UP-CLOSE

I have a special liking for close-up type of shots and my regular subjects (read, my friends) can attest to this. Though, it has not always been the case. To me, there was nothing exceptional about any particular type of shot whether full/long shot, medium shot, or a close-up shot. All were just but different ways of perceiving particular subjects. This was until I got a clear understanding of their various functions. I also came to appreciate the fact that none of these shots should ever be used without an apparent reason.  Long shots put focus on a subject’s surrounding while medium shots give the subjects true perspective as well as disclose their body language. A close-up on the other hand is arguably the most powerful type of shot; it shows all the up-close or intimate details. It tells the identity of the subject and also helps reveal the subject's emotion through their expression. There are different variations of a close-up; standard close-up is from elbows up, tight close-up from breast up and extreme close-up can focus on say, eyes only. A close-up can be achieved using a wide angle or normal lens at a relatively closer distance to the subject. From far one can achieve it with telephoto lens.        

My friend Momo in a state of tranquility

 
               Camera - CANON EOS 550D

               Focal Length - 37 mm
               Shutter Speed - 1/30 sec
               Aperture - f/4.6 

               ISO/Film - 3200
               Category - Portrait 
               Uploaded - August 31st 2013  
               Taken - November 1st 2011

               Location - Talkback Studios, Nairobi
               Copyright - Stephen Mukhongi/Talkback Studios