Difficult to Master, Essential for Photography.
The single skill that is difficult to master but essential for photography is not actually “hard”.
At least, not in the sense that it’s some technical or complex way of taking photos.
In actuality, it’s uncomfortable - and that’s why it’s difficult to master.
But, if you can master this, getting great photos will come.
So that’s the subject for today, the skill that’s difficult to master, why it’s essential, how to understand it better, and practical ways of applying it.
Lets get started.
What is it and Why is it Essential?
Okay, so what’s difficult to master but essential for photography?
The answer is simpler than you think.
It’s getting close.
Why is it Difficult?
It sounds silly but, getting close is one of the most challenging things about photography.
Especially for things like street or candid photography.
Because getting close to a friend or family member who knows you’re taking a photo of them is one thing.
But getting close to a stranger on a random street in the middle of a city is another.
Several reasons why getting close is hard:
there’s the internal emotions of nervousness and anxiety you might feel
there’s the artistic challenge of actually capturing the moment properly and not ruining it
(Because when you introduce yourself to a scene you risk interfering with the moment and ruining what’s happening)
And finally, there’s always a potential that someone will notice you taking a photo and say something about it
Which, even if you don’t mean any harm, it’s still something you have to be prepared for.
So that’s why it’s hard.
Why is it Essential?
Getting close is essential because getting close is what will get you great images.
The famous war photographer Robert Capa once said:
“If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
That is something I try to remind myself whenever I’m out taking photos.
You don’t have to be right up there in front of their faces, but generally the closer you are the better your photos will be.
Getting close will fill up your frame, eliminate unnecessary elements, and allow your photos to be more “personal”.
And if you’re too far from the subject, your images will appear boring, uninvolved, and lacking/missing something.
Take for example this shot with the x100vi.
Its not a terrible shot but it would be better if I was closer. (*left)
The photo itself had a decent timing but I’m way too far and there’s too much empty space within my frame.
Compared to this shot (*right) where I’m closer with my subjects, the frame is more filled up (so there’s less wasted space), and the photo shows off the moment better.
That’s an example of how simply getting closer can often make your photos better.
Now lets breakdown some common tactics to getting close.
Tactics to “Get Close” (pros and cons)
There are 2 main ways to get close:
Use a tighter focal length
Move your feet
Lets break down the pros and cons of each.
The first common tactic is to use a tighter focal length.
This is probably the easier way because it allows the camera to do it for you.
You don’t have to worry so much about interactions because you’re somewhat far away, thus it’s harder to be noticed.
And you can still get pretty good images because the subjects can fill up your frame appropriately.
You can get close without having to literally get close.
Which bring us to the second method: literally getting close.
This is in my opinion the more challenging tactic.
It means moving your feet and getting involved in the action, becoming intimate with the subject, and risks being noticed.
This is usually the skill you’ll have to develop when shooting with wider lenses.
Question for you:
If you want to get close, is it better to use a wider or tighter lens?
Lets address this real quick.
Wider vs. Tighter Focal Lengths
To be quite frank, I don’t think wider or tighter is “better”.
I think a lot of it is your preference in handling, preference in look, and the environment you shoot in.
I’ve spent a lot of time with the x100v and that’s been my preferred focal length in street photography.
So the main strategy I’ve worked on is moving my feet to get close (the second tactic).
But lately I’ve been experimenting with tighter focal lengths like the 35 and 50.
And I’ve noticed that they are challenging in their own ways.
They’re not hard in that you have to get physically close, but the opportunities and moments you can capture are limited in a different way.
Take for example this street photography image taken with the x100vi. (*left)
And compare it with this shot taken with the 50mm f2. (*right)
Two shots in a similar environment, but obviously on different days with different people.
But if we just focus on the field of view itself, we’ll notice that the whole feeling of the image is different.
Different focal lengths which resulted in different images.
Neither look is superior, they’re just different.
So why do people recommend using a tighter focal length for street photography?
People will commonly recommend a tighter lens because it’s “easier”.
Meaning it’s “easier” to get close.
You don’t have to approach your subject because you can take photos from afar.
So it’s “easier” in that aspect.
But tighter lenses also have their downsides.
