How do you know what texture to use? ~ Blog
I often get asked how do I know what Texture to use on my creative images or photos. Well I am going to share that with you.
Guess what? There is no secret. Sorry to disappoint.
I started playing with textures on my photos around 2015, I had no idea what to choose. It was trial and error, finding what didn’t work or did, what I didn’t like or liked.
At times I gave up, got frustrated. But the more I played the better I got at choosing the right texture.
The real secret is all about practice
◼ Trying lots of different textures until you find the ones you like, experimenting with blend modes and opacity until you get a feel for using textures . It is like learning “rote” repetitive practice, practice.
◼ I use textures on my creative images for a tactile appearance or for colour grading and I still have to try different textures to get the look I am after. Sometimes I nail it and others times I just get it wrong.
◼ Not all photos work with a texture either, that is part of the learning curve, what photo and what texture works together.
When do I add a texture to a photo?
◼ When I want to change the background for example flower or animal photography
◼ When I want to change the colour, tone or mood
◼ Colour grading to get depth of colour
The best advice I can give you when choosing a texture is to experiment. Work on the principal “what if” ask yourself what kind of texture would work on this photo. Then add it and find you like the look OR that was a waste of time.
When I am thinking about adding a texture I may look for a colour in the photo and pick a colour or tone that would compliment the photo, for example if the photo has a strong blue tone maybe a warmer colour texture will work. Look at the colors in your photo. Do you want them to remain intact? Choosing a black and white texture helps to keep the colors in your photo from changing. Ask yourself would this photo look good with a texture, if not sure just try it. You never know until you try!
The reality there is “no secret” no “magic formula” its just experimenting and playing with different textures. Wish I could give you the magic answer how I know what texture to pick or when to add a texture.
