Why does this Moiré pattern look like this?

Moiré pattern occurs when a scene or an object that is being photographed contains fine, repetitive details that exceed sensor resolution. As a result, the camera produces strange-looking wavy patterns.

1. Is moiré an illusion?
2. What causes moiré artifact?
3. What does a moiré effect look like?

Is moiré an illusion?

Moiré patterns are not really there; they are an optical illusion created in the image in your eye.

What causes moiré artifact?

In essence, moiré occurs when two patterns are overlaid and result in a new, third pattern. With digital photography, these artifacts result when the frequency of detail in a scene exceeds the sensor's pixel pitch and ability to resolve “real” information.

What does a moiré effect look like?

Moiré occurs in a photograph when a scene, an object or a fabric being photographed contains repetitive details (dots, lines, checks, stripes) that exceed the sensor resolution. The camera produces a strange-looking wavy pattern that is very distracting and not what you want from a corporate headshot.