A simple tip for improving your pictures.


While there are many things that can be done to improve a photo, one of the most common issues I see with beginners is their reluctance to....GET CLOSER. This is particularly hard with some people because of their shy personalities, but if you find that you are shy, then you have two choices: Get a longer zoom lens or get over it. I'm not one to talk on this issue, since I'm pretty shy myself, but I generally reasoned that getting over my fears is less expensive than buy longer zoom lenses. 

What getting closer does for you is it eliminates the guess-work out of what you want your audience to see in your shots. It also adds a level of intimacy with your subject and brings a perspective to us that we may not see normally. The above photo is of a common seashell. From standing height, there's nothing too amusing about it. But by getting down to ground-level, I was able to discover more texture and color than I had noticed by not getting close. 

Another great thing about getting close is that it eliminates a lot of distractions, because your subject takes over more of the frame. This alone will greatly improve your composition. 

The next time you pick up your camera for a few shots of your kids or whatever, try working a little closer than normal and see how the images come out. I think you might be surprised.



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