3 Tips For Great Close Up Photos
Ever wonder how photographers capture the emotion? The spirit of a person? Or maybe you feel your close up photos are missing that little punch.
I am by no means a professional photographer, but I have learned a few tricks over the years, so I thought I would share 3 things I do while taking close ups.
1. Frame my shot.
I rarely put my subject in the center of the frame. I like how having them to the side gives a sense of space.
Sometimes I will even capture only part of their face for instant drama.
2. Have them look past you or off to the side. Looking directly at the camera will sometimes cause your subject to “force” the smile.
3. Get the help of others. Especially with young children, getting a parent to stand behind you or to the side will allow you to capture the connection. That expression can be priceless.
One last tip – Take lots of photos. Just keep shooting. You never know what you may capture.
For example, my nephew had just woken from his nap when we began the photo shoot. I knew it would take a bit to get him ‘warmed up’ to the idea. We let him slide off mama’s knee and start to venture out to explore. He was pretty quiet, but I kept snapping. At one point he looked in my direction and I captured this:
And anyone who knows this kid, knows I just got “The Look”. 
Do you have a tip for great close ups you would like to share? I would love to hear your ideas. Please add them to the comments below.
