Anyone saying "pros dont do this" most likely is not a pro and never studied pros. I shoot 99% from the hip for the same exact reasons. I want the scene "undisturbed" when I walk into it. thank you very much for the video.
They say you work is the exact same way I work. I’ve been published many times over the years and I do photography for a living for over 30 years. Those who are saying you are not a pro photographer are probably either jealous of your work or absolute shite at what they do.
Photography is having a camera and taking a photo, plain and simple. Too many style purists that won't keep their mouth shut, thanks for the great vid!
I don't mind when people critic and don't like the way people are making thing. As long as they are not condescendent about it. Open discussion is always fun when people critic idea, not peoples. It's all about respect.
I had someone yell at me after taking a photo from the hip of someone in NYC saying he was a street photographer and to "gtfo of here with this hip shit". Photo was actually quite nice
It’s actually a solid proof that the photographer has a very good feel for the framing, perspective, lens, mechanics and settings of the camera and of course for the right moment.
I've been doing this since 2003. The smaller the camera though the better because it most likely resembles a card or phone. I relate it to smoking a cig around, being one with the scene and keeping it rolling. Literally shooting from the hip with a wide enough focal length lens lets you crop in in post-processing and apply rotation correction if needed, the results when you finally master it, are mysterious with allurement. When you actually bring up a camera eye level, that would turn street photograohy into portrait photography.
I don’t know about that. Watching my wife work (she always shoots with the viewfinder), is a masterclass in unobtrusive shooting. She’s so fast and discreet. It’s just different ways of seeing the world. I agree with you about the camera though.
This is the difference between those focussed on creating, and those who lack vision...who instead focus on being performative gatekeepers. Great video, your work is beautiful.
Henri Cartier Bresson in one of his interviews states that one of his most famous images ,the man jumping over the puddle with jumping dancers on a poster in the background which is always opined as the epitome of capturing the decisive moment was actually shot blind there was a barrier up with a hole in it that he put his camera up to and guessed at the timing of the shot as the rangefinder was covered by the obstruction. It’s also heavily cropped.
@@WalkLikeAlice If you know the rules before you break them, you know WHY you are breaking them. And if you act with purpose, you will almost always accomplish more than if you just blaze away.
@@careylymanjones Yes but some of us who blaze away can get in a lucky shot from time to time. Some of my best photographs were just grab shots on the fly at 6 frames a second hoping for the best.
@@jimmason8502 Burst mode IS useful, sometimes, but if you just blaze away, you're gonna have to go through a LOT of images, you're gonna fill your card up quicker, AND your camera may be processing, when the shot of the day happens. If your composition requires someone to be walking/riding/driving past a specific spot, by all means, blaze away.
Hi Jeff Thanks for the video. I am a street photographer in Sydney and developed your syle of shooting last year, Nikon D780, 35mm, F11, 1/400, 400 ISO, I am not too concerned with framing, there is no time, I am concerned with getting a candid shoot not an informal or formal portrait. If you raise the camera your subject is then aware and its no longer candid. Happy shooting (from the hip).
I bought my first camera recently to do street photography. The more videos I watch about the subject, the more I realize that there is no right or wrong, neither in how you photograph or how you edit. Yes, to learn how to photograph you need to listen to every tip you can get and you need to mimic others to get good, but in the long run you have to develop your own style to get comfortable and interesting to others.
I came across this video as I was simultaneously starting to shoot more "child's perspective" shots recently, and "shooting from the hip" definitely sounds cooler! I love the idea of capturing from-the-hip and child-like perspective of the street and different public environments; I think as people we can get really stuck in a single "zone" of perspective to the world, and shifting the camera lower will change that perspective and the way the world appears..
The only thing that matters is the resultant image, and that you enjoy it. I am just starting out, trying different focal lengths each time I go out is exciting and at 69 it's brilliant to have found something new that is exhilarating!
I wouldn't dream of advising anyone else how to shoot, but even as a mostly landscape enthusiast photographer, it's pretty remarkable how different my own images look when I occasionally jettison my default tried and trusted viewfinder-only policy and take advantage of an angled LCD screen to adopt a much lower angle of view. I've only just realised that it's precisely this lower than eye-level setting that makes many of your photos appear particularly unique and consistently interesting. I had wondered how you seemed to be unnoticed to so many of your subjects, but the other thing you're often doing as a by-product is showing more of the architecture and other features of the background within the frame, to give extra context and interest. Incidentally, it also makes children especially look considerably taller. But anyway, for a variety of reasons, your approach clearly works!
Thoughtful and well argued case. As you say, shooting from the hips takes practice but, as your photos demonstrate, the results are often much more dynamic that straight on street shots. Keep it up!
Hello Jeff, I think other peoples opinion normally tells you more about them than about you... Interesting topic, thanks for sharing. Take care. Paul,,
Shooting from the hip is probably one of my favorite techniques with point and shoot cameras. Glad to see more folks bein' re-introduced to this technique through you.
And may I say that I appreciate your presentation style: being confident in your own shoes - non-judgemental of other styles, calm - not over-dramatizing, and proving your style with a large number of images that grab the moment, and tell the story. I have liked and subscribed. Thank you.
I've recently started doing this and doing a blend of not looking at all (truly shoot and hope) and looking down at a tilted viewfinder. It works really well and people don't notice. As soon as you lift that camera above your chest...
What comes of it feels very childlike, just observing the world as I would have as a child, taking in an that is good on in awe of all the new experiences.
