If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.
Robert Capa
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.
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
Great theme, GREAT examples. I love the Poe closeup, the tired eyes (a man driven, or pursued?) et. al. Superb.
Hi, John. Yes, driven or pursued??? A great question. I wonder…. Thanks for your kind words, too. 😀
Hello Patti…sorry for coming into your privacy..but i saw your beautiful profile and i decided to add you as a friend..i hope you don’t mind
Lovely images of fruit but now I want a bowl of fruit. 😁
this is a fun theme…..
the berries were my fav of this post – I forgot how beautiful and vibrantly colored fruit can be!!
Hi, Yvette. I know! I love the colors, too. I had never tried gooseberries before. They’re tart. Not so sure I like them! Glad you like the theme.
Hi – I think I appreciator the berries right now as winter is on its way out and we have not had all the colors we get in summer and fall – ya know, and even the spring blooms are pastel (usually) so maybe vibrant fruit would have less of an impact in an October post – who knows…
and even though I had gooseberries before – I cannot remember if I liked them…
Yes, they are vibrant. I love that. If I can, I eat berries all year around, but the taste is definitely better in season. Have a good weekend!
🙂
Hi – here is the priorhouse post for this week
https://wp.me/p1VBv6-6XR
Oh what stunning photos for this week 😀 😀
Thanks, Cee! Wow. You made me smile again!!! I love that.
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
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.
Thank you for a great challenge. I love the close up of the Poe statue and your bowl of fruit.
You’re very welcome, Beth! I hope you enjoy it. I’m glad you like Poe and my fruit! It was fun to eat the fruit afterwards.😀😀
The portrait is stunning, that must have taken a lot of skill to get the people into the right places.
Hi, Jude. I thought so too. Quite amazing. I’d love to know how the artist did that. 😀😀. Have a great weekend, too.
Very nice illustrations of what getting up close can accomplish. The Poe image is extraordinary.
Hi, Suzanne. Many thanks! I’m delighted you enjoyed the post and photos. 😀😀
Fun to take a closer look! Love Poe!!
Yes, we definitely agree. I loved his face–those sad eyes, exhausted smile. 😀😀. Poor guy.
Love your images Patti
Hi, Woolly. Thanks for the smile this morning! I hope all’s well.
The eye is so good at deceiving, isn’t it? I was thinking Twiggy long before you pointed out all the little people. Fabulously constructed art, Patti.
Oh yes, Twiggy!! That’s who she looks like! Of course. And yes, the little people are great, aren’t they? I love how the artist designed it. Have a good week, Jo!
Thanks, darlin 🤗💟
Great examples of the benefits of getting closer. 😊
Thank you so much, Pepper! 😀😀. I appreciate your thoughts on this one.
My pleasure, Patti. 😊
Great photo selections, Patti. I love how you get closer to the fruits especially. Beautiful colors, texture, and details.
Hi, Amy. Thanks! It was fun photographing the fruit and then eating it!! I’m not a big fan of gooseberries, but I had never tried them before and I was curious how they tasted. Now I know! I enjoy your food photography, Amy. Maybe you’ll have some to post this week??? Or next??
Here is my entry: https://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-190-close-and-closer/
Thank you for your comment of my food photos. I ‘m encouraged. 🙂 🙂
Oh, great prompt, Patti!
Wonderful, Sue. I love to hear that!
See what I can find!
Great challenge Patti. I love photographing close ups, but I guess I’ll have to look even closer. I loved both photos of Poe.
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!
Wonderful! The Poe statue certainly deserves a closer look. It is terrific.
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!
I love the theme of this week. Your examples are wonderful.
Thanks, Ana! I’m happy you posted your beautiful photos for the challenge.
This is a great theme and I love your photos, Patti. I’ve never tried food photography, yours are absolutely perfect.
Here is mine:
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/lens-artists-challenge-close-and-closer/
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.
The wonderful thing about the Poe close-up is you still get/see the movement, the wind, swirling around him.
