Ready For My Close Up

Do you know Karen? Chances are you probably do. If not, let me introduce Karen Waldron, an incredible photographer and a blogger whom I truly admire. Definitely start stopping by her blog and see what she has to say on any given day. You won't be sad you did.

Do you know what Formspring is? Chances are you do, since it's been spreading like, uh, things spread on the Internet (I'm giving up the word "viral" for Lent). It's a little web application with a simple interface that you set up to let people ask you questions, usually anonymously, and then you answer them. It's free and it can be a lot of fun, and occasionally you learn something interesting.

Well, the other day Karen set up a Formspring page. I went over to browse and sure enough, I learned something interesting. Someone asked her what she thought were the biggest mistakes that beginning photographers make. Her answers were all great but one really stood out to me: "In portraiture, not getting close enough to the subject. Don't be afraid to get close." Now when Karen talks about portraiture it's best to sit up and listen. I realized that I was definitely guilty of being too shy. While I was (sneakily) reading her words my husband was bathing the kids. I grabbed my camera right then and took these:

Such a simple piece of advice. I'm so thrilled with the results. Thanks, Karen.

Comments

[Karen from Chookooloonks]

Fantastic shots!

Glad I could help -- and thanks so much for your kind shout-out. :)

K.

[braine]

Of course, it helps to have good-looking subjects, as in this case. Pro portraiture tip: marry well.

[Gina D.]

You have a point there! I love getting to share your handsome husband (in a purely platonic sense, you understand)!

[katherine center]

Karen W is totally brilliant. Love these cute photos!