Why ‘Getting Closer’ Still Hurts
Reflecting on the hardest part of photography
Last week, I shared my favourite portrait from the Dussehra Thiruvizha festival near the southern tip of India. I also mentioned that I walked away with a few frames I was genuinely proud of. So this week, I want to share one more, and use it to talk about what I think is the hardest part of photography: getting closer.
The Details
This image was captured on my Leica M11 with the Summilux 21mm F1.4. The aperture was locked at F8.0, shutter at 1/30, and ISO set to 400. Keen eyes will notice I used a flash. I’ve been testing the Sony variant of the Godox iT30. It doesn’t sit securely on the hot shoe and, of course, there’s no TTL support, but I love the profile and power it provides in such a portable package.
My apologies for the cheap alliteration. I have a… problem.
From what I remember, I set the flash to a quarter power and paired it with the camera settings (namely the ISO) to expose for the subject while leaving enough room to lift details in the background later. The shutter was left at half a second to pick up a bit of ambient motion. All I had to do was pre-focus the lens (a range of 0.7 to 2.5 meters), then get close enough for the moment I was chasing.
The Context
Outside of his photography, Robert Capa is best known for his line about getting closer. His words, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough,” still haunt the photography world. On the surface, he was talking about physical proximity. But many, including myself, believe he also meant something deeper: an emotional closeness. That intangible, unquantifiable layer that makes photography truly fulfilling.
I grew up attending countless Hindu festivals. My mom would drag me across the world to experience what mattered most to her. As a teenager, I couldn’t have cared less. I was too busy being indifferent. It wasn’t until years later, when photography and storytelling became core to who I am, that I began to appreciate what those moments actually meant.
With time, I started peeling back the layers, trying to understand what drives people to commit to something that can’t be measured or explained. What I’ve come to admire most is that spirit of devotion. Regardless of where my own beliefs fall, I’m constantly inspired by people giving themselves fully to something sacred. And perhaps, through photography, I’m quietly working through the judgments I made in my youth.
That context is what pushes me to get closer. It’s what fuels much of my work throughout South Asia. Because getting a “good” photo isn’t enough. I want to create something that carries the weight of the stories I’ve witnessed. And to do that, I need to be close.
To create this particular frame, I had to weave through a crowd of tourists and devotees. I got shoved around, the air was thick with heat and smoke, and there was no ‘Get-Out-of-Jail-Free’ card if things went sideways. But that’s the price of entry.
Ask yourself: what are you prepared to do to create a great image?
Greatness, in my eyes, isn’t quantifiable by any objective metric. It’s about the lasting impact an image has over time. Does it still haunt you long after, when it’s not even in front of you anymore?
I don’t make a habit of critiquing other people’s work, but it’s hard to dismiss when someone asks in person. The most common gap I see is photographers not framing their story with intention. Often, that comes down to not being close enough, physically but more importantly, emotionally.
I think that’s why so many photographers feel unfulfilled by their work. There’s not enough time or intention behind the story of an image. And that connection, the one between you and your subject, is what ultimately brings depth to your work.
Once again, we’re not close enough.
So as you plan your next photo walk, expedition, or studio session, ask yourself: what story are you trying to share? How are you connected to it? And how can you best present it to the world? With enough reflection, you’ll find frames that truly bring your stories to life and, importantly, leave you feeling fulfilled.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
Toronto Studio Photography Workshop
This November, I’m hosting a studio photography workshop designed to elevate your skills. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced photographer looking to refine your craft, this workshop will educate you in the essential techniques of studio work. Full details can be found here.
Arctic 2026 Photography Adventure
In 2024, I traveled to Svalbard with Quark Expeditions and it was unforgettable. I’m planning a return trip in 2026 with a group of photographers. This is not a workshop. It’s an excuse for like-minded storytellers to visit one of the most remote places on earth. If that sounds like you, fill out this form to learn more.
Next year, I’m heading to India again for our second street photography adventure across the North and South. Seats have just been made available for those looking for a deep, immersive photography experience. Learn more here.
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LAST CALL: October Contest
This month, I’ll be giving away a $200 gift card to the Moment Shop where the winner can save big on their next camera, lens, bag, or courses. Moment has so many creative products to choose from and $200 can absolutely make for a great deal.
How will I pick the winner? Make sure you’re signed up for this newsletter then leave a comment on at least one post from this month. I’ll be randomly picking one person, confirming they meet the requirements and contacting them directly before announcing the winner publicly.
As always, this contest is void where prohibited by law. Good luck!
My thanks to the team at Moment! Not only for this contest but for being the longest supporter of my work online. They’re a lean team of passionate creators that truly believe in supporting other creatives on their journey. Whether it’s a new camera, lens, workshop, or just some great articles, visit ShopMoment.com today.
What’s Next?
I’m currently in Mexico City, touring the streets and working on a few projects. For those of you in the Toronto area, I have a very special workshop happening in a few weeks. It’s two days of structured lessons on my approach to studio portraiture. If you’ve been looking at ways to elevate your process, check out the details here.
As with any of my workshops, my goal is to help people develop their skills and approach to drive great results while finding more fulfillment in the creative journey. If that speaks to you, then let’s get in touch.
GB
Getting closer emotionally is a key separator in capturing that true moment/emotion. Great read!
I need to think on this for a while. My street photography has no parallel with what you are doing in South Asia. But getting closer physically and mentally to your subject is key. Good post Gajan. You keep me thinking