The possibilities are endless. You can create your own digital patterns, for example, that you can then reproduce throughout an image.

You can either shoot patterns or create them using your computer. Find an element of your image that is appealing to you, then experiment with creative ways of duplicating and using it. For best results, you need to pay particular attention to detail when combining the repeated elements so that they blend perfectly together.

One way to use patterns imaginatively is to create images that contain mirror images, or reflections. Begin with an image that is strong enough to stand alone and still be effective. Then experiment with duplicating it by copying it onto its own layer and flipping it. Combining the two images results in a mirror image. You can also get creative with this technique by mixing several images at once to form repeating patterns or multiple reflections.

It used to be that negatives were actually painted to create a white silhouette, or border, around the edges of the picture. Many software programs allow you to apply this masking function to your digital images, imparting a vintage look. The technique works best on simple images, especially portraits. Consider scanning an old-time photo, then adding both sepia tones and a vignette effect to recreate the charm of a bygone era.