March 12, 2022 • 190

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #190: Close and Closer

If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.

Robert Capa
Portrait On the Wall
Portrait Close Up

A few weeks ago, I was wandering through an apartment lobby and a portrait of a woman caught my eye. As I walked closer, I realized the portrait was created with an arrangement of tiny figures walking across the canvas. (Click to enlarge the photos.). This portrait reminded me of the surprises and benefits of taking a closer look at the world around us.

The same is true with taking photos. I’ve discovered that moving closer to the subject often reveals surprising details that enrich the photo. When the subject fills the frame (occupies a large portion of the image), I can also eliminate distracting or unnecessary elements in the background, and add more drama to my image.

Here’s an example. On a recent walk, I captured several shots of the statue of the famous author Edgar Allan Poe in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.

There’s a lot going on in this photo. Poe is striding down the street with his raven, his suitcase, and his jacket swirling around him. In the background, there’s the Boston Common and Boylston Street. The photo seems very “busy.” So, I moved closer to the statue and took the next image.

This second shot is my favorite. By moving closer to the subject, Poe’s upper body now fills the frame. The raven and the suitcase are eliminated as well as the distracting background elements. Poe’s face–his tired eyes, his thick mustache, and tiny smile–reveals so much about him. Even the little details–the buttons on his shirt and jacket, and the tie knotted around his neck give us a more intimate view of the writer. I feel empathy for the exhausted artist, haunted by nightmares that he transformed into works of art.

The next series of photos illustrates another benefit of getting closer to the subject–a bowl of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and gooseberries. The berries become more abstract–a collection of shapes, textures, and details. The details pop as I move in closer and closer–like the leaves of the strawberries and the dimpled fruit of the raspberry. I love finding these little “worlds” within the frame.

A pretty bowl of fruit–#1
A Pretty Bowl of Fruit #2
A Pretty Bowl of Fruit #3

For LAPC #190, we challenge you to move closer to your subject. Post one photo or a series of photos showing what happened when your subject filled the frame. Did this reveal new details? Did this eliminate distracting or unnecessary elements in the photo? Did this add more drama or empathy to your image? Get closer by moving your feet, by using a zoom or macro lens, or by cropping the photo.

Last week, you delighted us with your assortment of Odds and Ends. A special thanks to Tina for encouraging us to post our wonderful, odd, and eclectic photos. Next week, it’s Ann-Christine’s turn to inspire and lead us, so be sure to visit her site on Saturday, March 19 at noon.

Categories: LENS-ARTISTS, Lens-Artists Photo Challenge

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190 replies »

  4. Love this theme. The first portrait of the woman is such a great example. Easily missed without a closer look.

    The Poe statue definitely shares the emotion the artist was most likely trying to capture.

    And funny. The strawberries I planted for the kids are beginning to ripen in my garden. They didn’t see them at first. A closer look, and happy taste buds . Donna

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  5. Wonderful, Donna! I’m glad you like the theme. Maybe it’s time to hunt for strawberries to photograph?? I had never tried gooseberries before. Quite tart. Not sure I like them. And yes, poor Poe. A man haunted by demons and a great artist. Have a good weekend, Donna. Thanks for your thoughts, too.

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    • Hi, Anne. Wonderful! I’m glad you like this one. Poe’s statue was so expressive. I must have walked right past it dozens of times, but I’m so happy I stopped to photograph it a few weeks ago. I love the details. Looking forward to your post, too!

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    • Hi, Anne. Isn’t it great? I’m so glad I stopped to photograph it. I think it’s one of the most expressive statues I’ve seen in Boston. Are you going to share any close-ups of Biasini? I hope so!

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  29. Hi, Sofia. Thanks! I really enjoy food photography. It’s so much easier photographing food that you can eat later! The berries were delicious! I enjoyed your post, too. I hope you try food photography. It’s a lot of fun.

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  33. Terrific challenge Patti, and all of your examples really illustrate the importance of moving closer perfectly. I especially loved your images of the berries – they look so luscious in your 3rd image! I expect some wonderful responses this week!

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    • Thanks! I had a lot of fun with it…especially the berries….which were delicious. 😀. I’m enjoying the responses we’re getting. Your post was fabulous.😀❤️

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  34. I am really enjoying this week’s challenge and looking at the details revealed in those up-close images. The closeup of the statue reminded me of similar images in my own gallery. Statues are such a wealth of details and really lend themselves to getting up close, don’t they?