Crowded places with tight focal lengths can be a big mismatch.
And in places where it’s easy to get close, you lose the opportunity to get that “wide portrait” look.
Which is why I enjoy the 35mm eq focal length in the first place.
Plus, tighter lenses can also be a crutch for your street photography.
Lets speak on this.
Beware Tighter Lenses
Although tighter lenses are a great way to get close, I’d add a bit of caution.
Because you can easily become dependent on the focal length and forget to move your feet.
This is something I noticed when switching back and forth between focal lengths.
Relying on tighter focal lengths can lead to bad habits.
You stop being courageous and taking those few steps closer because you simply don’t have to.
You can shoot from afar - and that limits you.
And although in theory you can walk up to the same distance as your 35mm with a 50mm and get a “better” closer shot, you wont.
Because you’re comfortable taking photos from a distance.
So be careful when using tighter focal lengths.
They are great way to get close, but you can easily become dependent on them.
Be conscious of this and don’t stop reminding yourself to move your feet.
Environment
The environment you shoot in will determine the focal lengths you use, and how you “get close”.
Wide lenses are great if you’re in a crowded environment.
A bustling city or festival, with lots of people, where it’s easy to get close.
Tighter lenses are great if you’re in a more open space.
Where there’s fewer people, subjects are more spaced out, and maybe your focus is on the individual portrait.
Either method of getting close can work for you.
And although I don’t their either tactic is superior, you can tell I do have a personal preference.
For my photography, I prefer to use a 35mm eq and move my feet to get close instead of using a tighter focal length.
I find it more challenging and I also like the look better.
But that’s just my preference.
I’d recommend to practice both and see what works for your photography.
Next lets talk about a few practical ways to apply “getting close” regardless of the focal length you use.
Practical Tips to Get Close
Great.
Now we finally understand why getting close is difficult to master but essential for photography.
We’ve also broken down the common strategies of doing this and their pros and cons.
Now lets talk about two ways to use this in your photography today.
Fishing
Fishing is a common street photography technique that allows you to get close simply by being patient.
We’ve talked about the importance of moving your feet and how it can help you get close to your subjects.
But what if you’ve found the perfect spot for a shot, without the right subject?
In these moments it’s better to “fish” instead of running around trying to find subjects.
Meaning, find the shot then wait for someone to walk through it.
That way you can let your subjects get close or enter the frame on their own.
This can be an opening between some walls or buildings.
Or maybe a ray of light that would be perfect if someone just walked through.
Stand there ready to take the picture, and fish.
Learning how to do this will allow you to get close and get better shots through patience instead of effort.
“Closer Than You Think”
Another way to apply the concept of getting close is to simply remind ourselves with a little phrase.
“Closer than you think” one of my favorite phrases - and it works especially well with wider lenses.
Often times I’ll be ready for a photo, the moment is about to happen, but I’m definitely not close enough.
And I know the photo could be that much better if I just took a step or two forward, but my body doesn’t want to move because I’m scared.
So I have to remind myself: “Closer than you think”.
And then I almost force my body to move forward, press the shutter, and get a better picture.
And it almost always works.
Now it’s almost muscle memory to remind myself with this phrase.
So try this one out, I think it’ll help a bunch especially if you shoot with lenses like the x100 series and wider.
Lets bring this full circle.
What’s difficult to master but essential for photography?
It’s getting close.
Getting close is hard because it’s uncomfortable, can ruin the moment, and invites confrontation.
It’s essential because closer shots will lead to better images.
Reminder of the Robert Capa quote: “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
So if we want to get close, there are 2 ways to do it: shoot tight or move your feet.
Both have their pros and cons as we discussed earlier.
Find what works for you and apply it to your photography.
And then, if you need a few more practical ways of doing so, try “fishing” when taking photos.
Also keep reminding yourself: “closer than you think”.
This can help you take those extra 1-2 steps to get that better shot.
I hope this made sense, I hope this helped.
If it did, be sure to share this with a friend who could also benefit from reading this.
Also check out my new photography zine “The Sinking Sun”, and grab a free 4x6 print if you haven’t yet.
Thanks for reading, have a great day!
