Using Texture Photography to Capture a Unique Shot

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 tabletop. 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.”

MORE IN THIS COURSE:

Macro Photography: Inspiration, Insight & Creativity – Course Preview
Macro Photography Tips and Techniques
Basic Equipment for Shooting Macro Photography
Comparing a Telephoto vs. Macro Lens
Capturing Details of Nature Photography
Macro Photography: Shooting Insects and Bugs
Macro Photography Ideas for Your Next Shoot
Backlighting in Translucent Photography
This video: Using Texture Photography to Capture a Unique Shot