Patterns in nature photography

Patterns in nature can provide the basis of a fascinating photography project. The juxtaposition of harsh and soft, light and dark or straight and irregular are just some of the contrasts that reveal patterns.

It is possible to find patterns in nature by simply isolating part of a scene. For example a small grouping of stones can create a pleasing pattern or it may be the weathered trunk of a long fallen tree, where time has played its part in creating the lines and shapes that form the patterns in nature.

Searching out patterns in nature to photograph can be an absorbing and pleasurable experience. So, with an open mind and childlike wonder the natural world is a beautiful place that just requires a little time to fully appreciate. With all the negatives around these days it is reassuring to know that satisfaction and contentment can be provided by the simplest of things.

Pebbles washed together in a rocky hollow

Nasturtium leaf with veins and water droplets

Erosion of a coastal cliff

Reeds and water, simple but eyecatching

Hosta leaf with water droplets

Jagged ice pattern

Weathered tree trunk in early morning light

Lichen on rock

Shadow of fern

Tidal sand patterns – fingers or trees ??

Natural Abstract and Pattern Collection

Here is Part 2 of our natural abstract and pattern collection. Finding natural abstract and patterns in nature is not all that difficult. Though to derive the most pleasure it requires an open mind with an almost childlike curiosity and imagination.

Abstract and Pattern Photos

Abstract and pattern photos are possible to find in nature by simply isolating part of a larger scene to create a rewarding image collection.

Nurturing a vision to see the less than obvious nature photography opportunities is one of the surest ways not only improve your nature photography but to expand and deepen your portfolio.

We often take our surroundings for granted so these opportunities can require a little effort and imagination to find, my approach is to seek them out with an open mind, inquisitiveness and childlike wonder. Nature has provided us with an endless variety of potential abstract and pattern photos that will offer a different view on our world, look to simplify the subject into a series of shapes composed of lines, curves and circles.

With such a rich and diverse array of opportunities even the most inquisitive amongst us can find photographic satisfaction.

A rushing stream in autumn provided all the necessary ingredients for this abstract, the flowing water and the rich reflected colours of autumn have created a very ‘fluid’ combination.

A close up image of a Pieris ‘Forest Flame’, by going close it simplifies the composition and creates an abstract pattern.

Fairly obvious this one, sand patterns left behind after the water has receded down the beach. To me these patterns suggest energy and motion that reflect both the fluidity and continuity of the ebbing tide.

Create abstract images simply by excluding recogniseable items from the view, concentrate purely on pattern. Ice patterns are some of my favourite winter photography subjects, they offer diversity and literally capture a moment frozen in time. Depending on the prevailing weather conditions some offer display harsh jagged lines whilst others offer graceful smooth curves as in this image.

Water, reed bed and more water, again by isolating just a part of the whole this is now purely an abstract image. An incredibly simple linear composition that relies entirely on shape and colour to form this graphic image.

Natural Abstract and Pattern Photos – Part 2 will be available in a couple of days.