How to Use Texture in Photography to Add Depth and Interest

Texture is one of those photography elements that you don’t just see — you can almost feel it.

Whether it’s the roughness of tree bark, the softness of fabric, or the crisp layers of pastry, texture adds a tactile dimension that invites viewers to slow down and look closer.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to find, highlight, and use texture to add depth, emotion, and visual interest to your photos.

What Is Texture in Photography?

Texture is the visual quality of a surface — how something feels or would feel if touched.

It could be:

• Rough or smooth

• Hard or soft

• Matte or shiny

• Grainy or sleek

Texture helps you tell stories through surfaces — making your images richer and more detailed.

1. Get Close to Reveal Details

Texture shines when you get up close.

Try:

• Shooting fabric, stone, leaves, or hands

• Zooming in on cracked paint, rust, or hair

• Cropping tightly on textures in editing

Macro photography works great here — even on smartphones with macro mode or lens attachments.

2. Use Side Lighting to Emphasize Texture

Light coming from the side (not from behind or above) casts tiny shadows that highlight texture.

Examples:

• Window light from the side of a table

• A lamp placed low to the side

• Golden hour sun on rocks, faces, or fabrics

This creates depth, contrast, and that feel it with your eyes effect.

3. Shoot in Black and White (Optional)

Removing color helps the viewer focus on shapes, contrast, and texture.

Why it works:

• Boosts details in skin, walls, wood, or landscapes

• Adds a dramatic, timeless look

• Simplifies the image to highlight surfaces

Convert in post or shoot directly in monochrome mode.

4. Use Patterns and Repetition

Texture often comes in repeating patterns — tiles, bricks, fabric, leaves, fences.

What to do:

• Fill the frame with the pattern

• Include a small variation (like a crack, leaf, or shadow) for contrast

• Shoot from angles that reveal structure

It’s visually satisfying and full of rhythm.

5. Combine Textures for Contrast

Use two or more different textures in one shot to create tension or harmony.

Example combos:

• Rough wood + smooth ceramic

• Wavy hair + glossy sunglasses

• Crumbly pastry + soft napkin

• Textured skin + soft clothing

This makes your photo feel more layered and dynamic.

6. Watch Your Focus and Aperture

If you want to highlight texture:

• Use a small aperture (e.g., f/8 – f/11) to keep details sharp across the frame

• Focus carefully on the most textured part

• Use manual focus if your camera struggles

On phones, tap to focus and use editing apps to boost sharpness.

7. Enhance Texture in Editing (Lightly!)

Editing can bring out the best in your textures — but don’t overdo it.

Try:

• Increasing clarity or structure

• Boosting contrast slightly

• Sharpening the key details

• Converting to B&W for more drama

Apps like Lightroom, Snapseed, or VSCO make this easy — even on mobile.

8. Great Subjects to Practice Texture

• Old doors and walls

• Skin, hair, or beards

• Stones, bricks, and wood

• Food (bread crust, chocolate, citrus peel)

• Fabric (linen, wool, denim)

• Rust, sand, and soil

• Pets’ fur or feathers

Texture is all around — just look closer!

Final Thoughts: Let People Feel Your Photos

Texture turns a flat image into a tactile experience. It invites your viewer to feel the story, not just see it.

So slow down. Get closer. Let the light move across the surface.

And when you click the shutter, capture more than a picture — capture a feeling.