Many a times a close-up photo establishes much more than a photo that is captured in a wider frame. With the correct composition, lighting, and sharp focus, a close-up can tell a story in a much more meaningful and precise way than a photo depicted in a long-shot. A close up allows much more scope for the onlooker to be engaged in the image as a beautifully taken close-up photo can actually capture the onlooker’s senses.
Through the below mentioned points we wish to highlight for you the significant aspects that you should consider when you are capturing a close up.
Identify the need of capturing a close up
The first and the foremost tip is to identify why you require taking a close up. Only after you are convinced should you go ahead to capture it. As you are aware, creating a close up requires time and effort. Therefore, if at all you are ready to invest both should you go ahead to do it.
Create a frame that speaks for itself
Not all compositions may work the best in close ups. Therefore, look out for the perfect frame, as the close up will not only have to establish the subject, it will also have to carry the story forward. Let the frame be a dramatic composition, a point that would otherwise be missed, or better still let the frame tell the past and the future of the subject.
Focus on your subject
One of the most practical tips that one could follow to capture an award-winning close up is to focus on the subject correctly. Irrespective of whether you are using a zoom lens or a macro lens, concentrate correctly on your subject and until it is sharp and holding 100% clarity, don’t settle down. You can try different combinations such as lowering the aperture, moving away from the subject, or even trying a different angle. Make sure that your background is softer as compared to your subject so that it enhances the beauty of the image.
Use the correct lighting
Keep a tab on the fact that the light source isn’t creating a shadow over your subject. As you will be highlighting the intimate details of a subject, even a slight shadow will mar the beauty of the composition. Therefore, the key is to intelligently use your light source.
Use good quality equipment
Last but definitely not the least, only good quality equipment can allow you to create the masterpiece you are interested in. Not all lenses are good enough to help you grab the correct image. If required, hunt for a good quality macro lens as the regular zoom lens may not provide you the required flexibility and clarity. You could try out macros lenses ranging between 30mm – 60 mm and 105mm – 200mm to do the task for you. The better your lens is, the better will be the sharpness of the image (subject).
