Welcome to the 16th edition of the Tuesday Photo Challenge! After last week’s topic, I figured that it might be a good time a little bit more tasteful. So this week, the challenge focuses on a technique that can provide some great eyeball benders: Close-Up!
Close-up photography provides an opportunity for some fun images that give a view that we don’t necessarily notice every day. Your challenge is to keep your eyes peeled for something interesting to photograph that will either make us wonder what it is or be awestruck! Of course, achieving both is permissible.
Shooting a close-up doesn’t require any special equipment, other than your highly adaptable brain! The image shown here was taken with a mobile phone; of course, this doesn’t allow me to do magnification unless I get very clever and put a drop of water on my lens (I’m not making this up: http://gizmodo.com/5892461/use-a-water-drop-as-a-simple-iphone-macro-lens).
This example shows the result of my doing a little close-up photography during Thanksgiving dinner; as it was right in front of me, I couldn’t help but notice the interesting formations in the ice cream cake…
This takes the cake!
So, be on the lookout for anything and everyting in the world around you that will look really great close-up, and might even make us wonder what it is…
For those who’d like to participate in this weekly challenge, the rules are the following:
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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29 thoughts on “Tuesday Photo Challenge – Close-Up”
What an awesome shot Frank. This one should be fun. 🙂
I love love love love love this prompt. I use my cell phone and the best pics it takes are close ups. I’m gonna have a lot of fun with this one. (and just between us…I kinda wanna lick that cake. 😉 )
Great photo, Frank. (Especially because I love ice cream and have fond memories of ice cream cakes 🙂 ) Looking forward to seeing what this challenge brings. It’s a fascinating one!
Blessings, Debbie
Great photo and challenge Frank. I’ve been absent from the blogging world of late, and still not back to full steam — but I wanted to post something, and I love your weekly challenge. 🙂
What a superb photo, Frank. I did think as a nutritionist I should take a close up of some food-related thing, but I can’t follow your wonderful lead, so I’ve opted for flowers !!!! 🙂
Hi Frank! I made it! Whoa. Talk about the knick of time. 🙂 I can’t for the life of me figure out why my pingbacks only work every other time. It’s there…in my post. Loved this challenge. Can’t wait to see what Tuesday brings. 🙂
It may be that I have approval requirement set for all links (reduces having to fix spam); when I look at the setting for the blog post, it does have allow pingbacks and comments…
Dutch goes the Photo! 
What an awesome shot Frank. This one should be fun. 🙂
Thanks, Miriam! Ice cream is always good!
Amazing work!
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome!
Can’t wait to see what people come up with. 16 already, and like you just started. Great photo can’t wait to play along.
“feels” like you just started.
This one should be a lot of fun!
I love love love love love this prompt. I use my cell phone and the best pics it takes are close ups. I’m gonna have a lot of fun with this one. (and just between us…I kinda wanna lick that cake. 😉 )
Hi Nikki, great to hear that this prompt really speaks to you. I agree with you that close-up photography is a lot of fun. The cake was delicious!
Great photo, Frank. (Especially because I love ice cream and have fond memories of ice cream cakes 🙂 ) Looking forward to seeing what this challenge brings. It’s a fascinating one!
Blessings, Debbie
Ice cream is the best! 🙂
Great photo and challenge Frank. I’ve been absent from the blogging world of late, and still not back to full steam — but I wanted to post something, and I love your weekly challenge. 🙂
Thanks, Kim! Great to have you back in the blogosphere. Hope all is going well,
Frank
What a superb photo, Frank. I did think as a nutritionist I should take a close up of some food-related thing, but I can’t follow your wonderful lead, so I’ve opted for flowers !!!! 🙂
Flowers are always great for a close up shot!
Done. A blessing once again. Thank you, Frank. ❤
Looks great, Debbie!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Frank! I made it! Whoa. Talk about the knick of time. 🙂 I can’t for the life of me figure out why my pingbacks only work every other time. It’s there…in my post. Loved this challenge. Can’t wait to see what Tuesday brings. 🙂
It may be that I have approval requirement set for all links (reduces having to fix spam); when I look at the setting for the blog post, it does have allow pingbacks and comments…
It’s a mystery! Great post!!