Something I’ve been asked by many different people is why I would use a texture to process an image that would be perfectly good without it. My answer to that question is that adding a texture adds something extra to the picture. Obviously, right? Let me explain.

I love writing and every time I pick up a camera, I feel like I’m telling a story. Just like I would choose each word with care for a written story, I make my decisions carefully when I’m telling your story through my lens. The same is true for processing the image after it’s been taken. I want to make sure that each photograph is a personal piece of art that exudes the emotion of the moment in which it was captured. Of course I love the color and crispness of any image, but there are some that deserve just a bit more.

I like to think of textures as special adjectives. You know, the ones that we don’t pull out for every single occasion – lovely, magical, timeless, classic… things like that. I can’t explain it, but most of the time I can see those moments as early as when I’m framing the shot before the shutter closes.

So here are some examples of some portraits that warranted special adjectives.

All of the textures I’ve used in this post are either from TRA2 or from Kamina Cox-Palmer.

Enjoy!!!
Annie

The look on Lincoln’s face seemed to be the definition of childhood wonder…

I love this image. It just speaks of how miraculous carrying a baby is…

I included the first two images in the slideshow, too. I think it’s fun to see them transition from “before” to “after” that way.

While I was importing some new pictures of the kids today, I came across this picture. It’s nothing special – just a test shot that Toby took over a month ago while he was playing around with our 100mm Macro lens. I didn’t like it at all the first time I saw it. You can see that it’s been scratched from being worn day in and day out…

But for some reason, I fell in love with it today. I don’t love it in spite of the scratches, I love it because of them. I love that my ring has signs of being worn. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine – the same ring that I’ve had on my finger for all of the most important days of my life.

Sentimental? Yes. Too sentimental? Probably. Maybe I should stop listening to songs from The Notebook while I work…

Regardless, I love the end result and thought I’d share.

- Annie

I just wanted to send a quick “Happy Valentine’s Day” to all of our readers! We’re busy all weekend, but we’ll try and return all emails and calls no later than Monday morning!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!