And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Luke 21:28

I remember back when I started this series, Simple Tips For Better Pics, that one of the main points I wanted to get across was that photography is a way of telling a story... There are different ways of doing that, and every photographer has their own style, but when you look at a photo, it really should have a message, a story, to it.

I have had the privilege of traveling across this beautiful country photographing a lot of nature and wildlife. I have visited National Parks, recreation stops, wildlife preserves, gardens, parks and zoos - you name it. From that has come a tremendous catalogue of different animals I have pictures of.

When I look through them to compose my images, I ask myself quietly "What is being said here. What is the message - the story - I want to convey with this picture." And more often times than not, I first crop the image to get the composition balanced. Usually though I find myself going closer in... to really get that dramatic message across. When all is said and done, I notice a trend starting. I definitely have animal pictures that are taken more at a wide angle. But you know what? There are many of them where I find the best presentation really comes across with cropping in to a dramatic head-shot of the animal. Or at least a little closer...

Back several months ago I wrote an article in this series called Simple Tips For Better Pics 9: The Eyes Have It where I went into some of the benefits of doing this, but I felt further elaboration is needed, because these shots can be expanded beyond the focus of that article, as important as it is. Reason is what happens when your subjects are not looking right at you?

That's ok! This works well even if they are looking elsewhere, focused on something else. They can even be asleep; it really doesn't matter. The point is to get close. Sometimes from the waist up. Or from the shoulders. Sometimes closer even; getting those head shots in a portrait of these magnificent creatures. The story that can be told can be much more impactful when you do this, as opposed to getting your subject all in frame.

Below are some examples I felt really benefit from this kind of photography. Try it out next time you're out and about. It really makes a difference!

You can probably tell I really like to photograph birds! As you can see, there is more impact by getting in close, sometimes up to the face of these beautiful subjects. And you're not limited to color images either. This cute lil' doggie I think finds an elegant look with a warm monochrome reduction, below.

There's another benefit too. If you happen to get your pictures at a zoo for example, there may be structural objects in the image or even the very necessary bands the animals where for identification, that can become distractions in your photo. As a side note, I have an article on that subject here: Simple Tips for Better Pics 3: Don't Get Distracted! When you get close to their face, you don't have to address those concerns, and you don't have to mess with post editing them out or refering to (uggghh) Generative AI correction/manipulation. (Don't even get me started.)

As I reflect on that powerful verse from the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament at the top of this article, I think about these images and how they are, on one hand, a delightful reminder yet at the same time very serious reminder to me, of the times we are living in: so close to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. With things escalating all around us in this world, I will gladly look over my photos and see these beautiful Creations of God as a very quiet ministry to me, and how it is important that we lift up our heads... And also get some good photos while we can!!!

Until next time...