The famous photojournalist Robert Capa once said, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”  I think this is the key to taking great pictures, and most (even compact) digital cameras have a pretty good zoom, so it makes it easy.  And there is always the “zoom with your feet” method! There are multiple reasons I think that getting closer makes for a better photo:

1.  Better details.  This may seem obvious, but when you’re taking a photo of to record a memory, the more details, the better.  I may take this to the extreme with my daughter, sometimes just taking a close-up of her eyelashes or her tiny hands!
2. More interesting frames.  Try to fill your frame with your subject to get a more visually appealing shot.
3. Less distraction from objects in the background.  Clutter and strangers in the background of the frame can take the focus away from your subject.
4. Better lighting.  Unless you have an external flash or are taking pictures in a bright light situation, the built-in flash on most cameras doesn’t illuminate objects very far away.

This concept goes for most of your subjects: close-ups of flowers, wildlife, and scenery.  But, I think it’s most important to remember when taking pictures of people, especially kids.  Here are some more examples of getting closer and eliminating background clutter when taking pictures of kids.

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