Texture

Texture is the quality or feel of the subject or image if you were able to touch it. Some textures are actual - for instance, a painting made with a palette knife causing a raised surface - and some are simply implied, or given the look of having a texture.

The first image below is one that I took. I think this image is successful largely because of its use of texture. The boards look weathered and "beachy" - they seem rough to the touch. The grass blades that all form the slopes as well of the fluffy clouds all make you want to feel or touch the image, which gives a sense of depth and draws you into the image. It also provides a greater context.

The second image focuses a lot on texture - however, the texture is not of an object but of the man's skin. His hands and skin seem old, weathered, and wrinkled. This is essential to this beautiful composition. The texture of his skin contrasts his amazing bright and simply pure smile. Despite whatever circumstances seem to have led to his skin being so wrinkled (the texture), he has such a great smile, which creates a successful image.

The third image is not just a photograph involving texture, but it is a picture of a piece of art that is composed of actual texture. The plants in the ArtPrize entry form an interesting texture and "canvas" to carve the word "Breathe" out of. The plants add a lot of interest and add to the meaning of the piece as a whole. The texture is what makes this piece actually interesting.