Totally agree your comments, and like your pics (especially Oxford which is my shooting town). I use a Canon M50 (crop sensor) slung around my neck and resting on my chest and use a wireless trigger which is fired from any of my trouser or jacket pockets - lens is the kit lens 15-45mm - so I use it at its widest which equates to 24mm full frame. I leave the settings on auto focus with eye detect activated with the speed at 1/500 and leave everything else to the auto functions - works for me. I've had very good results doing this as I'm a similar personality type to you. Keep up the good work and long live street !
"Shooting from hip" is actually a technique that is very hard to master hence only a very few can manage it, I still have my Dad's Canon F1 that i loved and made so many shoots with it's waist level view finder. Thank you for this video, it brought back so many pleasant memories for me.
Can't fault you mate, completely agree with everything you said... I've been shooting 'blind' for years and sometimes get imposter syndrome for this reason but it suits me completely and allows me to get the candid shots that can't happen when someone is in my camera's crosshairs. I've always shot at 500 f8 but will try a lower f stop to test my judgement of distance, so thanks for that. Cheers
This video was a breath of fresh air. More than ever, people seem to be so quick to jump on the bandwagon of the latest trends and whatever might be cool at the time. Your story evokes the reminder of just how personal the art of photography should be and your photographs show the unscripted reality of life in a such a stunning and beautiful way. Anyone who "frowns upon" shooting from this angle clearly can't appreciate the era of photographs from the 1940's to the 1960's where just about every camera was a top-down viewfinder style where shooting from the hip was standard practice.
I shoot from the hip mostly too cause at 6’3, if I put the camera to my eye (which I do occasionally) the angle makes it seem like I m looking down on people which in turn makes the subject seem “insignificant”.
I’d like to see some of your photography if you don’t mind. I’m around 5’4” and photography is an adventure for me and at time challenging due to my height.
The strategy I've been using is to flip my screen up so I can look directly down at it. I keep the camera low/angled so it's always about at the right level. It's really helped take the attention off me when I try to get candid street shots.
That photo of the two homeless people covered by the shadows of the two other people talking on the wall just great composition Love it This is the kind of photography I want to do again. That's why I'm buying my first kit after 20 plus years.
I agree with everything you said. I started photography using a cellphone camera on a keypad phone, my peers loved the angles. I can shoot and aim it without looking on the screen, determining the scope just by feeling where the back of the phone is facing. When I got my first point and shoot camera, I adapted the same technique. Even now that I have a mirrorless and a bridge camera, I adapted it by estimating where the lens barrel is facing. I find it more fluid to take pictures at any angle--whether from eye level hip level, or even hands stretched up, using the fixed focal length lens. My aim is to capture the moments, which cannot be defined by what is the proper height of the perspective.
Been shooting this way since the TTartisan 25mm f2 came out. “Shooting from the hip” just gives me a broader ability to take the shot I want. Sure, I can’t frame it perfectly, but having used the lens for a year I KNOW where the lens is aiming at. I zone focus a lot too so that helps!
This was the best video on shooting from the hip I've ever seen, bar none. Beautifully done, this is my preferred method for shooting with my M. For whatever reason, I am one of those guys who is not quick enough on the draw (even when zone focusing) to hold the camera to my eye and not get caught, resulting in people staring right into my lens.
Shooting from the hip can give you pretty nice images, got some myself over the years. But in General I jus do street photography as I would do a wedding or any other job. Concentrate on the buildings, the scenery that is my trick and just completely ignore the people, I will just not pay attention to them and that most of the time works fine for me. I love shooting in the street, just capture everyday life as I go along with my camera. And as you say correctly, there are no rules to photography, no prescribed way to do a job. My motto is to enjoy and if someone complains (which most of the times never happens) there is always the oprion of deleting the images but to this day I never did that. Thx for the video!
I love using my little Olympus and tilt screen with touch focus and shutter release to accomplish this. I can see the general scene, touch the point of focus and click. Still, many time just click from the hip.
Love this! I shoot from the hip regularly because I've found the angles are more interesting and dynamic. And like you, it suits my personality. Great video, ignore the haters!
Oh man, great video ❤ 9 out of 10 times I’m with others on the street and in conversation, snapping photos in the process. From the hip, shoulder height, backwards, all of the above. I lean towards just calling it photography in the streets instead of street photography, as annoying purists seem to care more about their definition of street photography than having a good time out with peers. Just. Have. Fun. Go out and create. You are spot on, my friend. Wise words.
I've adpated this style of shooting. I'd just snap away and not even "spot check" my images until I finally download them to a computer. I've been a photographer a really long time and this is as close as I could get to the days when I was shooting film. Great video!
Great video topic. I agree. It’s like critics saying using a 2 and a 1/4 format film camera instead of a 35mm is not a proper way of doing work. Or you’re not a proper photographer if you don’t use a Leica. Having your eye to the viewfinder is a matter of what works in a particular situation. What it comes down to is getting the shot! Enjoy your channel!
Totally agree with you looking back in history a lot of totally excellent photographs were taken looking down into a viewing screen what ever works I say I like to mix it up have fun for me that's what photography is about.......
