Pattern: A Visual Element

A pattern is a repetition of form or shape. It is a strong visual element for any work of art especially in photography. 

Patterns are common visual elements. However, we simply move past them and failing to take notice. A photographer really has to open his or her eyes and be sensitive to them.

Patterns invoke a sense of stability, consistency and belonging in the viewer. They are already compositions by themselves.

Composition is the arrangement of the visual elements in a photograph, arranged in a way to evoke a sentiment from the viewer. Below are sample pictures of patterns. Most of them were previously published here, but I would bet that you have not noticed that they contain patterns.

Repetitions of garlic.

Repetitions of bricks.

Repetitions of dew drops and blades.

Repetitions of pots.

Repetitions of straws.

 

Eventhough pure patterns are compositions by themselves, breaking these patterns is also another effective compositional style.

The pattern here is the rectangular framing of the glass window. It is broken by putting the window frame off-center and including the greeneries and one of the airport towers. Shot in the new Bacolod-Silay Airport while waiting for a slightly delayed flight back to Cebu...



The pattern here is made by the square-shaped cage screen. It is broken by making it out of focus (blurring) and making the eye of the myna bird tacked sharp, with the head of the bird placed off-center. Shot in Tubod, Minglanilla, Cebu.



 

And so, next time, before clicking that shutter, look around for patterns. Take a shot of them and then do a composition that breaks the pattern. And I would really like to take a look. Perhaps it wouldn't cost much if you inform me that you did the "pattern" shot... :)

 

(I haven't been doing a lot of bloghopping lately. I promise to make up for it and I will visit each of your blogs soon. Rest assured I am updated of your every new post, and I do get to read them. I just always don't have the luxury of time to visit your actual blog and make a sensible comment. I'll make up for it soon... Please bear with me... )