Mastering Composition in Photography: Lines, Patterns, Textures

I took a walk around the building where I work, taking a little break during my workday. The sun was shining, and I thought it was a beautiful day, as I looked for textures and patterns, noticing how the sunlight created shadows that formed these patterns. I also looked for lines—leading lines that guide your eye from a starting point in the picture to an endpoint. All photos are taken with iPhone 13 Pro and me.

I hope you will learn something about composition and that you can also try it out in your photography. I’d love to hear about your experiences with composition and how this article resonated with you. Feel free to share in the comments below!

Decided to shoot in black and white

On this journey, I made a conscious decision to capture in black and white, a choice that has sharpened my perception of texture, patterns, and contrast. This deliberate shift has not only deepened my exploration of black and white photography but also presented me with a challenge, a challenge I willingly embraced to push my creative boundaries. What about you? Do you push yourself in your creativity?

Leading lines

In the image below, the bowy line starts in the left corner and leads the eye into a mysterious, light-filled tunnel framed by trees and bushes. You also have the light line from the right leading into the same place as the left line. So this is making a triangle. It also makes a tension in the image. It gives me a feeling that I want to move into this triangle and investigate what is behind the tree and the bushes. I also think this is a good picture for black and white because the patterns get clearer then.

Textures as shadows

In contrast to the previous image, the one below presents a fascinating exploration of textures. The tree branches cast their shadows on the asphalt, creating a unique texture. Additionally, the two blades in the upper part of the image add a sense of tension, making this image stand out. I also think this is a good picture in black and white.

Contrast and vertical lines

I also appreciate contrasts, and in monochrome photography, the contrasts can be particularly extreme. And that gives the picture a strong composition. Here, it is the light blades that provide the contrast to the dark trunk of the tree. Vertical lines from the trees that help create a strong composition. It’s always smart to look for which direction the lines are going. It can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, as seen in the lines of the first picture here.

Afterword

In this blog post, I have delved into the world of composition, leading lines, patterns, and textures. Understanding the role of these elements is crucial in photography. By mastering the use of lines, you can create tension in your picture, allowing the viewer to feel the language of the image in their heart. Similarly, patterns and textures can add depth and interest to your composition. When these elements are well-balanced, they can evoke a good feeling, making your picture truly stand out. I believe this is the essence of a good picture. What do you think?