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I remember Cheryl and I talked about this a long while ago - "Chuck any texture photos on yours, and it will become much better instantly."
Texturizing photos is getting more and more common.
Portraits, still life are the norm these days.
i.e Kitsch, Becka, Shawry excel in the portrait department. MandyD and Chase excel in the still life department.
Do things need to be texturized to make it better (of course good PS skill helps)?
So, what your view?
Why not if it works with the image.....!
Quote: Do things need to be texturized to make it better
Does it make something better, Or does it just add a different dimension, Or does it cover-up a duff exposure/Grotty backdrop.
Done well anything can work....
Like everything, it depends on how well it's done, it's needs to be just the right amount for that photo.
I'm currently experimenting with textures at the moment, my last 3 gallery uploads both used textures and I've been working on some more this morning, I've never used them before so I'm still at the experimental stage.
I'm a member of a few texture groups on Flickr and there are some amazing ones on there, also these websites are very good.
Shadowhouse Creations
Flypaper Textures
Quote: Do things need to be texturized to make it better (of course good PS skill helps)?
So, what your view?
I had a go at it and its quite interesting seeing how you transform an image with a textured layer.
Someone likes textures - see if you can see what these textured images have in common...
http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/1530921
http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/1531760
http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/1529929
It's actually an incredibly simple way of "disguising" a poor photo - it takes the eye away from the issues and also if you've got the exposure incredibly wrong, you can use a texture to fill in the gaps.
I do wonder if it's a passing phase or something that's here to stay.
I'd guess it'll be like so many fads - the masses will have their fun for a while, then they'll get bored and move on leaving the few who really embrace it to find a niche. Maybe like HDR seems to be going now (there's far less now than 12 months ago).
Here's a textured shot of mine... I got the texture from a concrete bridge in leeds
Forget the link - here's the shot...
it's a deliberate attempt to get that gritty look that seems to populate the award galleries these days.
I've not actually de-saturated it, there wasn't much colour that day and the texture got rid of a lot of colour.
Wasn't at all popular on this site though - amassing a huge 11 slices of love
Quote: I do wonder if it's a passing phase or something that's here to stay.
I'd guess it'll be like so many fads - the masses will have their fun for a while, then they'll get bored and move on leaving the few who really embrace it to find a niche...
That might figure.
The wedding & portrait crowd have been doing it for years though, so it was inevitable that it would filter down eventually. Off the top of my head, Jesh de Rox, Red Leaf Studios and The Boutwells have been using it in commercial photography for a while now. Other photographers also seem to make a pretty decent living out of running workshops and selling texture packs.
I've done it a few times, but it takes a specific image and a lot of dicking about with masks if you want it to look half decent. It's like anything else - it can be an enhancement to an already good image, or overdone to hide obvious flaws.
Talking Bridal, I think the case in point is the most recent EC (http://www.ephotozine.com/photo/1530921)
RedEyes has posted a few versions for us to look at - mono, toned x-processed, original and textured. All things that are popular at the moment.
First off - it's a great shot, well done and it gets my vote. Any discussion here is about the processing techniques, not on the shot or execution
I think the mono shot is the one I'd be most likely to have produced - I think that's a classic, timeless look and always suits bridal shots (though its amazing how many insist on colour shots at previews!). I love the cool tones of the coloured one, resisted temptation to get that "warm" look that ends up with cream wedding dresses! Cross processed look - yeah quirky and pretty cool.
but the texture....
its a good texture - I like it - like paint peeling off an old door.
But does it "enhance" the shot?
Would it have been awarded so highly were it just the mono?
Quote: It's actually an incredibly simple way of "disguising" a poor photo - it takes the eye away from the issues and also if you've got the exposure incredibly wrong, you can use a texture to fill in the gaps.
In the case of these 3 examples Ade I have to disagree with you, although with some images I think your right.
Personally, I think it is just an effect that is in fashion right now. Personally, when its well done I like the effect, although it does on occasion make the work feel more like an illustration than a photgraph on occasions (see Chase's excellent still life work for an example). This isn't a criticism - just a personal observation.
Quote:
In the case of these 3 examples Ade I have to disagree with you, although with some images I think your right.
Those 3 examples were to illustrate a different point
Quote: Personally, I think it is just an effect that is in fashion right now. Personally, when its well done I like the effect, although it does on occasion make the work feel more like an illustration than a photgraph on occasions
Just re-read that... would you agree that what you've said there could apply to "anything" in photography? 
For one of the great exponents of this technique take a look at the work of Joey Lawrence a 19 yo Canadian. Not all his stuff uses textures but a lot does, very subtle as well too. Doesn't it just get to you when someone so young has such talent , also check out Andrejez Dragen ( hope I've spelt it right on phone so not easy to check). Also Ben Goosens ( again very subtle use of textures) but on of the best at true digital photagraphic art.
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