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  38. Wow, Patti, your close-ups of the berries are literally mouth-watering! Stunning photography. The details of the Edgar Allen Poe statue are amazing when really looked at closely, such a testament to the sculptor. I added my jade close-ups to this challenge today, but your EAP sculpture certainly fits the jade green color theme this week if you would like to hop into Sunday Stills 🙂 Here is mine: https://secondwindleisure.com/2022/03/13/sunday-stills-monthly-color-challenge-not-too-jaded/

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    • Hi, Terri. I loved your jade collection, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. And yes….the berries were delicious!! I like taking photos of edible subjects!! Have a great week and thanks for the invitation to Sunday Stills.

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    • Hi, Andre. The opinions seem to be divided on the Poe statue…some like the wider view and others like the close up. 😀. And the fruit…it was photogenic and delicious. 😀😀. Wonderful to get your thoughts, as always.

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      • you’re welcome, Patti. Photographing pieces of art is always complicated, I know. And photography is bringing a certain level (point of view) with the interpretation of the photographer to the viewer. So, you have at least 2 different layers of interpretation before reaching the viewer: artist + photographer

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    • Hi, Robert. I’m glad you enjoyed this challenge. The fruit was photogenic and delicious! Thanks so much for your kind thoughts. I loved your b & w images. Just gorgeous. Have a good week.

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    • I’ve looked again and realised that, as often happens with my own shots, I like the two Poe images for very different reasons. The wider shot I like less as a photo but I am pleased to have the chance to see the whole sculpture, with the raven. It’s what I call, when I take them myself, a good record shot. But the close-up is, as you say, a much more pleasing image, allowing the viewer to concentrate just on Poe without any distractions.

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      • Hi, Sarah. I’m delighted you enjoyed the challenge. Your post was great. I love how you layered the magnifying glass in your first shot. Great idea. 😀

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    • Hi, IJ. Yes, it’s true. The light is paler, more diffuse, I’m sure than tropical light. Thanks for your kind words about the fruit….And yes, it was delicious!! 😋 I love photographing things that I can eat afterwards.

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    • Hi, Debbie. You got some gorgeous pinks. How nice that spring is coming. We’re still a few weeks away. But I can’t wait. Glad you like the topic! Moving around sometimes opens up new vistas.

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  71. I’m not sure as to what I’m drawn most to here as I think these are all interesting photos.
    I’m going to guess it’s the fruit for me as you’ve shown some nice colour and texture from them.
    Also due to enjoying eating as well as growing strawberries.

    Here’s mine for this one:

    Cygnet in the Rain

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    • Hi, SH. Yes, for me, the berries were a great treat and fun to photograph. Glad you like Twiggy and Edgar Alan Poe, too. I loved that cygnet in the rain! Have a great weekend, too.

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    • Hi, Xenia. No worries about being late. People often post up until the following Saturday. 😀😀. Life is getting crazier and crazier, so no pressure from us! I’m glad you enjoyed Twiggy. I was amazed at how “she” was created. Take care and have a wonderful weekend. Sunshine, long walks, and peace in Ukraine….we hope.

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      • Thank you dear Patti, here’s hoping for peace and wishing you a blessed weekend ahead too 💛🙏 xxx

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    • Hi, Marsha. Thanks! I’m delighted you like Poe. I think there’s a time and place for the wider view and the close-up. It depends on what we want to convey, don’t you think? But you’re right. Life does get interesting when you zoom in. I’ll look at your post next. Glad you joined us!

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  81. Excellent challenge and examples, Patti! I love, love the first one/the portrait, and the bowl of berries really shows the advantage of getting closer. Thank you for a great challenge!

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    • Hi, A-C. I’m so happy you enjoyed this one. Can you believe we’re up to #190??? Has it really been almost 4 years? Unbelievable. I enjoyed your trip to the museum, too. What lovely artwork and artifacts.

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      • No, I cannot take in we’ve been doing this for four years…and we are still here! Glad you enjoyed the museum, there were many things unusual, things I had never heard of even if I have visited museums for 50 years at least. And many in China – but I haven’t been to Japan…

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      • Many – but I haven’t counted. No need. And right now I feel there will be no more new countries – unless it will be possible to go to Japan.

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      • There are, but circumstances have changed, and I have travelled since I was 16, so, I am waiting for it to get easier to go again. All the tests and papers and insecurity –

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  93. Patti, thanks for your inspiring photos in your post this week. I especially love the top two — people forming an image. So interesting. Here’s our close and closer shots from Apalachicola, Florida. (I really liked the theme this week!)

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  114. Patti, I really enjoyed your post! The “face” is remarkable, especially knowing it has been designed by tiny figures. My favorite stature in Boston is this one of Edgar Allan Poe. I think the sculpturer did a remarkable job portraying Poe’s face and clothing which speaks volumes about his personality. This is my post on Close and Closer: https://mycolorfulexpressions.com/lens-artist-photo-challenge-190-close-and-closer/

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