My approach to searching for patterns in nature is fairly simple. I look for the defining repeating elements, but then I need something to break it up, to create the focal point. If the element that breaks up the pattern is related in subject matter to the pattern itself, it works much better. I think our brain naturally wants to process visual input like this, otherwise, our eyes are lost wandering.
I usually end up emphasizing one or the other in post-processing to further help the relationship in the pattern. If we remember that our eyes are drawing to the sharpest, most contrasty areas of an image first, it gives us some clues on where we need to work with the image.
Redbud Leaf pattern
I made this photo of redbud leaves some years ago but originally released it as a monochrome shot. I just recently processed the color version. I think it works well both ways. Obviously, the pattern is fallen leaves from an Eastern Redbud tree, one that happens to be in my backyard. I like the colors and varied state of degradation of the leaves. The two leaves towards the center of the photo have something unique about them – they are both face-up. This was a more subtle way to break up the pattern of the fallen leaves beneath.
I did have some selective burning to do on the edges of this shot since some of the leaves had bright spots on them. I did this by using the Adjustment Brush in Lightroom. By darkening these areas, I eliminated some areas of higher contrast than the two central leaves.
Forest floor patterns and details
I saw this second image while walking in the woods one day. The pattern I saw was the brown leaves, all in various states of shriveling up. It is much less homogeneous than the redbud image above, and perhaps the prominence of the pattern is more subtle. It is much more gritty and broken up, but I still see a pattern within. Because of that, I thought I needed to look for a stronger element to create a strong focal point. I did find a section of these leaves with a branch running through them. Some selective burning was also required in this image to eliminate high contrast areas near the edge of the frame. I titled this “Returning to soil” as all of the elements here are in the process of doing just that.
I enjoy making these kinds of images because you can make them anywhere. You don’t need a grand scenic or to fly thousands of miles. They can be right outside your door.
This image has a subtle beauty and is deceptively simple. I like the bright colors and the small variations between the leaves. One of my father landscape photographer Philip Hyde’s most widely known images is “Forest Floor, Sauk River Valley.” If you can do the little subjects well, the larger ones fall in.
Thanks for your visit David and remarks. You brought up an interesting statement about the big vs. little subjects. I find there are a lot more distractions to deal with on the bigger ones. So I am quite impressed by those that can do them so well. For the smaller ones, you can easily move a small distracting stick out of the way, but not so easy with trees and boulders. 🙂
love the new look of the website Mark and the redbud image knocks my socks right off. The colors and depth are phenomenal. Great stuff 🙂
Keep those socks on Cindy. It’s cold here! 😉 Thanks! I am glad you like it.
Tomas – you are not alone. Nature is more often chaotic than organized.
I like this searching for natural patterns, especially in leaves but to be honest, it is very hard for me to find the pattern on big area, or I should rather say that I see many possible patterns but it is hard to separate one. So thanks for doing this and you are doing it very well. From the images I especially like the first one mainly because of amazing light (as Monte mentioned) but also because of colours and, well, patterns 🙂 The second image doesn’t speak to me but it doesn’t mean that it will not speak to others 😉
Mark, good post and very pleasing nature patterns.
When I think about visually pleasing patterns I often see a parallel with everyday routines. Our minds feel comfortable when able to predict the next action or occurrence. But being comfortable is not the same as being creative.
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” -Edward de Bono
So following that logic it is the break in the pattern which is the spark of creativity…the break in the routine which offer the possibilities.
Simply an observation.
…and a good observation at that – thanks for pointing that out Earl.
Really great work, Mark. I also like how you integrated the first image into your banner at the top of the blog home page. It looks very gallery-like.
Thank you Richard. Yeah, from now on it will be a new image for every post, which will appear in the top slider.
What I like most about the first image is your lighting. That is what pulls me into the image then my eyes seek out the patterns and shapes. It’s that exposure and lighting that cause me to “Wow.” And, I could not agree with you more that some of our best images can be found “right outside your door.”
I also want to say I like this layout, there is something about the gray background I like. I do want to share that it seems to load slow for me and I’m not sure why. Has anyone else noticed this or is it my impatience to see your images? 🙂
Thanks Monte!
Re: the performance, I have noticed a little bit of a slow down with the new theme on my end, but not too drastic. I have been trying to reduce plugins and widgets to help, I have some more work to do there.
It’s nothing major and once loaded it zips right along.
I enjoy your blog. Ironic that I went out just a few days ago and shot the forest floor, too.
This is probably my favorite one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbhaber/5310657034/
Thanks a lot JB. I really like that shot you linked to. Nicely done.
Yes! More, please.