Hi, Chris. Oh yes. You’re right. The jacket, his hair, etc all show motion. Thanks for those observations, Chris.
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!
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.😀❤️
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?
Hi, John. I’m expecting some close-ups of antique cars from you. 😀😀. Am I right about that? 😀😀. You’re right about statues. I love that they’re not moving targets. It makes it easier to capture them. Have a great Sunday.
Actually, this time I didn’t focus on classic cars. I have some other tricks in mind, including a couple of statues. 🙂
These are excellent examples Patti and really show how details are picked up closer you get
Hi, Karina. Thanks so much! 😀😀. I love hearing that. I’m guessing you have some wonderful close-ups from your garden.
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/
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.
https://solaner.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/lens-artists-photo-challenge-190-moving-closer/
I love the sculpture, and, to be honest, I like the complete one more, as it has a little bit of context. But, your fruits are looking great 😊 👍
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.
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
This is a tempting project, which you have set up so well in your examples. I’ll have to have a trawl through the archives …
Hi, Margaret. Wonderful! I hope you can find “gold” in your archives. Looking forward to seeing your shots.
What an amazing first photo. It looks like Twiggy, I wonder how the artist managed to do that.
Yes, Twiggy! I didn’t realize that until Jo mentioned it. I am amazed too. Glad you enjoyed it! Have a great week, too.
🙂
hi patti, a great selection of photos that you have chosen for the theme I like them very much, especially the fruit bowl. here is my contribution for this week, https://wp.me/p2AvI7-42v.
many greetings robert
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.
What a great theme and one that challenged me, as you will read: https://www.toonsarah-travels.blog/gallery-getting-closer-and-closer/
I love your two photos of the Poe statue. I think both work as images but very differently and if I had to choose, like you I would choose the closer shot 🙂
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.
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. 😀
Hi Patti
Your lead image, Portrait on a Wall, looks a lot like Twiggy! Do you remember Twiggy? I also like your treatment of Poe, although that Raven is awesome! But your series Bowls of Fruit are luscious, hungry-making images. Very well done.
Here’s my take on LAPC 190: Close and Closer:
https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2022/03/13/beautiful-great-blue-heron-not-just-another-pretty-face/
Best, Babsje
Thanks so much, Babsje! Yes. I remember Twiggy.😃
Wonderful photos, especially the fruits, at all distances. I love that dark northern light, so different from the light of the tropics.
https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2022/03/14/peccavi/
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.
Your second picture of the fruit is great, Patti! You captured bits of the various colors in the bowl.
Thanks, Siobhan. Hungry?? 😀😀. We ate the whole thing!!
I really like all of your examples!!
Thanks, Nora.😀😀😀. I’m glad you like the fruit and Twiggy and Poe. It was fun finding these subjects–especially the fruit. 😀
A great topic, and you’ve given some strong examples. It’s always worth moving around and back and forth? It’s amazing how much you can change the story by changing your physical point of view.
I’ve got some pretty pinks this week: https://travelwithintent.com/2022/03/15/magnolia-in-bloom/
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.
Here are my seven examples of stepping (or zooming) in closer. I realise I do this more often than not. Your first art piece is extraordinary.
https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2022/03/15/lens-artists-pc-closer-and-closer/
Hi, Manja. I’m delighted you like Twiggy! I was fascinated how the artist used tiny figures to make her portrait. I really enjoyed your post, too. 😀😀
I love what you have shown here, especially with the two pieces of art.
Hi, Dawn. Thanks to my friends here, I discovered that the woman in the photo is Twiggy. Glad you enjoyed her!
Cool!
These are great photos! And the top one is so fascinating!! Love them!
Hi, Lisa. I’m so glad you like Twiggy, the fruit and Poe. I had fun finding them (and eating the fruit). Have a good week/weekend. 😀
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:
https://stupidityhole.com/2022/03/16/cygnet-rain/
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.
