You can't see the truth of nature, people, or anything unless you're close. Unpleasant optical distortions can occur when you start to look up or down at your subject, even by a few inches. Particularly, don't use bags or cases with camera logos proudly emblazoned on them. That camera logo says 'steal me' to any potential thief. Just about everyone can tell the difference between the two.
Most students can tell the difference by the sound of the shutter.