If you haven't read at my first two posts about textures, they can be found here and here.
Having been intrigued by seeing what others have done with blending textures into their images, I was interested in seeing what I might be able to do. I am certainly no expert, as this is the first image that I am attempting to apply the technique to. Here we go.......first, the image with no texture applied:
Copyright Howard Grill
Now, the image of the texture itself that was used:

Copyright Michael Smith
And, finally, the image with the texture applied to it:
Copyright Howard Grill
Without question, too much of a good thing can be bad. I do not mean to imply that all, most, or even many of one’s images should be treated in this way. But, I personally find this an interesting technique, the intensity of which can be easily controlled, that can really enhance creativity and put a certain feel into images that would be hard to do any other way. It can’t make a bad image good, but it certainly holds the possibility, in some instances, of making a good image better.
In closing, I should address how one gets textures to try out. You can make your own by shooting things like concrete, canvas backdrops, old wood, sand….anything where the texture is the main subject. There are also some sites where textures can be downloaded for free, such as from Texture King .
I purchased a series of textures from Michael Smith, as I found the ones that he offered to be particularly interesting and well done. They can be seen and, if desired, purchased here (I myself have no connection with Mr. Smith, except as a satisfied customer).
I would also like, once again, to thank Cate for her willingness to share her post-processing technique with me and subsequently with anyone that might be reading this!



9 comments:
I like the effect it has on this image. In general, I tend to like the 'grittiness' some of these techniques add to images. Somehow it makes them feel a bit more tangible if that makes any sense. With digital cameras producing such 'clean' imagery, sometimes we need a break from perfect sharpness, perfect vibrant color, and perfect clarity. Sometimes it helps to drag an image on the sidewalk a little for some character. :-)
I'm really interested in this! Your example really helped to understand how this works - getting a chance to see the "before" and "after" somehow helped my mind connect what is happening here.
I'll have to check my files and see what I've got that might work for this...then head over to Texture King or Mr. Smith's place and see what else I might like to play with.
Thanks for the inspiration and especially for the detailed walkthrough in post #2.
Mark, I think images that one thinks would look good with that vintage type look or even the 'grungy' look would benefit from this treatment.
By the way, somehow I lost your other comment...not quite sure how, but I must have hit the wrong button and off it accidentally went into cyberspace and I can't get it back.
Anyway, in regards to your comment, I recently bought 'Botanical Dreaming' as well, just haven't had time to read it or really look at it yet...but it does look like it will be very interesting. If anyone is interested, it can be found here:
http://www.radiantvista.com/goodies/books
Jules, I would be interested in seeing what you come up with as well.....
Glad the post was useful.
Mark Tucker applies textures that were shot at the same location as the images, and achieves results that give his work a unique style: http://www.marktucker.com/
Joe, thanks for the link. Definitely some very unique and impressive work to be seen.
Howard, I really like textures and your post reminded me I need to go and start experimenting with them again - it's been a long time since I last tried this technique out :)
Sil
I know this is late but I have been playing with your texture ideas. The two links will take yo to my two examples.
http://www.pbase.com/gmaker/image/91673519 and
http://www.pbase.com/gmaker/image/91673530
Thanks,
Gil Maker
Gil, really beautiful images, both of them
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