3 Tips for Capturing Textures That Tell a Story

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

In black and white photography, texture plays a powerful role. Without color, the details of surfaces—whether rough, smooth, worn, or delicate—become even more important in shaping the mood of an image. Textures can hint at history, emotion, and atmosphere, turning simple subjects into visual narratives. Here are three tips to help you use texture effectively in your monochrome work:

3 Tips for Capturing Textures That Tell a Story

1. Use Side Light to Enhance Depth
Light raking across a surface emphasizes its details, bringing out the peaks and valleys that make texture come alive. Side lighting adds dimension to walls, fabrics, or natural forms, making them feel tactile in your photos.

2. Get Close and Fill the Frame
Textures are most impactful when your viewer can truly see the details. Move in close, or use a longer lens to isolate the surface. Filling the frame allows the texture itself to become the subject, creating an abstract yet expressive image.

3. Combine Texture with Storytelling
Think about what the texture suggests—cracked paint might hint at age and decay, while smooth stone could represent permanence and strength. Use textures not just as visual interest but as symbols that reinforce the message of your photograph.

Closing Thought

Textures in monochrome photography are more than surfaces; they are emotional cues that help viewers connect with your image. When you learn to see texture as part of your story, your photographs become richer, more evocative, and unforgettable.