Mastering the Craft of Capturing Pattern and Texture in Photography for Interior Design
Let’s be real, interior design isn’t just about choosing pretty furniture and matching color schemes. It’s about feeling the space! The tactile texture of a velvet cushion, the rough grain of reclaimed wood, or the intricate patterns on a wall, are the elements that make a room truly come alive. As a Dallas interior photographer here in Texas, I’m all about showcasing the magic of pattern and texture in photography, because let’s face it, those textures? They’re the unsung heroes of interior design.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process of capturing patterns and texture in photography, using Carissa from A Bold New Hue, absolutely gorgeous dining room at her Richardson, Texas, home as a prime example. We’re talking bold colors, funky patterns, and a whole lot of personality, basically, my dream client. Grab a coffee (or a margarita, no judgment), and let’s dive into how I capture the things that make a room feel alive!
Why Texture and Pattern Matter in Interior Design
Let’s start with the basics. Why should you care about texture and pattern in interior design? Well, without them, a space can feel flat. Like, literal cardboard-flat. Texture brings a room to life. It adds warmth, personality, and depth to your space. The thing is, texture isn’t always something you can feel right away, sometimes it’s the subtle pattern in a wallpaper or the soft sheen of a metal finish that gives the room its richness. Pattern, on the other hand, is like the soul of a design. It guides your eye, creates flow, and helps tell the story of the space.
Take Carissa’s dining room, for example. From the soft velvet chairs to the abstract patterned walls and bold, colorful accents, every piece of furniture and design choice plays a role. It's like a mini symphony of textures and patterns that work together to create this beautiful, lived-in space. And, as a Dallas interior design photographer, it’s my job to show that. To make sure you can feel the texture in the fabric and see the depth of the pattern without even having to touch it.
Techniques for Capturing Texture and Pattern in Photography
Okay, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it. How do I capture all this amazing texture and pattern in photography? Here are some of the ways I do it:
1. Angles Are Everything
When I’m photographing a space, I think about angles like I think about my favorite pair of jeans, how do I make them look good from all sides? When it comes to texture and pattern in photography, the right angle is essential. For a close-up of something soft like velvet or textured fabric, I love shooting tight and getting right in there. When I’m working with broader textures, like the large wallpaper patterns in Carissa’s dining room, I’ll go wide. That way I can get the whole story in one shot, not just a part of it. It’s about getting the whole picture (pun totally intended).
2. Lighting is Your Best Friend
Texture and pattern in photography are nothing without lighting. You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again: good lighting is everything! For textures like the rough surface of wood or the soft, inviting feel of fabric, I’m all about making sure that light highlights the right areas.
With Carissa’s space, I used both natural and artificial lighting to add depth to the textures. Natural light is amazing for those soft, welcoming vibes, but when I really want to pop those metallic finishes or bring out the grains in wood, I bring in some artificial light. I use modifiers, diffusers, and reflectors to make sure the light hits the surface just right, because, folks, it's all about finding that perfect sweet spot. Trust me, your textures will thank you!
3. Focusing on the Details
You know how people say, “It’s all about the details”? Well, when you’re capturing texture and pattern in photography, it’s really all about the details. I get up close and personal with the elements that make the space unique. For example, let’s talk about that stunning wallpaper in Carissa’s dining room, up close, you can really see the strokes of the pattern and the subtle texture of the paper itself. It’s not just a wall covering, it’s an art piece. And I love capturing that.
In this particular shoot, we focused on the details in the textures of the furniture, too. From the upholstery on the chairs to the beautiful, soft textures of the art on the walls, these elements needed to stand out. It’s all about finding those moments where texture really shines.
4. Creating the Perfect Composition (and Taking Your Time)
As a Dallas interior photographer, composition is everything! But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about getting the shot. It’s about getting it right.
When I’m photographing interiors, I work closely with my stylist to get everything just perfect. While I’m setting up the camera and figuring out the best angles, the stylist is making sure everything’s in its place. I mean, we’re talking about rearranging throw pillows, tweaking the placement of books, adjusting the lighting, basically making sure every texture and pattern is framed perfectly for the shot. This can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes per shot (yup, it’s a process). But that’s what it takes to create the kind of images that pop, that feel like they belong.
For Carissa’s dining room, I knew I had to balance the boldness of the wallpaper patterns with the softness of the furniture. So, I took my time making sure that everything, every texture, every pattern, was captured in a way that felt balanced. It’s like art, but with a camera.
Challenges When Capturing Texture and Pattern in Interior Photography
Here’s the deal: capturing texture and pattern in interior photography isn’t always a walk in the park. Sometimes, the light doesn’t behave the way I want it to. Sometimes, the texture gets lost in the pattern (or vice versa), and I have to make some adjustments. But you know what? I love that challenge. It makes the end result that much more satisfying.
One thing I’ve learned? Working with an interior design photographer who has experience (aka me) using artificial lights and modifiers is a game changer. That way, you can rest easy knowing that your textures and patterns are going to be captured as accurately as possible.
Tips for Interior Designers When Photographing Your Designs
Alright, here are some tips that I’m going to leave you with to make sure your next interior photoshoot goes off without a hitch:
Consider Your Lighting: Don’t just rely on natural light. Artificial lighting is your friend—especially when working with bold textures and patterns. It helps you get the colors and textures just right.
Think About Composition: Don’t just shoot a room from the first angle you see. Play with your angles to show off the textures. Think about how patterns flow across the room and how they can interact with one another.
Details Matter: Close-ups of fabrics, textiles, and intricate patterns can really tell the story of a room. Don’t be afraid to get in there and capture those small details!
Patience Is Key: Good things take time, people. Don’t rush through the shoot. Make sure everything is set up to perfection, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and lighting setups.
Book Your Dallas Interior Photographer
So, there you have it! The art of capturing texture and pattern in photography is a balance of creativity, patience, and a little bit of trial and error (okay, a lot of trial and error). But when you get it right? It’s magic! If you’re ready to take your interior design photography to the next level and capture those textures and patterns in the most dynamic, vibrant way, let’s chat! I’d love to help you showcase your hard work in the most beautiful way possible.
Fill out my contact form, and let’s schedule a complimentary call to discuss your next shoot. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Check out more of my blogs below to help you with your next shoot and my Pinterest to see more of my work!
Why You Should Hire a Photographer Who Specializes in Interior Design Photography
How to Guide: Preparing for your Interior Design Photography Session
Photographer: Stacy Markow
Interior Designer: A Bold New Hue
Stylist: Emily Gibson