Context changes how we perceive materials.  For example, if you were to examine a carpet from a distance of 1.5″ (as you might do if you’d tripped on up the stairs and upon landing found yourself face to face with the ground) the experience would be completely different than if you were to view it from 5′-6″ feet away (as you might do if you were walking around in a competent manner).  Close up, you’d see the loops and fibers that make up the carpet, and you might be able to perceive the backing that holds it all together.  You’d probably also be able to smell the carpet (and whatever had been spilled on it).  Once you assumed a more vertical orientation, colors and patterns that you couldn’t see at close range would become evident and individual loops would be more difficult to see.  The carpet would start to act as a background or field against which other objects like chairs, pogo sticks, and coffee tables would stand out.

The Two Photo Texture Challenge came out of this line of thinking.  I asked members of the ARCHITERIALS Flickr group (which I hope you will consider joining if you like to take photos of materials, or if you like to look at photos of materials) to post two photos.  One would be taken at close range, pretty much devoid of context but revealing details about a material that might otherwise escape notice; the other would be taken at a distance and would provide the “aha” moment that would set the first image in context.  I didn’t get a ton of what you’d call participation on account of the Flickr group being somewhat new, but the entries that were posted by group members were fantastic!  See the results below, and check out the photostreams by duon, twi$tbarbie, and electronicxs if you get the chance!

Images above courtesy duon

Images above courtesy electronicxs

Images above courtesy moi

Images above courtesy twi$tbarbie

If you missed out participating in the challenge you’re welcome to post photos below in the comments section!  There will be myriad opportunities for fun with photos of materials in the coming months so check out the Flickr group with regularity. That’s all I’ve got!