Aida's newborn photos

Get closer

The legendary photojournalist Robert Capa once said : "If you're pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough".

One of the most common mistakes of photographers is not getting close to their subject. To photograph at a "safe distance" often means you're too far away, not getting enough details, or your image has too much going on that distracts from the subject.

Sure, it's nice to get some establishing shots, but after that...move in, (or zoom in).
Portraits, for example, are really fascinating when we are closer than normal to the subject.  There's an intimacy of being close and you'll have to establish a rapport with your subject in order to get there. Photographing people you know makes this easier to practice. Stick to keeping it simple....and close.

Photo Tip of the Day-Keep it simple

Back in the day, one of my favorite photography teachers used to affectionately yell out to her students "Keep it SIMPLE, stupid"!
What it has meant to me is to narrow my focus. Don't try to do too much. Decide what you want to photograph and try to capure it in the simplest way possible. Only include what adds to the photo, avoid everything that doesn't. When there is too much going on, the viewer won't know where to look or what you're trying to communicate. Busy photos are really tough to pull off well. Until you know how, stick to keeping it simple, stupid.