale green colours against the dark, contrasting edges, and that the texture of the leaf would feel really soft.
Reasoning
I was instantly attracted to the interesting pastel-green of the succulent and the elongated shapes that the leaves created, as well as the contrast between the flowing shapes of the leaves and the sharp leaf edges overlapping.
Inspiration
The tutorial exercise got our creative minds thinking about textures and seeing the world from a micro perspective.
Technique
Photography- iPhone 5
Process
I used the manual focus on the iPhone (by tapping the screen on what section of the succulent I wanted in focus) to create the focal point of where the leaves draw together. I then used Photoshop to crop the image, and slightly adjust the brightness and contrast.
Reflection
I really like the long-flowing leaf, which takes up majority of the shot. I feel that it really draws the viewer’s eye towards the centre piece holding the flower together, which is the focal point of the image. It feels very relaxing and pieceful.
Cracked Road Line
I discovered the cracked painted yellow road line during the tutorial activity, and appreciated the worn texture that it encompassed.
Reasoning
The contrast between the bright cracked yellow paint, and the dirty cement made for an eye-catching composition.
Inspiration
I liked the rustic and dangerous feeling created by the image, with yellow being highly associated with safety and caution. I liked the yellow contrast against the dark splotchy bitumen.
Technique
Photography – iPhone
Process
I used auto focus on my phone to correct the sharpness in the image. It was also a fairly overcast-sunny weather, which allowed the lighting to produce an even image.
Reflection
The featured contrast of the bright yellow against the dark bitumen, as well as interest created in the texture and tones of the bitumen background colour. It looks very warn, but also a figure of safety.
Concrete Jungle.
I found this amazing texture at Kelvin Grove. It’s actually the concrete base surrounding a metal post, however I enjoyed the rustic and countryside vibes created in this piece.
Reasoning
The contrast between the straight and curved lines are visually appealing, as well as the obviously bumpy shapes displayed on the curve- I just want to reach out and touch it.
Inspiration
I liked the rustic colour palette, and how the unusually shapes and textures all seemed to work together.
Technique
Photography
Process
The photograph was taken outside, and was produced on my iPhone. I have also used Photoshop to crop the image and slightly adjust the colour balance.
Reflection
It’s a very calming shot. I really enjoyed the contrast in shapes, colours, lines and textures. It makes for an interesting composition.
Heaped Hose
I found this new hose wrapped in our garage. The unique colour and interesting texture, as well as the positioning of the loop, made an interesting composition. I also thought this image would make a unique black and white image, so the analysis below will make reference to both images.
Reasoning
The unusual texture displayed in the hose through the wrapping process has created a unique texture.
Inspiration
I liked the curved flowing lines and what looks to be a sharp edge creates contrast.
Technique
Photography
Process
The photograph was taken outside, and was produced on my iPhone. I have also used Photoshop to crop the image and slightly adjust the colour balance, and for the second image, I adjusted the colouring to black and white.
Reflection
I like that if you were not informed that it was a hose, or when the image was changed to black and white, that it becomes much more difficult to recognize.
Bubbles
I was doing the dishes when I noticed the amazing bubbles that had formed on top of our dirty silver saucepan. I had to take a photo, and the result was spectacular!
Reasoning
I particularly enjoyed the unusual shapes and texture that the bubbles naturally formed, as well as the monochromatic colour scheme.
Inspiration
I was doing the dishes when I noticed the amazing bubbles that had formed on top of our dirty silver saucepan. I had to take a photo, and the result was spectacular!
Technique
Photography- iPhone 5s
Process
This image depicts a micro shot of bubbles floating on water in a dirty saucepan. I adjusted the brightness and contrast levels on Photoshop just slightly, to remove a slight yellow tinge.
Reflection
I was instantly drawn to the elegant and unique patterns that the bubbles naturally formed on top of the pan. It's the little things that can sometimes be the most beautiful, even if found in the most bizarre places. Dishes are a constant in our lives and regardless of the time and effort we spend cleaning, there will always be another plate/cup/fork/spoon added to the pile.
Slinky
I happen to have a silver slinky on my desk, and I often procrastinate/play/get distracted by it. I love the textures, patterns and contrasts such a simple object can create.
Reasoning
I was procrastinating by playing with the slinky on my desk, and was forming interesting shapes and figures by adjusting, expanding and unravelling the slinky. I thought it could create some pretty interesting shots.
Inspiration
My out-of-state mind was able to form some interesting shapes which triggered my imagination to capture some abstract and unique shots.
Technique
Photography
Process
I altered the shape and form of the slinky to create each individual image. I used the overhead lights to create depth, as well as create contrast between the slinky and the shadows. I also used a piece of A3 paper curved up the wall to remove any background distractions.
Reflection
I really enjoyed the outcome of these images. It was fun creating new shapes, and capturing the textures and contrasting light sources from the slinky.
Experimenting with Fonts.
During the tutorial, we analysed texture as a substance by reviewing 'Graphic Design: The New Basics' by Ellen Lupton (n.d.). Lupton's interpretation of texture is the tactile grain of surfaces and substances. Through reviewing Lupton’s literature piece, inspiration and ideations were formed. I have used my knowledge, skills and creativity to create 3 interesting textures which also align with typography.
The first was a kiwi fruit, created out of a kiwi fruit. The second, an apple, created from an apple, and the third, coffee, from ground coffee. I also experimented with the fruits by waiting for them to decompose, and the result was spectacular! I love the word 'apple' and how the letters have started to shrivel and wilt.
Reasoning
The in-class tutorial motivated me to experiment with fonts and textures.
Inspiration
I regularly eat apple and kiwi fruits, so they were the obvious fruits for me to pick and create something fun and different.
Technique
Photography and Typography
Process
I simply cut the letters into the fruits and positioned them onto a plain white board. I then placed the white board against our white splash back which helped with the lighting for the photo. Coffee was slightly more difficult, as I spread it over a white board and used the end of a spoon to create the typography. Photoshop was also used to tidy up the images, using the blur tool, as well as adjusting the brightness and contrast.
Reflection
I wanted the images to be simple and sophisticated, hence the fresh approach. The images created an interesting and stylish composition.
Tutorial Activity
This week in class, we explored the surroundings of QUT, and were asked to photograph a texture or pattern which would create an interesting composition.
I found a succulent in one of the gardens, and using my iPhone, captured this image. The photograph depicted is the original image, without being altered or cropped in Photoshop. The image above has had some enhancements and been cropped.
Album Cover
In class, we also experimented with designing our own album cover using our texture photographs.
