Utilizing Patterns and Repetition in Photography Effectively

Are you new to photography or looking for effective ways to increase the visual impact of your photos? Using repetition and patterns is a powerful technique that can transform ordinary pictures into something extraordinary. 

We often manage to take eye-catching images without realizing what makes them so appealing. The secret commonly lies in repetition and patterns in the photo’s composition. These are more common than you might think. And chances are, you have used them without realizing it. 

In this blog, we will guide you through how repetition and patterns can be utilized to transform your photography. 

What is Repetition and Patterns in Photography

Before we dive into how you can incorporate the technique of repetitions and patterns into your photography, it’s important to understand what it means.

Utilizing repetition and patterns in photography is an amazing way to make your photos more creative and visually appealing. It simply means using repeating shapes and patterns in the frames. This technique of integrating recurring elements serves to add dimension to the frame and guides the viewer’s attention towards the subject. 

The repetition can either be on the subject or can be used to focus the attention on it. Here are a few reasons to incorporate this technique into your photography:

  • Enhances visual appeal 
  • Emphasizes the subject 
  • Increases viewer interest
  • Holds attention

Where to Find Patterns and Repetitions

Identifying patterns like these may seem challenging, but it’s not, because they are all around us. You need to train your eyes to find them in everyday objects if only you look closely enough.

Some common places where you can find these patterns are:

  • Nature 
  • Architecture 
  • Common Objects 
  • Lighting and Shadows 
  • Or you can create your own!

How to Utilize Patterns and Repetition in Photography Effectively

Colour and contrast

The effect of repetition can be accentuated by using contrasting colors. Colors help bring more depth to the photos and create a strong visual impact when used effectively. The first photo here is more eye-catching for the viewers because not only does it use a symmetrical pattern but also sharp colors leading to a strong visual impact. 

  • Choose Contrasting Colors: Choose colors that create a contrast against each other in a repeating pattern. 
  • Use a Consistent Color: Using a consistent color throughout can also accentuate the visuals; however, be sure not to overdo it.
  • Highlight Using a Bold Color: Leave one bold color in the image against a backdrop of dull colors to draw attention to it.
  • Experiment with Saturation: An intensified contrast can be used to bring attention to a singular subject while consistent colors throughout can add to the harmony of the pattern.

Leading lines

Leading lines help draw attention to the subjects. It does not necessarily have to be straight lines. Leading lines can be any elements within the image that move in symmetry to draw attention to a certain part of the photo such as roads, bridges, buildings, etc. 

To use leading lines in your photos:

  • Identify Lines: Look for lines in your background.
  • Position your subject: Place your subject along the horizon to draw the viewer’s attention.
  • Explore Different Angles: Find the right angles to incorporate these lines. Use the Rule of Thirds to position your subject off-center for a more dynamic view.  
  • Experiment with different types of lines: Do not limit yourself to straight lines. While they can bring a sense of stability, diagonal lines can create a sense of movement. 

Forms and shape

You can also use shapes to create a pattern and repetition. It does not have to be complicated, using simple lines and shapes can do the job. Forms help emphasize the dynamics of an image, creating a sense of rhythm that compels the viewers. 

Here’s how to do it:

  • Identify Geometric Shapes: Look for basic geometrical shapes in your surroundings. It can be a bunch of squares in the form of windows or hexagons like in this honeycomb. 
  • Incorporates Shapes as Background or Subject: Shapes and forms can either be used in the background to emphasize the subject or can be the subject itself. 
  • Use Closeups: Closeups can add to the depth of photos, highlighting the shapes that might just get lost in the image otherwise. 
  • Use Shadows to Create Depth: If the shapes are 3D, you can make use of shadows to add more dimension to them.

Perspective

Using different perspectives can help you find unique patterns in places. Do not just stick to your regular angles, experiment and find angles that will make your photos more dynamic. Manipulating the sense of depth and dimension can allow you to create stunning visual effects. 

To make the best use of perspectives in your photos, you can:

  • Change your Angles: Move around your subject to find different angles that are not visible from a standard view. You can try shooting from below or above. 
  • Use Leading Lines: Wider perspectives can often distract viewers from the subject. Incorporating leading lines can help maintain the focus. 
  • Capture Reflections: Utilize reflections to create a mirrored pattern to add a layer of complexity to your composition. 

Break patterns

While repetition creates harmony, breaking a pattern can also draw in viewers by creating a captivating contrast in the flow of the pattern. Breaking patterns work because a single item that differs from its surroundings stands out. Occasionally, you will find broken patterns in your surroundings but you can also manipulate the situation to create a pattern yourself. 

To incorporate this technique into your photography, you need to:

  • Identify Naturally Occurring Broken Patterns: Observe your surroundings to find a deviation in a repetitive pattern. This can be a change in color, pattern, shape, etc. 
  • Highlight the Break: Position your frame to place the subject—in this case, a break— on one of the focal points making sure it doesn’t get lost in the overall composition.
  • Create Your Break: You can incorporate this technique by manually creating a pattern and then breaking it deliberately, such as placing a different colored object. 

FAQs

How To Photograph Patterns In Nature?

Recurring patterns can be found everywhere in nature by observing closely, such as in the shapes of leaves or waves in the ocean. By identifying patterns and using photography composition techniques you can capture amazing photographs. 

How to Use Repetition & Patterns in Photography?

Repetitions and patterns is a technique in photography that can be used by finding patterns in your surroundings and framing them effectively to create a strong visual impact. 

What are some unique ways to use patterns in photography?

A unique way to use patterns in photography is through creating a visual story with the help of images. For instance, a well-known image that depicts a scenario of pulling away one match stick to save the rest from burning. 

How to Find & Use Patterns in Photography?

Patterns can be found by simply observing your environment. Patterns can be found everywhere–all it takes is a creative eye. Incorporate these patterns into your photography by experimenting with different techniques and styles such as contrasting colors, leading lines, or broken patterns.

By utilizing repetition and patterns you can drastically improve the visual impact of your photos. However, it is important to keep experimenting with different styles and angles to figure out what works best for you. Using these techniques can only enhance the impact, what makes a photo outstanding is its ability to hold the interest of the viewers with a unique perspective.  After all, photography is all about creative expression. 

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