We describe non-standard techniques for optical studies of electroconvection structures in nematics. The time-resolved textures in the high frequency oscillatory regime are analyzed and compared with results of optical simulations. Conclusions on the relation between director pattern and optical texture are drawn. Using an additional phase plate in the optical set-up, we monitor director twist deformations in the convection structures which are usually neglected. We demonstrate their role in the evolution of the chevron texture.