Digital Textures for Photographers

Textures are my favorite way to add interest to an image. Textures can be used to enhance a background, create atmosphere & depth, develop a mood or feeling and give an artistic effect to an image.

Textures are digital image files of  the surface of materials or objects. When used photographically the original object or surface is not identifiable. Digital textures are added as a layer using editing software (like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements) overtop of the main image or background.

Why use textures in photography?

• Low cost
• Save time
• Create variety
• Save studio space
• Add artistic effects
• Develop mood
• Create atmosphere & depth
• Color toning
• Add a cohesive look to a series

Textures are a low cost alternative to traditional canvas or fabric backgrounds. By applying a digital texture over a plain studio background you can add interest and variety to your images, without the expensive cost of purchasing many physical backgrounds. You can also save studio storage space, and time during your portrait sessions by not having to stop and change out physical backgrounds.

By using blend modes, and making adjustments to the opacity, hue, or using curves and levels there are endless possibilities with digital textures, enabling you to create multiple looks from the same studio background. Wouldn’t you always like to have that perfect background to compliment a client’s wardrobe? It’s possible with the amazing power of textures!

5 tips when using textures:

1. Try different blend modes to see how the texture will interact with your base image and background
2. Mask textures off of your subject to maintain natural skin texture and color
3. Use the opacity slider to reduce the strength of a texture for a more subtle effect
4. Use gaussian blur on your texture layer to ensure the depth of field of the texture makes sense in relation to the other elements in your image
5. Try using a texture layer to color tone an image

What textured looks are you most drawn to? Urban grunge? Fine art? Soft and airy? Vintage? Natural? Abstract or modern?

There are many textures available online, but it is important to remember that all textures are not created equally. Pay attention to the resolution, size and quality of the texture you are considering, as well as the copyright permissions. Many textures are available for free online, but they often have restrictions on the terms of use. If you are using textures for your client work you want to ensure that the texture comes with a commercial license that allows you to use it for business purposes.

All digital backgrounds, textures and overlays in the Alana Lee Photography store come with a commercial license so you are free to use them for all of your client and business marketing needs. If you need clarification, please contact Alana prior to purchase and use.