INSPIRATION & ASSIGNMENTS: Patterns

Patterns are all around us. They can be found in colors, shapes, textures and light…a field of wildflowers or clouds or raindrops on a windowpane or shadows…plus a thousand other things I am not mentioning.

And if you change your perspective, by positioning yourself and your camera in a way that is out of the norm, you may find a pattern you did not notice before. Get up close, get down low, look at something from above. Find that different angle.

A low vantage point looking at ripples or movement on the water can create a pattern that is either soft and soothing, or rough and powerful. Looking up at tall buildings may produce interesting patterns with converging lines and reflections. A wide view of a farmer’s field with plowed or planted furrows can result in unusual patterns in any season.

Reflections of trees in a pond or buildings in a puddle mirror the source, creating an abstract visual. Shadows, with their alternating tones of dark and light, can provide a mysterious quality. Long night-time exposures of cars and trucks on busy streets form patterns of light trails that can be addictive.

Have some fun with it and see what patterns you can find.