Last August I was at one of your Blackpool street workshops, and seeing you shooting from the hip was a revelation. For me it's more shooting from the lower chest/upper abdomen! I'm still practising it. When it works, great: when it doesn't, keep trying. I wish that some folk would enjoy their hobby more, rather than carping about how others do. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for this video essay! I want to get back into shooting without viewing, as it creates a certain dynamic in the visual presentation that just doesn't get captured when you look through a viewfinder and think about what and how you will photograph a scene. Shooting from the hip is a learned experience, it takes time to get your brain to move your hands to get that which your brain wants to see. My first experience shooting from the hip was a college art photography class. Our first assignment was to walk around campus, shooting a roll of black and white not looking at the viewfinder, then pick out two frames that we thought worked and print those to show in class during the critique session. The goal was not to have a perfect photo, but to be able to analyze a frame and see what kind of composition came out of randomness. I found it fascinating, and I continued to try this technique. After a while I noticed that the compositions became less random and more of what I was seeing. Much like learning an instrument, my brain was telling my body to adjust the camera to capture what the brain wanted to see, much like learned muscle memory.
I was teaching a workshop yesterday. I usually work with a 28mm but I switched to my 35mm for a few minutes to get some strong flare in the photographs (it flares really easily) and my compositions were all out. Using the 28mm for such a long time I’ve developed a muscle memory almost. I know where to point it and what will be included in the frame. Even switching lenses brings you back to square one for a time.
The test of a good street photographer are the results. OK there will aways be hits and misses whether it's a hip shot or an eye shot, but your hit shots that you show here are awesome.
Love your video. Completely same with me. I'm not a fan of talking to people and I find shooting from the hip best fit for my character. I shoot consecutively at 2m and 1.5m as I approach the subject. What I like about this is that I'm not absolutely sure what I'm gonna get.
This was super interesting! I also enjoy shooting from the hip because im quite shy when up close to people. There definitely is no right or wrong, it's crazy that other photographers can be so judgemental!
Hi Jeff, great video. I think that is exactly what Street Photography is about. No standard, people and moments and different angles which keep my eyes for a few seconds longer to watch the image. Many thanks
Totally agree with everything you said. There's a real art to shooting the way you do that relies on a serious understanding of your gear and knowing what will be in frame when you push the shutter button. Not better or worse than composing through the viewfinder or screen. Just different and just as valid.
I'm with you on this one. I probably shoot from the hip 50% of the time. I don't like when the scene is disturbed by me walking into it with the camera at eye level, and I enjoy missing the shot just as much as I enjoy getting the shot. If there is someone that I encounter that I must absolutely make a photograph of, I will sometimes ask them and start a brief conversation. More often than not, they are happy to oblige, and some are flattered that someone would find what they are wearing, or their general appearance photo worthy, or that someone would take notice. Being deliberate, honest, and non-threatening is a sure way to make a true "people portrait" with someone in the general public. New subscriber here, and I'm working on getting my photography legs back under me. Cheers!
This is very eye opening to me, I love taking pictures mos specially people from the streets or anything in the streets. I am scared to show people my pictures because they always tell me it's not proper, no rule of thirds etc etc. This video helps me gain more confidence and just take pictures for you not for others. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for watching. I’m glad you got something from it. Ignore the idiots who comment negatively on photographs. Those that do this are often insecure and lack visual literacy. They find it hard to see the good in a photograph when they have such a negative mindset.
Photographing people in public can be a big challenge for some photographers and there's no right or wrong method. The only thing that matters is enjoying what you do and ofcourse, the final image. Shooting from the hip is a great technique that with practice can be just as precise as if you look through the viewfinder. Great video.
The first SLR I owned was a Sears Tower 23 that had the viewfinder on top of the camera. I could see the frame, but still got that "distance" from the subject. This was a great camera for shooting concert photos because I could see the subject, and I could shoot with and without the audience in the frame.
I use an original Ricoh GR digital camera from 2005. I have it set to black and white at 800 iso with contrast and sharpness up. I love the filmic quality from the old CCD sensor.
I'm just learning to shoot from the hip now because I've purchased an olympus mark iv where the screen flips up, making it easier to photograph unseen. I do see the challenge in it, and I feel that this type of photography is an art of itself. Hopefully, my photos will look as nice as yours soon because my style was traditionally holding the camera to my face.
Funny enough, the first camera I ever used was this old 35mm 1950s EXA camera from my dad. It had a viewfinder on top that you'd have to look into at 90 degrees, bascially meaning you'd have this camera mid chest when shooting something. Made some pretty nice photos that way when I used this!
little pre-visualization tip regarding 'what's in the frame at a certain distance'. Helps to compose without looking through the viewfinder. The frame in your camera is 24x36mm size. So if you multiply the lens focal length by 100, you will have a life frame that is 100 times the camera frame. Set a 35mm lens to 3.5 meter distance and the life frame at 3.5 meter distance will be 2.40x3.60 meters. Same for a 50mm lens set to 5.0 meter distance. Or a 28mm lens set to 2.8 meter distance.
Well said. It's your enjoyment and enjoyment of others in the image that matters. It's the perception of "luck" that creates the snob factor. As Gary Player used to say "The more I practice the luckier I get". Nice video.
Just had the same discussion with a colleague and as some people have already pointed out; it’s not about how you take the photograph or what gear you use, it’s about the final image.
Thank you for this. I was JUST walking around today doing this and it's seriously hard. You have to have a really good feel for your camera and how it sees. Plus, a solid understanding of the settings to ensure you get anything in focus.
Some of my best street photos were when I’ve walked around NYC with my headphones in and I’m singing the songs that are the soundtrack of my life. I can escape into my own movie and I know people respond and see me as the photographer is a different way. Perhaps they think I’m a bit off, but I’m enjoying being in between two worlds and singing because it feels good.
