If the kid moves a few more inches forward, he will touch my camera. That is how close I am when shooting most of the time. People feel me right there, but the viewer, THE AUDIENCE, is also that close.

If you want better photos, you get closer with your feet and not zoom across the room.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 7200, ƒ/8, 1/100

When you get this close, I often shoot at a higher aperture like ƒ/8 to be sure the essential parts of the photo are all in focus.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 5600, ƒ/8, 1/100

Do you feel like you are in the room with the campers at this summer camp? I hope so.

Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR,  ISO 1600, ƒ/5, 1/100

I did shoot with longer lenses occasionally, but I usually use those super wide lenses to put you in the room with the people.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 3600, ƒ/8, 1/100

By the way, I am shooting at 1/100 since I am under fluorescent lights. Anything faster, and I will have banding with streaks in some of the frames.

The lesson is simple. Put the widest lens on your camera and get so close that the subject fills that frame.