On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions. From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
This series was created by Alain Chamot (1971-2020).
This Textures and Patterns series has been fun. Thank you, Mike!
On the Road: Week of January 25 (5 am)
Albatrossity – Winter in Flyover Country #2
Mike in Oly – Wooden Boat Fair in Olympia, WA
🐾BillinGlendaleCA – Lake Hollywood
Steve from Mendocino – Some Los Angeles Street Photos
Elma – Waterfalls From Two More ContinentsOn the Road: After Dark: Week of January 25 (10 pm)
In the coming week, we will be in Venice with randy khan!
🌺 And now, back to Mike from Oly, thank you for this lovely series of textures and patterns!
Mike in Oly
In my wanderings about western Washington and other nearby areas I am always taking photos of the things I find. One of my favorites types of photos to create are what I call texturals, for lack of a better term. They are often macros, but not always. They highlight color, texture and/or pattern over scenery or narrative. I find them fascinating and beautiful. I hope you will to. I’ll end this series with a theme dear to my heart. I love the forest and the textures and patterns created trees in always fascinating to me and catching my eye.
Sunlight and shadow on old cedar. The ancient forests were almost all logged in the past 2 centuries. Remnants of it are everywhere.
Freshly cut alder shows off bright orange color and perfect growth rings.
So many forces interacted to sculpt this into the shape, texture and pattern we see here. It fascinates me.
The smooth, satin finish of madrona.
Sand, surf and saltwater have taken their toll on this old cedar. There is so much beauty in decay.
Waves and worms can also have their say in a logs appearance.
And, of course, wood ahs it’s own beautiful patterns to display.
Another way wood works with water – creating patterns large and small.
The cryptic engravings of life that came before.
Burls have a beauty all their own.
I hope you enjoyed this photo series. I had much fun scouring all my photo files for just the right mix of imagery. I hope it inspires you to look for pleasing patterns and textures in your travels.
Steve from Mendocino
Another lovely set.
Lapassionara
Wonderful. Thank you for sharing these.
Yutsano
I still live in awe at the amazing natural beauty that exists in our state. I’m also really happy that madrona trees are still doing well considering not long ago they were considered endangered.
🐾BillinGlendaleCA
@Yutsano: My dad used to call your state, “God’s Country”. He and my mom lived up there for 13 years before moving to California and intended to return, but health issues prevented their return.
munira
Love these.
kevin
From a Lake Forest Park resident who appreciates the privilege of exploring Washington and images reminding me of my explorations, the first thing I have to say to you is: damn, you are good
WaterGirl
This has really been a great series, Mike!
I have to admit that I find the last photo kind of scary, though I don’t really understand why.
AnotherBruce
um, wow! So much beauty, you do great work digging it up. I took a long walk in Longfellow creek today, and I stoled tiny steps from your work. The world is perspectival. And you are aware that beauty can be seen everywhere.
Benw
Haha these made my day. Thanks Mike
randy khan
Oooo, that burl photo!
Mike in Oly
@WaterGirl: I agree, it is a bit unsettling. It gives me the same vibes as Munch’s ‘The Scream’. There’s a kind of anxiousness in the patterns. But even with that tension the wood grain is so beautiful.
I am so glad everyone enjoyed these sets. I love sharing the beauty here in the State of WA and encouraging closer examination of the nature around us, wherever you are. Several folks have mentioned that they take pics like this too. Please submit them! I want to see them. And others do too.
sab
@WaterGirl: It looks like a bad-tempered Ent.
citizen dave
Yes, these are great. I like to take this type of photos also. This also made me realize that I’ve never been to Washington state.
Betty
Just lovely. Your ability to capture this natural beauty is a gift.
WaterGirl
@sab: I LOVED the ents.
StringOnAStick
The tiny bluish pebble lodged in the horizontal log is absolute perfection.
JanieM
@Mike in Oly: Thanks again. I am another viewer with lots of my own pics along these lines, but I would never have thought of presenting them — they feel like my own private little celebration. You’ve opened a path!
Hard to pick a fave, but I too love the one with the little bluish pebble.
@WaterGirl: Maybe it’s a huorn.