A really helpful refresher video on the subject. Thanks for stressing that it is important that an individual photographer does what works for them. Shooting with one wide lens, at f8, 1/500 sec , auto ISO and zone focusing has really helped I feel quite comfortable with doing something similar to Garry Winogrand's 'idiot fumble' and shooting from waist high
Using a Huawei P20 (not Lite) now with monochrome mode and it's easy and quick to shoot blind, a treat, cheap, the last mono sensor they used afaik so it shoots fast enough to show how birds take off, frame by frame. Camera up the face and people enter varying degrees of the "I'm on camera mode". Camera hands free, I can quickly pop pictures of a cute dog being out on a walk. Wish I was still using TLRs, great video!
Some of the great (street/documentary) photographers used and would use any technique that would bring the results in line with 'their'vision. In my view street photography and reportage has a lots of spontaneous,and unexpected... for me shooting from the'hip' makes sense (you can always use various way for different scenarios and circunmstances :) Thanks for sharing your images and technique
Great video Jeff and I completely agree with you. I shoot street "from the hip", or the belly, or using the view finder, or using the flip screen. I have stopped listening to “opinions” especially from those who believe that there is a “proper” kind of photography. Thank you for sharing your images: very inspirational.
Great to know that i am not the only one who is getting problem with focusing 😂. I wish we can get more focusing method for street photography on this channel😊. Great video sir
One of the few times where I watched a video, liked and subscribed, before the video ended and I proceeded to go to the channel to view more of your videos. Jeff & Sarah, it was great to stumble upon your videos. Thank you & Kudos. I'll probably be here as a part of a ritual to see your videos, mostly before the bell rings.
Great pictures that you have used to illustrate the technique of shooting from the hip. I have done some simple street photography, the last time with a 75mm in Hanoi, which has its pros and cons. Now your video made me rethink and want to spend some time trying out (ultra)wide angle lenses shot from the "hip" and use manual zone focusing.
Amazing video! I have been practicing to shoot from hip for a while, mostly I have problems with the framing but just today had a good shot from the hip!
Good video. I've tried shooting from the hip but I missed all of my shots. I do like to have more control and see what my camera is seeing. Each there own way of making photos 😊
Great video. I’ve generally considered shooting from the hip as being sneaky and honestly, kind of cowardly. (Although, paradoxically, I think of the in your face Bruce Gilden technique as incredibly rude and invasive). Your video has completely changed my mind. It seems the best way of getting properly candid shots, and it’s very skilful. Thanks for such a great explanation of the technique and the reasoning behind it. 👍🏻
thank you for the advice, i normally shot from the eye, i will start a new topic and shoot from the hip. normally i use either 24mm or 35mm lens. great vlog by the way 👍
I've shot this way for a number of years. I used to belong to a group of photographers in Leeds & found that when we went out a lot of the images shot from the eye were very "samey" so started shooting from the hip. I use a telephoto (travel) lens - 18-200mm at f8 & like the uncertainty of the images. Sometimes the blur or what the camera locked into. I did try to use a 50mm, but found that walking round the city or wherever i was,i found that i wanted to get different types of shots. At the moment i only get a small number of usable shots, but i enjoy the "walk & shoot" - great for positive mental & physical health.
interesting this comes up at this time, I just spent the afternoon locally downtown doing just this, shoot from the hip. More learning and blurry pix but did get a few keepers.
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Anyone saying "pros dont do this" most likely is not a pro and never studied pros. I shoot 99% from the hip for the same exact reasons. I want the scene "undisturbed" when I walk into it. thank you very much for the video.
Thank you for watching 🙏
I’m a 45 year pro photographer, and I shoot straight from the hip exclusively and daily on the street.
Same. I’ve taught this style actually as well.
They say you work is the exact same way I work. I’ve been published many times over the years and I do photography for a living for over 30 years.
Those who are saying you are not a pro photographer are probably either jealous of your work or absolute shite at what they do.
DAIDO MORIYAMA shoots from the hip hahahaa
Photography is having a camera and taking a photo, plain and simple. Too many style purists that won't keep their mouth shut, thanks for the great vid!
Absolutely!! Glad you liked the vid.
I don't mind when people critic and don't like the way people are making thing. As long as they are not condescendent about it. Open discussion is always fun when people critic idea, not peoples. It's all about respect.
Gosh, imagine being mad at people making creative and artistic choices. Some folks do be WILD. Great vid mate!
Thank you. Yeah they have me scratching my head.
I had someone yell at me after taking a photo from the hip of someone in NYC saying he was a street photographer and to "gtfo of here with this hip shit". Photo was actually quite nice
Probably one the Bros Paulie B has interviewed on his channel.
Ego and pride do so many goofy things to people's brains, should've gotten a picture of him from the hip 🤣
Don’t pay attention. If the image is what you want - that is what matters !
@@gerry9306can you provide a link to your work please. Thank you.
Pic or it didn’t happen! Funny regardless.
It’s actually a solid proof that the photographer has a very good feel for the framing, perspective, lens, mechanics and settings of the camera and of course for the right moment.
Agreed. But ultimately it’s just another way of taking photos which is no more valid than any other way.
I've been doing this since 2003. The smaller the camera though the better because it most likely resembles a card or phone. I relate it to smoking a cig around, being one with the scene and keeping it rolling. Literally shooting from the hip with a wide enough focal length lens lets you crop in in post-processing and apply rotation correction if needed, the results when you finally master it, are mysterious with allurement. When you actually bring up a camera eye level, that would turn street photograohy into portrait photography.
I don’t know about that. Watching my wife work (she always shoots with the viewfinder), is a masterclass in unobtrusive shooting. She’s so fast and discreet. It’s just different ways of seeing the world. I agree with you about the camera though.
This is the difference between those focussed on creating, and those who lack vision...who instead focus on being performative gatekeepers.
