

Celebrating Texture: Reader-submitted Photographs
In “Celebrating Texture: Reader-submitted Photographs,” the BBC presents a collection of captivating photographs that showcase the beauty of texture from around the world. From the intricate patterns on tree bark to the fine details of facial fur, these images offer a glimpse into the diverse textures found in nature and everyday life. Each photograph tells a unique story, inviting viewers to appreciate the artistry and complexity of texture. Whether it’s the rough exterior shell of a conker or the softening effect of nature on a concrete driveway, these images capture the visual and tactile richness that texture brings. Join us on this visual journey, exploring the world through the lens of texture.
Celebrating Texture: Reader-submitted Photographs
Introduction
In a world full of visually stunning images, it’s easy to overlook the importance of texture in photography. Texture adds depth, interest, and a tactile sensation that can elevate a photograph from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we will showcase a collection of reader-submitted photographs that celebrate the beauty and intricacy of texture. From the smooth skin of a basilisk to the rough exterior of a conker, these images will inspire you to appreciate the often-overlooked element of texture in photography.
Photograph 1: Green Crested Basilisk at National Zoo
Captured by Matthew Logan, this photograph highlights the incredible texture of a green crested basilisk at the National Zoo in Washington DC. The skin of the lizard is a texture-lover’s dream, with fine scales and subtle color variations that create a visually appealing pattern. The image serves as a reminder that texture can be found even in the most unexpected places, adding depth and interest to the composition.
Photograph 2: Pebble vs Patio Door
Claire Hardgrave presents us with a captivating image, the result of a random accident: pebble vs patio door. The photograph captures the moment of impact, freezing the pattern of shattered glass and fragments in time. The juxtaposition of the smooth pebble against the shattered glass creates a striking contrast of textures, showcasing the beauty that can emerge from unexpected situations.
Photograph 3: Bleached Leaf
Mike Wright’s photograph takes a seemingly ordinary leaf and transforms it into a work of art through the process of bleaching. By soaking the leaf in bleach for a few days, all colors are removed, leaving behind the intricate structure and delicate texture. The resulting image reminds us that even the most mundane objects can reveal hidden beauty when viewed from a different perspective.
Photograph 4: Softened Driveway Blocks
Delia Godfrey’s photograph captures the interplay between nature and man-made structures. Softening the hard blocks of her driveway, nature delicately frames the concrete with a soft, mossy texture. The image serves as a reminder that texture is not limited to organic materials but can also be found in the human-built environment, blurring the line between the natural and the artificial.
Photograph 5: Sycamore Seeds in Garden
Katrina Crawford’s photograph transports us to her garden, where every autumn, huge piles of sycamore seeds appear. While we may consider them a nuisance, the image of the seeds scooped up in the garden captures the delicate texture of their wings. The composition draws our attention to the small details, reminding us to appreciate the intricate textures that surround us every day.
Photograph 6: Aerial Shot of Toadstools
Tom Holloway’s aerial shot of a group of toadstools at the National Trust, Berrington Hall, showcases the unique texture of these fungi. From above, the viewer has a bird’s-eye view of the intricate patterns and textures that make up the toadstools’ caps. The photograph reminds us of the hidden beauty that can be found when we change our perspective and take a closer look at the world around us.
Photograph 7: Hedgehog or Fungi?
Siobhan McKenzie’s photograph leaves us with a curious question: hedgehog or fungi? The image captures an up-close view of a mushroom that resembles the spines of a hedgehog. The texture of the mushroom’s cap, with its jagged edges and intricate surface, challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to question what we see. It serves as a reminder that texture can often be surprising and unexpectedly captivating.
Photograph 8: Singapore Gardens by the Bay
David Dobbing’s photograph takes us to Singapore Gardens by the Bay, where nature’s textures are showcased in grand scale. Housed in one of the two super glass-dome conservatories, the image captures the beauty of plant life and highlights the intricate textures found within the plant kingdom. The photograph serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity and beauty of textures that can be found in nature.
Photograph 9: Icicles on a Frosty Morning
Annette Potter’s photograph transports us to a frosty morning in the New Forest, where icicles hang delicately from a branch. The image captures the exquisite detail of the ice crystals, highlighting the intricate texture and fragility of the icicles. It serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of texture, a fleeting moment of beauty that can be easily overlooked.
Photograph 10: Fine Texture of Husky Fur
Jacqui Dimmock’s close-up photo of her husky, Mishka, showcases the fine texture of her facial fur. The photograph allows us to appreciate the softness and intricate patterns that make up the fur, highlighting the importance of texture in capturing the essence of a subject. It serves as a reminder that texture can evoke a sensory experience, allowing the viewer to imagine the touch and feel of the subject.
Photograph 11: Unique Texture of Skin
An-Son Vu Wurdemann’s photograph challenges our perceptions by highlighting the unique texture of skin. The close-up image captures the intricate details and patterns that make up the surface of our largest organ. It serves as a reminder that texture is not limited to objects but can also be found in our own bodies, highlighting the beauty and complexity of human anatomy.
Photograph 12: Rough Exterior Shell of Conker
Yvonne Warriner’s photograph focuses on the rough exterior shell of a conker, revealing a stark contrast between the rugged exterior and the smooth horse-chestnut inside. The image serves as a reminder of the protective nature of texture, shielding what is precious and delicate within. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which texture can serve as a barrier and a source of strength.
Photograph 13: Metal Type for Sale
Adrian Lavery’s photograph takes us to a wool shop in Moira, Northern Ireland, where old metal type is displayed for sale. The image captures the rusted, worn texture of the metal type, reminding us of the history and craftsmanship of printing. It serves as a reminder that texture can tell a story, evoking nostalgia and a sense of connection to the past.
Conclusion
Texture adds depth, interest, and a tactile dimension to photography. The collection of reader-submitted photographs showcased in this article proves that texture can be found in the most unexpected places, from the skin of a basilisk to the rough exterior of a conker. These images serve as a reminder to appreciate the intricate and often overlooked element of texture in photography. So, the next time you pick up your camera, take a moment to explore the world of texture and the sensations it can evoke.

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