I'm very excited to share today's lesson with you guys! Today we have a guest photographer named Corey. I found Corey while browsing galleries on Flickr. I had wanted to include an image of hers for the last lesson on getting close. The more I looked through her images on Flickr, the more that I felt like she had a lot of great images to choose from and, in particular, a lot of close up images that really illustrate the point of the lesson. So, today I'm going to share some of Corey's images with you and address a few questions that I received after posting the last lesson. Corey has also answered a few interview questions for you guys.

The first image that I want to share is the one that originally caught me eye. I love how you can look at this image and know exactly what that nose feels like! I always talk about the idea of telling a story with your images. The story doesn't need to be long or complex and can be as simple as a soft, fuzzy nose.

I love, love, LOVE this little series. This is a great example of how getting close can add impact, draw your eyes right to your subject and remove distracting background elements. I also love how she framed these up a little crooked (for lack of a better term). I think it adds some energy to an already spirited series.

I asked Corey a few questions about getting close:

You have a real knack for getting up close and personal with your images, do you have any advice for new photographers on training yourself to get closer?

Thank you! One of the first things I discovered early on in my personal photography journey is to GET CLOSER. GET A LOT CLOSER. I find that most people stand a good distance from their subject, lift the camera to their face and start snapping. In my opinion, these photos capture the scene, but fail to really capture the moment. I like to move in close, get down at their level, and step right into their world. It's up to you whether you want to move with your feet, or with your zoom, but just move in closer. Fill your frame with the subject of your desire. 

When I was starting out, I'd snap a few shots the way I normally would, then I'd walk my feet closer. A whole lot closer....and then snap a few from that distance. It took some time, but as soon as I started to notice that the ones I had taken up close were my favorites it became easier and easier to  remember to move in close.

Do you use any special equipment for your close up images? 

Nope. Which ever lens I have on my camera at the time works just fine for the close up. I either zoom with my feet or the lens. Really doesn't matter how I do it...I just do. I do have a 100mm macro lens I like to use, but I don't tend to use it anymore than the others for my close up shots.

What kind of camera do you shoot and what is your favorite lens?

From June 2007- January 2010 I used my Canon XTi. Just recently, I purchased the Canon T1i, because I have worn my poor little Xti out. :) 

As for lenses, I love love love prime lenses. My favorite would be a toss up between the Canon 100mm 2.8 macro, and the Canon 50mm 1.4. They both give me the sharp focus in low light that I really enjoy.

Do you have any tips and tricks regarding keeping your focus sharp when you get up close?

First, I always select my focal point, rather than leave it up to the camera to decide which part of the photo I want in focus. This is very important. I typically set my focus on one of the subjects eyes. Also be careful of your Aperture setting when you move in close. You have to practice a lot with apertures to understand what you can get away with regarding the different sized focal plains. 

Corey brings up some really key points. Here's my hit list for things you need to know when getting close:

1. One of the first things to keep in mind and determine is how close up your particular lens can focus. To test this out, just grab an object (anything will do) and see how close up you can get while maintaining focus.

2. In Corey's last response, she talks about knowing how to set your focus point. This is HUGE. Take a moment and figure out how your camera is set to auto focus. Most cameras take readings from multiple places within your frame and make a decision about the focus. If you are having a hard time getting your camera to focus on what you want you may look into manually setting the auto focus point. To find the setting for this, grab your manual and look up AF points or AF area mode.

3. If you are having trouble getting up close and being in focus, you might also try backing up and then zooming in on your subject. Zooming in has the added benefit of helping blur out your background a little. Like Corey said, you can come in closer with your feet or your zoom lens.

4. In Corey's last answer she talks about experimenting with your f-stop or aperture to know how much of your image will be in focus. This concept is called depth of field. This is a definite photography fundamental but it can be confusing at first.

Many thanks to Corey for sharing herr images and your insights! To see more of Corey's work, you can visit her Flickr page or her blog.

As always, I would love to see your experiments! Please post links in the comments section or in the new Monday Lesson Flickr pool. Now, go have fun and GET CLOSE!