Great video, your work is beautiful.
Thank you very much.
Henri Cartier Bresson in one of his interviews states that one of his most famous images ,the man jumping over the puddle with jumping dancers on a poster in the background which is always opined as the epitome of capturing the decisive moment was actually shot blind there was a barrier up with a hole in it that he put his camera up to and guessed at the timing of the shot as the rangefinder was covered by the obstruction. It’s also heavily cropped.
Correct. I always find it ironic that his most famous photograph goes against everything he made us believe in.
@@WalkLikeAlice If you know the rules before you break them, you know WHY you are breaking them. And if you act with purpose, you will almost always accomplish more than if you just blaze away.
@@careylymanjones Yes but some of us who blaze away can get in a lucky shot from time to time. Some of my best photographs were just grab shots on the fly at 6 frames a second hoping for the best.
@@jimmason8502 Burst mode IS useful, sometimes, but if you just blaze away, you're gonna have to go through a LOT of images, you're gonna fill your card up quicker, AND your camera may be processing, when the shot of the day happens.
If your composition requires someone to be walking/riding/driving past a specific spot, by all means, blaze away.
Some argue that this photo was staged
Hi Jeff Thanks for the video. I am a street photographer in Sydney and developed your syle of shooting last year, Nikon D780, 35mm, F11, 1/400, 400 ISO, I am not too concerned with framing, there is no time, I am concerned with getting a candid shoot not an informal or formal portrait. If you raise the camera your subject is then aware and its no longer candid. Happy shooting (from the hip).
Off topic- I'm stoked for how well your channel is doing. Thanks for sticking with it.
Cheers. It’s been tough at times. We will see how this year goes.
Happy to say I've just added my sub, greetings from New Zealand.
@@WalkLikeAliceadding my sub too
i love this technique, i use it a lot in weddings, when guest and family are having natural interactions 😊
I bought my first camera recently to do street photography. The more videos I watch about the subject, the more I realize that there is no right or wrong, neither in how you photograph or how you edit. Yes, to learn how to photograph you need to listen to every tip you can get and you need to mimic others to get good, but in the long run you have to develop your own style to get comfortable and interesting to others.
I came across this video as I was simultaneously starting to shoot more "child's perspective" shots recently, and "shooting from the hip" definitely sounds cooler!
I love the idea of capturing from-the-hip and child-like perspective of the street and different public environments; I think as people we can get really stuck in a single "zone" of perspective to the world, and shifting the camera lower will change that perspective and the way the world appears..
The only thing that matters is the resultant image, and that you enjoy it. I am just starting out, trying different focal lengths each time I go out is exciting and at 69 it's brilliant to have found something new that is exhilarating!
I was teaching digital capture to Don McCullin when he was 76. That’s the beauty of photography. You are never too old to learn.
No such thing as a "Proper" photograph.
Dude! Your photos are amazing! I can't believe people are trying to "disqualify" them simply because you don't shoot them from the eye level!
Thank you. People are strange 🤷♂️
I wouldn't dream of advising anyone else how to shoot, but even as a mostly landscape enthusiast photographer, it's pretty remarkable how different my own images look when I occasionally jettison my default tried and trusted viewfinder-only policy and take advantage of an angled LCD screen to adopt a much lower angle of view. I've only just realised that it's precisely this lower than eye-level setting that makes many of your photos appear particularly unique and consistently interesting. I had wondered how you seemed to be unnoticed to so many of your subjects, but the other thing you're often doing as a by-product is showing more of the architecture and other features of the background within the frame, to give extra context and interest. Incidentally, it also makes children especially look considerably taller. But anyway, for a variety of reasons, your approach clearly works!
Thank you 🙂
Thoughtful and well argued case. As you say, shooting from the hips takes practice but, as your photos demonstrate, the results are often much more dynamic that straight on street shots. Keep it up!
Thank you
Hello Jeff,
I think other peoples opinion normally tells you more about them than about you... Interesting topic, thanks for sharing.
Take care.
Paul,,
It certainly does. 🙂
I liked a saying "what other people think of me is none of my business"
Shooting from the hip is probably one of my favorite techniques with point and shoot cameras. Glad to see more folks bein' re-introduced to this technique through you.
🙏
And may I say that I appreciate your presentation style: being confident in your own shoes - non-judgemental of other styles, calm - not over-dramatizing, and proving your style with a large number of images that grab the moment, and tell the story. I have liked and subscribed. Thank you.
That’s very kind of you. Thank you 🙏
Completely agree
I've recently started doing this and doing a blend of not looking at all (truly shoot and hope) and looking down at a tilted viewfinder. It works really well and people don't notice. As soon as you lift that camera above your chest...
What comes of it feels very childlike, just observing the world as I would have as a child, taking in an that is good on in awe of all the new experiences.
Totally agree your comments, and like your pics (especially Oxford which is my shooting town). I use a Canon M50 (crop sensor) slung around my neck and resting on my chest and use a wireless trigger which is fired from any of my trouser or jacket pockets - lens is the kit lens 15-45mm - so I use it at its widest which equates to 24mm full frame. I leave the settings on auto focus with eye detect activated with the speed at 1/500 and leave everything else to the auto functions - works for me. I've had very good results doing this as I'm a similar personality type to you. Keep up the good work and long live street !
Thank you 🙏
Totally agree....Whatever way you get your final product, that is up to you.... Go for it!
Exactly!!
"Shooting from hip" is actually a technique that is very hard to master hence only a very few can manage it, I still have my Dad's Canon F1 that i loved and made so many shoots with it's waist level view finder. Thank you for this video, it brought back so many pleasant memories for me.
