As i had several talk about this in the last time, i'm interested in your opionions about the usage of textures for urban exploration photographs - How do you think? Do you like it ?

For me personally i have a splitted opinion. For my pictures i alwas try to work without textures, i influence colors and improve light, but i like to present the place like it is and adding textures changes the actual motif of a picture -
But i also like the "texture style" on pictures - if it's made a good it's a real mood bomb - But also can destroy a picture if it's added bad.
From time to time i realize within processing that they can't develop their full impact, then i also use a bit of textures to get the last bit out of it, otherwise i wouldn't be happy with the result. These are mostly detail shots where the surroundings are a bit boring or also too chaotic.

To give a sample for such a picture wouldn't satisfy myself without texture:





What do you think?

WEell, I think, you are right in this case. It gives the picture a much more worn out look.

I personally do not use textures - I don't know how to
I have seen a lot of photos where the texture didn't improve anything but made it worst up to terrible. So if it is embedded in a pleasant way like in your example, I think it is absolutely right to create the perfect mood.

Irina

I don´t care about specific techniques - I care about the result. The one above is worth the use of textures.

Like you can see in one of my pics I do sometimes work with textures. Discovered it a while ago, and wanted to try the 'used look'.
But one has to be very carefull to to get carried away.
I found, that on pictures with a lot of plain areas its works very well (like your example, Sven)
but on pics, that have a lot of details it doesn't work at all IMO.

But then, we do change reality already in choosing a frame, choosing a perspective, then further in adding contrast, changing the colors
maybe textures are just one further step to one goal: To show a personal impression you had on a place. Show the feelings it gave you and let the viewer share. If that goal is reached, that it is even ok to use textures. To use them just for effects and in general wouldn't suit the purpose.

In any way, i work very intuitive on the computer with PS - I try something out, add something - look at it: does it bring the picture closer to what I want and often I take steps back or lessen them. The same with textures - to they just fit or not.

Greetz
Maren-Anneke

I'm not using texture much either. In some cases however, using a texture may not only enhance a picture but almost make an average photo out of a poor shot. I still think that a poor shot cannot become a piece of art after processing. You need the potential at first in the image. Texture or any treatment can only enhance the potential and make a good shot become outstanding.

Absolutely agree with that, it anyway needs potential first ... also photos with textures are nearly never "leading" shots of place....more additional things for the report

@Maren-Anneke:
"that have a lot of details it doesn't work at all IMO." - Agree but i works again with too much details to calm down the composition, but in those cases i often prefer shadows to hide disturbing things