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This lesson breaks down the crucial difference between zooming and physically moving closer to your subject. I'll show you how zooming compresses space, while true proximity expands it to create depth. You'll learn about "trajectory," the path of your view, and why it's key for creating powerful close-and-far contrasts in your photos. We'll look at real-world examples and I'll give you a practical project to help you master this skill and control the sense of space in your own work.
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Now it's your turn to experiment. Go find something you like and photograph it from at least two different distances.
- Get as close as you can while still fitting the entire subject in the frame. Use a wide-angle view.
- Get as far away as you can and use a zoom or long lens to frame the subject similarly.
You can also take in-between shots. The goal is to see the contrast between the compressed space of the distant shot and the expanded space of the close-up.
This effect even works on flat objects. While a flat object shot face-on won't change much, the world around it will expand and compress dramatically. You'll notice that in the close-up view, vanishing points appear closer together, while in the distant view, they spread far apart.
Get out there and practice folding space with your camera. Good luck, and may all your trajectories be straight.
Deadline - submit by Nov 02, 2025 for a chance to be in the critique video!