Thank you for watching 🙏🙏
Can't fault you mate, completely agree with everything you said... I've been shooting 'blind' for years and sometimes get imposter syndrome for this reason but it suits me completely and allows me to get the candid shots that can't happen when someone is in my camera's crosshairs. I've always shot at 500 f8 but will try a lower f stop to test my judgement of distance, so thanks for that. Cheers
Thanks for watching. I’ve never had imposter syndrome though. Sarah has and she shoots with the camera to her eye.
This video was a breath of fresh air. More than ever, people seem to be so quick to jump on the bandwagon of the latest trends and whatever might be cool at the time. Your story evokes the reminder of just how personal the art of photography should be and your photographs show the unscripted reality of life in a such a stunning and beautiful way. Anyone who "frowns upon" shooting from this angle clearly can't appreciate the era of photographs from the 1940's to the 1960's where just about every camera was a top-down viewfinder style where shooting from the hip was standard practice.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I shoot from the hip mostly too cause at 6’3, if I put the camera to my eye (which I do occasionally) the angle makes it seem like I m looking down on people which in turn makes the subject seem “insignificant”.
Yes. That’s a great point. Not that I have any experience of that!!
Saaaaaame. Shoot from the nip 😂
I’d like to see some of your photography if you don’t mind.
I’m around 5’4” and photography is an adventure for me and at time challenging due to my height.
The strategy I've been using is to flip my screen up so I can look directly down at it. I keep the camera low/angled so it's always about at the right level. It's really helped take the attention off me when I try to get candid street shots.
That photo of the two homeless people covered by the shadows of the two other people talking on the wall just great composition Love it This is the kind of photography I want to do again. That's why I'm buying my first kit after 20 plus years.
Thank you. Enjoy!!
I agree with everything you said.
I started photography using a cellphone camera on a keypad phone, my peers loved the angles.
I can shoot and aim it without looking on the screen, determining the scope just by feeling where the back of the phone is facing.
When I got my first point and shoot camera, I adapted the same technique. Even now that I have a mirrorless and a bridge camera, I adapted it by estimating where the lens barrel is facing. I find it more fluid to take pictures at any angle--whether from eye level hip level, or even hands stretched up, using the fixed focal length lens.
My aim is to capture the moments, which cannot be defined by what is the proper height of the perspective.
Great topic and video. Totally agree. Shooting from the hip is just another creative choice... and a good one at that!
Thank you. Yes. It’s just a way of taking photographs.
Been shooting this way since the TTartisan 25mm f2 came out. “Shooting from the hip” just gives me a broader ability to take the shot I want. Sure, I can’t frame it perfectly, but having used the lens for a year I KNOW where the lens is aiming at. I zone focus a lot too so that helps!
Thank you for sharing your personal experience and talking about your style. All the best for you and Sarah.
Thank you 🙏
This was the best video on shooting from the hip I've ever seen, bar none. Beautifully done, this is my preferred method for shooting with my M. For whatever reason, I am one of those guys who is not quick enough on the draw (even when zone focusing) to hold the camera to my eye and not get caught, resulting in people staring right into my lens.
Thank you 🙏
100% Agree! Nuff said!
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Shooting from the hip can give you pretty nice images, got some myself over the years. But in General I jus do street photography as I would do a wedding or any other job. Concentrate on the buildings, the scenery that is my trick and just completely ignore the people, I will just not pay attention to them and that most of the time works fine for me. I love shooting in the street, just capture everyday life as I go along with my camera. And as you say correctly, there are no rules to photography, no prescribed way to do a job. My motto is to enjoy and if someone complains (which most of the times never happens) there is always the oprion of deleting the images but to this day I never did that. Thx for the video!
Thanks for your comments and for watching. 🙏
Imagine having rules to do art...
There are rules, but you can always break them as a creative choice. 👍🏽
I love using my little Olympus and tilt screen with touch focus and shutter release to accomplish this. I can see the general scene, touch the point of focus and click. Still, many time just click from the hip.
Finally................a great teacher! You "focus" (teach) on important facts! Truly helpful! Thanks for sharing& all the Best to you.
Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you 🙏
This video really boosts my confidence in going out and take pictures. Thanks a lot from a newbie
Thanks for watching
Your photos are great and so was your advice. Very encouraged to know that others like yourself adopt the hip level candid approach.
Thank you 🙏
Love this! I shoot from the hip regularly because I've found the angles are more interesting and dynamic. And like you, it suits my personality. Great video, ignore the haters!
Thank you 🙏
Oh man, great video ❤
9 out of 10 times I’m with others on the street and in conversation, snapping photos in the process. From the hip, shoulder height, backwards, all of the above. I lean towards just calling it photography in the streets instead of street photography, as annoying purists seem to care more about their definition of street photography than having a good time out with peers.
Just. Have. Fun. Go out and create.
You are spot on, my friend. Wise words.
Thank you.
I've adpated this style of shooting. I'd just snap away and not even "spot check" my images until I finally download them to a computer. I've been a photographer a really long time and this is as close as I could get to the days when I was shooting film. Great video!
Thank you. Glad you liked it.
Great video topic. I agree. It’s like critics saying using a 2 and a 1/4 format film camera instead of a 35mm is not a proper way of doing work. Or you’re not a proper photographer if you don’t use a Leica. Having your eye to the viewfinder is a matter of what works in a particular situation. What it comes down to is getting the shot! Enjoy your channel!
Thank you. Getting the picture is the only thing that matters. So many people forget this.
