Exactly. Sometimes perspective is important. Depth of field enters into the equation as well. A background is frequently desirable in street photography. But not always. The best rule is that there are no rules. As to what Capa meant, I do believe he was suggesting only that the photographer should be conscious of the need to fill the frame in most situations. For Capa that would have meant moving in closer since he shot most often with a Leica and a 50mm lens. Paul
> Paul Stenquist wrote: > > > I don't necessarily mean to suggest that Capa meant that one should use > > long lenses. But I do believe he was talking about filling the frame > > rather than being close to the subject. I have found that "initimate" > > results can be obtained with a variety of focal lengths. My remarks were > > in no way meant to be condescending and juidgmental. > > Paul > > > Doesn't "filling the frame" amount to the same thing as either walking closer > to your subject or zooming in? > What difference does it make, other than perspective. > Once the image is recorded, if you filled the frame, that's what is intended. > Make the subject prominent and "up close and personal." > > Just wondered, and open to dialog... > > keith whaley > > > > On Oct 10, 2005, at 2:41 AM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > >> Sorry, Paul Capa did not mean to fill the frame using long lenses. > >> getting > >> in close gives more intimate results. You seem to like a more > >> "voyeuristic" approach to photography - that's fine for you. Getting > >> close > >> does not mean getting in someone's face - depending on what you mean by > >> that. your remark seems rather condescending and judgmental. one can > >> work > >> close and catch the subject unaware. it's a learned skill. > >> > >> Shel > > > >>> [Original Message] > >>> From: Paul Stenquist > >>> > >>> I could be wrong, but I always took Capa's comments to mean "fill the > >>> frame," rather than "get in someone's face." I've had good luck with > >>> both long and short lenses on the street. It depends on whether one > >>> wants to catch their subjects unaware or record the reaction to the > >>> camera and intrusion. I think both can be good. >
