This Robert Capa quote about getting closer… what do you think? Uncomfortable… profound… yes?

I do not have to tell you that I am a sucker for those close, intimate, detail shots of a subject. I do believe that most images are better when you zoom in with your feet. By that I mean physically getting closer to your subject. A closer perspective often lets you discover details you may have entirely missed. It also allows you to just focus on the subject. When you take this approach of focusing on the subject, it is like those rare conversations where the person you are sharing a conversation with is completely focused on you, hearing what you have to say, no matter what may be happening around you. By getting in closer, you are having that conversation with your subject - REALLY hearing the story they are telling with your undivided attention. If you have ever been gifted with being on the receiving end of this kind of conversation, you know exactly how meaningful it is, and, also, how truly rare.

I also think there is another meaning in getting closer. It may be the season of life I find myself in, or my current stage of development as an artist, but I believe that if you do not have a connection, an emotion - be it positive or negative, your results will be an exercise. Do not misunderstand me, exercises are necessary. They help you grow, learn, understand, find your own voice… But, when you have some “skin-in-the-game”, that is where the creative magic happens. When you are close to the work. When the work has real meaning to you. Getting close takes courage, it also leaves you vulnerable; but that is part of doing the work, isn’t it? It is not easy, but the most meaningful things in life generally are not easy. At least that is my experience.

What does the quote mean to you?