Beautiful images and close ups Patti, I especially love the amazing portrait in the opener. My belated contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://tranature.com/2022/03/16/haiku-peace-candle/
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.
Thank you dear Patti, here’s hoping for peace and wishing you a blessed weekend ahead too 💛🙏 xxx
Hello again Patti, Eivor and Pearl’s contribution for this week’s lovely challenge is here: https://whippetwisdom.com/2022/03/16/wordless-wednesday-close-to-the-stones/
Hi, Xenia. Welcome back! I enjoyed your images. Glad you enjoyed the challenge.
What a difference cropping and close ups make, Patti. I love the statue close up. I always think I have to get the whole item into my picture, and when I break loose of that, life gets interesting. Thanks for the tips and examples. Here’s my post for this week. https://alwayswrite.blog/2022/03/16/wqw-40-st-patricks-day-green/
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!
Yours would be a great link to PPAC. I have a statue of Einstein and one of Mark Twain sitting with my husband who looks like Einstein. I’ll have to take a “closer” look at the two of them. 🙂
😀😀
Hi Patti, this is such a fun topic for me. Thanks for hosting.
https://ceenphotography.com/2022/03/16/lens-artists-190-close-and-closer/
Hi, Cee. Thank you! I’m delighted you enjoyed this theme. Your post was fun, too. I’m glad you joined us!
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!
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.
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…
I’d love to know how many countries you’ve visited. 😀❤️
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.
Hello Leya…i believe there are more other beautiful countries to visit…Dont you think so..
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 –
Love the tiny figures walking across the canvas.
And expression of Poe is too good.
Love this interesting theme Pattimoed.
My contribution
https://philosophyviaphotos.wordpress.com/2022/03/16/close-and-closer/?preview=true
Hi, Philo. I am delighted that you love the theme. I loved your post! 😀
Thank you Pattimoed.
I love these photos – perhaps particularly the ones of Poe. Here’s mine: https://margaret21.com/2022/03/15/red-squirrel-grey-squirrel/
Hi, Margaret. I enjoyed your squirrels, too. Fascinating comparison. Great details.
It was all a bit of a surprise to me. So you succeeded in your aim of making us look, and look again.
😀😀😀
Interesting theme and stunning images.
Thank you, Rupali. I’m delighted you like them! I appreciate the big smile you gave me. 😀. Have a good weekend.
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!)
Oops, forgot to leave you the link to our post: https://ohtheplaceswesee.com/2022/03/17/close-and-closer-lens-artists-photo-challenge-190/
I’m delighted you liked Twiggy. I was fascinated by the little people within the bigger person. 😀. The theme has been a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed it. 😀
You’ve given us some lovely examples, Patti. My response is a piece of this week’s happenstance, and not as elegant as your interpretation. https://tishfarrell.com/2022/03/17/dont-look-now-but-theres-a-man-in-the-tree/
Thanks, Tish! Wow. Elegant!! I love that! I’ll look at your post next.
Love that close up of the Edgar Allan Poe sculpture! Working on my offering right now.
Glad you like Poe. I loved his face…so expressive. I enjoyed your post, too!
https://lindylecoq.com/2022/03/18/lens-artists-photo-challenge-190-closer-and-closer/
Great theme Patti. Here’s mine tho a bit late:
https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2022/03/18/closer-to-the-sunflowers/
Wonderful post, Teresa. 😀😀😀. I’m delighted you liked the theme. That’s music to my ears. 😀😀
Here is mine for the week
https://norasphotos4u.wordpress.com/2022/03/18/lens-artists-challenge-close-and-closer/
Hi, Nora. I enjoyed your beautiful flowers.
Thanks!!
Here I am at last, just in time! https://suejudd.com/2022/03/19/lens-artists-photo-challenge-190-close-and-closer/
Hi, Sue. Glad you joined us! I enjoyed your flower sequence very much. Beautiful details.
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/
Oh, you know Poe! I had never seen it before. It is remarkable. I’m glad you joined us this week.