![repeated pattern of water fountain at union station in kansas city](https://i0.wp.com/benfieldphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/kansas-city-crown-center-night-1024x683.jpg?resize=960%2C640)
A repeated pattern is one of my favorite composition tools that I often use to elevate my photography. Repeated patterns can occur naturally or can be “manmade,” but in either case, it occurs when an element is repeated throughout the frame of a photographic image. It can be repeated once or multiple times. In the shot above of the fountains, the reflection creates a pattern that gives a beautiful symmetry to the composition.
Below, a similar shot taken at Crystal Bridges Museum shows how using a reflection can create an interesting pattern. Imagine those same shot cut in half, eliminating the pattern. I can imagine it a less compelling image.
![Exterior shot of Crystal Bridges Great Hall at night](https://i0.wp.com/benfieldphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Crystal-Bridges-Wedding-Photos-Benfield-024-1024x683.jpg?resize=960%2C640)
A repeated pattern doesn’t have to be the subject of an image. In fact, some of my favorite images use patterns to lead into a subject. The image of Ellie below shows exactly what I mean. Notice the dots are in a perfect pattern leaning into her. Using this composition tool is a perfect way to lead the viewer’s eye into the subject of the image.
![](https://i0.wp.com/benfieldphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/2022-08-JHSPOM-139-683x1024.jpg?resize=683%2C1024)
A lot of times I use the repeated pattern technique to photograph details on the wedding day. Perfectly placed chairs are my favorite.
![](https://i0.wp.com/benfieldphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/luxury-wedding-photographer-northwest-arkansas-076-683x1024.jpg?resize=683%2C1024)
If you like tips like this, check out 3 of my favorite composition tools. I also have more examples of repeated pattern in this post on how to take great food photos.
Talk to you soon,
Dale
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