“If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” – Robert Capa
We’ve heard it a million times thanks to Capa, “You’ve got to get in closer.” But do you ever have trouble putting the advice into action? I know I do. Living here in the South American Andes, there’s always that one traditionally dressed elderly person, looking wise and dignified who gets upset at the thought of a camera stealing their soul, as soon as the lens cap comes off. (Although it must be said, in most cases a couple of pesos usually seems to ease the fear of soul stealing.) But still, it makes you feel bad and robs you of self-confidence for your next portrait.
So what can be done about it? How can we lose our fear of getting up close to capture those iconic street photos? I think John Free has the answer – and it’s all about our own point of view. Watch his video below, I know it certainly has helped me to get a little bolder out on the streets.