Using Texture Photography to Capture a Unique Shot

Layne Kennedy

Duration: 8 mins

Description

Macro photography could also be called texture photography because it allows you to get so close to your subject that you can almost feel the details. In this video, professional photographer, Layne Kennedy, shows you what he means by texture photography.

Layne explains, “Think about the hairs on a caterpillar, the eyes on a bee, the veins of a leaf.” He shows you what he means by photographing a plate full of antique coins in his studio. To illuminate the coins, he uses a clamp light with a 60 watt bulb, setting it at an angle. The idea is to create shadows to add a three dimensional effect to the image of the coins.

He sets his camera on the tripod and aims straight down, making sure the plane of the lens is at the same angle as the coin he isolates as his main subject. This increases sharpness and eliminates a depth of field problem. He uses a 105mm macro lens to achieve a 1:1 ratio and makes sure to adjust the white balance for artificial light.

To enhance your own texture photography, you will learn why it’s best to shoot at different heights to create a variety of images, how to use a simple piece of paper as a reflector, why it makes sense to experiment by moving your subjects around from shot to shot, and how to raise and lower your subject without moving the table top. Layne shows you how using the back of your hand as a reflector can change the depth of field and texture dramatically. He also reminds you to use a cable release in order to avoid even the slightest camera movement.

Join pro shooter, Layne Kennedy, who guides you through the wonderful world of texture photography. “All it takes,” he says, “is patience and creativity.“