… you’re not close enough.

These words – "If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough." – were first uttered by the legendary war photographer Robert Capa. I actually read them when watching the movie / documentary "War Photographer" a couple of years ago, a great film featuring another hugely influential war photographer by the name of James Nachtwey. The statement however does not just apply for photojournalism – it’s an invaluable clue of how to take great pictures and it’s something I’ve since repeated countless times. If there’s only a few statements you can tattoo to your memory when it comes to photography, this one should unquestionably be among them.

The concept is simple… get closer to the subject. You see, the eye is not easily fooled when viewing photographs. When you shoot portraits / street / journalism with a long telephoto lens, the image is compressed in a way which instantly recognisable by photographers and non photographers alike. We know there is distance between the photographer and a certain disassociation creeps in between the viewer and the subject. Now that’s not always bad of course. Sometimes it’s a good thing, being used to actually create the atmosphere. But it’s presence is undeniable.

Similarly, when you get up close to a subject and use a wide angle lens, when viewing an image we instinctively recognise how close the photographer was to the action. Our proximity detectors go into overdrive. If it’s composed well and the atmosphere is properly conveyed – we feel as if we’re inside the shot.

The difference it can make to an image is huge.

Now, that’s not to say that only good shots are made up close – or that telephoto shots can’t be intimate… I can think of countless examples that disprove either – and many of my own favourite shots are taken with plenty of air between me and the subject… But like all overarching quotes / statements of any value – the trick is to take the lesson and apply it where it makes sense.

When I look through my own photography, I always try to remember this statement (and am always appreciative of anyone who reminds me)… I continually ask myself whether I have taken a step forwards, whether I could have leaned in a little further, and how this would have subsequently pulled the viewer into the image. I found a good example how how that difference looks when thumbing through my archives. The first was a photo I’m pleased with technically, but was shot at an effective focal length of around 150mm.

By Lawrence Ripsher (click for larger version)

Aesthetically and technically, it’s very pleasing. However, there’s nothing here that really allows the viewer to connect with the subjects. When you look at the shot – you’re brought to where the photographer was – as a viewer in the crowd. Now of course, that’s not necessarily a bad thing – the important thing here is to recognise the effect (FYI, view more here from this shoot if you’re interested).

However, a few months later, I managed to get access to Ballet Philippines and shoot them while rehearsing. Here, I was more than just an innocent bystander – this time I was in amongst the dancers, talking to them, walking past them. I have a number of images from this shoot (again, you can view more here), but one that sticks in my mind is this one:

By Lawrence Ripsher (click for larger version)

Here – the connection is very clear. I think it’s much easier to become part of the image – knowing the photographer is crouching down, shooting upwards, with the dancer almost leaping over the camera the viewer is almost tempted to believe for a second they’re in the same room.

Now, whichever image you prefer is actually irrelevant for the point I’m trying to make – that is, as you get closer, the image and the subject come to life in a way that can’t be achieved when shooting from a distance. As you close in, what you do with that subject is then up to you and your skill as a photographic technician (plus a health sprinkling of luck :).

So – as photographers lets all agree to make a pact and the next time you’re in doubt about how to frame something, lets just take a step forwards and see what happens.