Getting Closer

The old photographic adage is “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not getting close enough”.  The usual interpretation is that you should move closer, physically. 

But there’s another important interpretation of those words.  We can move closer to things not just in the physical sense but also intellectually and spiritually.  If your photographs aren’t good enough, learn more about your subject.  Your increased understanding will show in the photos, and they’ll be better.  If your photographs aren’t good enough, care more about the subject.  Your deeper emotional investment will show in the photos, and they’ll be better.