Totally agree with you looking back in history a lot of totally excellent photographs were taken looking down into a viewing screen what ever works I say I like to mix it up have fun for me that's what photography is about.......
Last August I was at one of your Blackpool street workshops, and seeing you shooting from the hip was a revelation. For me it's more shooting from the lower chest/upper abdomen! I'm still practising it. When it works, great: when it doesn't, keep trying. I wish that some folk would enjoy their hobby more, rather than carping about how others do. Keep up the good work.
Thank you!! Yeah you need to keep trying. Practice and experience.
Thank you for this video essay! I want to get back into shooting without viewing, as it creates a certain dynamic in the visual presentation that just doesn't get captured when you look through a viewfinder and think about what and how you will photograph a scene.
Shooting from the hip is a learned experience, it takes time to get your brain to move your hands to get that which your brain wants to see. My first experience shooting from the hip was a college art photography class. Our first assignment was to walk around campus, shooting a roll of black and white not looking at the viewfinder, then pick out two frames that we thought worked and print those to show in class during the critique session. The goal was not to have a perfect photo, but to be able to analyze a frame and see what kind of composition came out of randomness. I found it fascinating, and I continued to try this technique. After a while I noticed that the compositions became less random and more of what I was seeing. Much like learning an instrument, my brain was telling my body to adjust the camera to capture what the brain wanted to see, much like learned muscle memory.
I was teaching a workshop yesterday. I usually work with a 28mm but I switched to my 35mm for a few minutes to get some strong flare in the photographs (it flares really easily) and my compositions were all out. Using the 28mm for such a long time I’ve developed a muscle memory almost. I know where to point it and what will be included in the frame. Even switching lenses brings you back to square one for a time.
Superb! Really love how you thoughtfully explained everything and gave examples. If only every tutorial video were this well-made.
Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say so.
The test of a good street photographer are the results. OK there will aways be hits and misses whether it's a hip shot or an eye shot, but your hit shots that you show here are awesome.
You are very kind. 🙏🙏
The images you shared have a dynamicism and energy that I really appreciate. You inspired me to work on shooting from the hip.
Thank you
Love your video. Completely same with me. I'm not a fan of talking to people and I find shooting from the hip best fit for my character. I shoot consecutively at 2m and 1.5m as I approach the subject. What I like about this is that I'm not absolutely sure what I'm gonna get.
Thank you
This was super interesting! I also enjoy shooting from the hip because im quite shy when up close to people. There definitely is no right or wrong, it's crazy that other photographers can be so judgemental!
Glad you liked it 🙏
Hi Jeff, great video. I think that is exactly what Street Photography is about. No standard, people and moments and different angles which keep my eyes for a few seconds longer to watch the image. Many thanks
Thanks for watching 🙏
Totally agree with everything you said. There's a real art to shooting the way you do that relies on a serious understanding of your gear and knowing what will be in frame when you push the shutter button. Not better or worse than composing through the viewfinder or screen. Just different and just as valid.
Thank you. Yes I totally agree. One way isn’t any better than the other.
I'm with you on this one. I probably shoot from the hip 50% of the time. I don't like when the scene is disturbed by me walking into it with the camera at eye level, and I enjoy missing the shot just as much as I enjoy getting the shot. If there is someone that I encounter that I must absolutely make a photograph of, I will sometimes ask them and start a brief conversation. More often than not, they are happy to oblige, and some are flattered that someone would find what they are wearing, or their general appearance photo worthy, or that someone would take notice. Being deliberate, honest, and non-threatening is a sure way to make a true "people portrait" with someone in the general public. New subscriber here, and I'm working on getting my photography legs back under me. Cheers!
Thank you
This is very eye opening to me, I love taking pictures mos specially people from the streets or anything in the streets. I am scared to show people my pictures because they always tell me it's not proper, no rule of thirds etc etc. This video helps me gain more confidence and just take pictures for you not for others. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for watching. I’m glad you got something from it. Ignore the idiots who comment negatively on photographs. Those that do this are often insecure and lack visual literacy. They find it hard to see the good in a photograph when they have such a negative mindset.
Photographing people in public can be a big challenge for some photographers and there's no right or wrong method. The only thing that matters is enjoying what you do and ofcourse, the final image. Shooting from the hip is a great technique that with practice can be just as precise as if you look through the viewfinder. Great video.
Thank you.
For sure the best dark mood photography video I’ve watched.
Thank you
The first SLR I owned was a Sears Tower 23 that had the viewfinder on top of the camera. I could see the frame, but still got that "distance" from the subject. This was a great camera for shooting concert photos because I could see the subject, and I could shoot with and without the audience in the frame.
Totally agree. When you see the shot, you take it the best way you can.
100%
I use an original Ricoh GR digital camera from 2005. I have it set to black and white at 800 iso with contrast and sharpness up. I love the filmic quality from the old CCD sensor.
Some of my favorite photos ever were taken on my Vito II from chest height ! I love having a quiet, zone focusing camera with a low profile.
I think you’re Right On !
Thank You for your point of view :)
I'm just learning to shoot from the hip now because I've purchased an olympus mark iv where the screen flips up, making it easier to photograph unseen. I do see the challenge in it, and I feel that this type of photography is an art of itself. Hopefully, my photos will look as nice as yours soon because my style was traditionally holding the camera to my face.
Funny enough, the first camera I ever used was this old 35mm 1950s EXA camera from my dad. It had a viewfinder on top that you'd have to look into at 90 degrees, bascially meaning you'd have this camera mid chest when shooting something. Made some pretty nice photos that way when I used this!
little pre-visualization tip regarding 'what's in the frame at a certain distance'. Helps to compose without looking through the viewfinder.
