In this lesson: Discover how getting close to your subject results in images with tons of visual impact

By taking a shooting position closer to your subject, you can more easily fill the frame, which helps you highlight the finer details, but it also helps you establish a closer relationship with your subject.

We often leave space around a subject in a photograph. This is done for many reasons, ranging from wanting to show the subject in its entirety to simply not having the ability to get closer. In some cases, however, the subject can be given a greater sense of presence by moving (or zooming) in to fill the entire viewing area, as seen in the sample image of the tiger. While this practice means you’ll have to eliminate some of the subject from view, it also gives you the ability to eliminate distractions as well.

In addition to making it easier to highlight details and avoid distracting backgrounds, filling the frame with the subject allows you to focus on the most important or strongest features of the subject. For example, when taking a portrait, you might frame the shot tightly around the person’s eyes, giving viewers an up-close look at what is often considered the most important feature of a portrait. In the sample image of the little girl, notice that the framing is a bit wider than in the tiger photo, yet the effect remains similar – the background is virtually eliminated, and the girl’s eyes are the focal point of the shot.

Beyond that, you can also use this technique to give the image more emotional impact. Using the same sample image of the little girl as an example, we can clearly see that she’s having a lot of fun. The expression on her face is in full view, and you can imagine her giggling as she plays. This emotional connection is so strong in part because of the tight framing of the shot. Just imagine this photo had it been taken from across the room – it wouldn’t have the same emotional impact.

Challenge Activity

This challenge activity will help you explore the effects of tight framing of a subject by moving closer or zooming in.

Step 1: Arrange a portrait session with a model confident enough to allow very close framing.

Step 2: Using a normal or medium telephoto lens, take several photos at a very short distance from the subject. Experiment with highlighting the model’s eyes, lips, nose, hair or other features by framing only a portion of her/his face.

Step 3: Process the photos from the session above. Crop as necessary to further accentuate the features of your subject.

Step 4: Visit a zoo or wildlife sanctuary that allows you to get close to animals for photos without placing yourself at risk. You can also try photographing plants, similar to what’s seen in the sample image of the flower.

Step 5: Using a telephoto lens, photograph as many animals as possible with very close framing, as in the photograph of the tiger that accompanies this lesson. Focus on eliminating backgrounds and other distractions that establish the location of your shoot. As in Step 2, strive to emphasize features of your subjects. Eye contact is always a plus, but you may also want to try framing an animal’s teeth, ears or other features unique to the subject or species.

Step 6: Process the photos from Step 5 and crop as necessary for the greatest impact.