What is Pattern Photography?
Pattern photography utilizes elements that are repeated. The repetition of lines, shapes, tones or color can create interesting images. There are photographers who use the pattern as the main subject of an image while others use it to enhance the overall composition and look of the photograph. Photographers can choose to emphasize or break the pattern to capture a great image.
Emphasizing the Pattern
A repetitive pattern that fills the frame gives the impression that the pattern is massive and goes beyond the image even if the pattern or repetition is only enough to fill the screen. This is done to take images of people’s faces in a group or crowd or an assembly of arranged bottles in a factory.
Breaking the Pattern
Another technique is capturing the disruption in the flow of a pattern. Using the previously mentioned examples, photographers can have one person wear a yellow shirt in a crowd wearing purple. These disruptions can happen naturally or can be manipulated to appear as such. The break can be achieved by introducing an element in a contrasting color, with a different shape or texture. Removing one of the elements that make up the pattern can also work. Focus on the break to create emphasis.