The frame in your camera is 24x36mm size. So if you multiply the lens focal length by 100, you will have a life frame that is 100 times the camera frame.
Set a 35mm lens to 3.5 meter distance and the life frame at 3.5 meter distance will be 2.40x3.60 meters.
Same for a 50mm lens set to 5.0 meter distance. Or a 28mm lens set to 2.8 meter distance.
What a great tip, thank you.
Well said. It's your enjoyment and enjoyment of others in the image that matters. It's the perception of "luck" that creates the snob factor. As Gary Player used to say "The more I practice the luckier I get". Nice video.
Gary Player was a wise man!! Thank you.
Great video thanks. I shoot most of my street photography from the hip for the same reasons as you. I also like the 'dynamic' angles of the reults.
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The perspective of your photo reminds me how I used to see the world when I was a child
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Just had the same discussion with a colleague and as some people have already pointed out; it’s not about how you take the photograph or what gear you use, it’s about the final image.
Thank you for this. I was JUST walking around today doing this and it's seriously hard. You have to have a really good feel for your camera and how it sees. Plus, a solid understanding of the settings to ensure you get anything in focus.
It needs a lot of practice and concentration, but I think it’s worth it.
Some of my best street photos were when I’ve walked around NYC with my headphones in and I’m singing the songs that are the soundtrack of my life. I can escape into my own movie and I know people respond and see me as the photographer is a different way. Perhaps they think I’m a bit off, but I’m enjoying being in between two worlds and singing because it feels good.
A really helpful refresher video on the subject. Thanks for stressing that it is important that an individual photographer does what works for them.
Shooting with one wide lens, at f8, 1/500 sec , auto ISO and zone focusing has really helped
I feel quite comfortable with doing something similar to Garry Winogrand's 'idiot fumble' and shooting from waist high
Thanks John. I can’t stress that enough.
Using a Huawei P20 (not Lite) now with monochrome mode and it's easy and quick to shoot blind, a treat, cheap, the last mono sensor they used afaik so it shoots fast enough to show how birds take off, frame by frame. Camera up the face and people enter varying degrees of the "I'm on camera mode". Camera hands free, I can quickly pop pictures of a cute dog being out on a walk. Wish I was still using TLRs, great video!
Some of the great (street/documentary) photographers used and would use any technique that would bring the results in line with 'their'vision. In my view street photography and reportage has a lots of spontaneous,and unexpected... for me shooting from the'hip' makes sense (you can always use various way for different scenarios and circunmstances :)
Thanks for sharing your images and technique
I like the semi randomness and seeing the result . Hoping it gives pleasant surprises . Cheers .
Thank you
I think it's an excellent idea. When I am next out with one of my old Leicas I fully intend to use this method just to see what happens.
Great video Jeff and I completely agree with you. I shoot street "from the hip", or the belly, or using the view finder, or using the flip screen. I have stopped listening to “opinions” especially from those who believe that there is a “proper” kind of photography. Thank you for sharing your images: very inspirational.
Thanks for watching
Hi,,your photographs look fascinating.. don't pay attention to jealous people..they envy you..
Thank you
Nice discussion of techniques, especially on how to judge distance and to get used to a specific lens in order to build to vision. Thanks !
Thanks for watching 🙏
Great to know that i am not the only one who is getting problem with focusing 😂. I wish we can get more focusing method for street photography on this channel😊.
Great video sir
I’m currently working on a video which takes a deep dive into using manual focus lenses on the street.
I’ve given this - shooting from the hip - some thought in the past, but never tried it, but after this video, I’m going to give it a shot. Thanks!
My pleasure. It’s worth having a go.
I like that style very much. Thanks for sharing... good inspiration 👍😉
Thanks for watching 🙏
One of the few times where I watched a video, liked and subscribed, before the video ended and I proceeded to go to the channel to view more of your videos. Jeff & Sarah, it was great to stumble upon your videos. Thank you & Kudos. I'll probably be here as a part of a ritual to see your videos, mostly before the bell rings.
Thank you. Great to have you along 🙏🙏
Great pictures that you have used to illustrate the technique of shooting from the hip. I have done some simple street photography, the last time with a 75mm in Hanoi, which has its pros and cons. Now your video made me rethink and want to spend some time trying out (ultra)wide angle lenses shot from the "hip" and use manual zone focusing.
I always shoot from the hip and zone focus. Its one less thing to think about so i can concentrate on 'the moment'. Keep up the good work sir!
Thank you 🙏
Amazing video! I have been practicing to shoot from hip for a while, mostly I have problems with the framing but just today had a good shot from the hip!
The framing will come with experience.
I totally agree that candid shots are more easily achieved with shooting lower and not thru eye piece.
I wouldn’t agree that they are more easily achieved, that depends on the photographer.
I loved this.. and yes finally the thing that matters is the photograph you make.. how you shoot or with what you shoot are all secondary. 👍👍👍
Thank you. You are correct. 🙏
Good video. I've tried shooting from the hip but I missed all of my shots. I do like to have more control and see what my camera is seeing. Each there own way of making photos 😊
Great video.
I’ve generally considered shooting from the hip as being sneaky and honestly, kind of cowardly. (Although, paradoxically, I think of the in your face Bruce Gilden technique as incredibly rude and invasive). Your video has completely changed my mind. It seems the best way of getting properly candid shots, and it’s very skilful. Thanks for such a great explanation of the technique and the reasoning behind it. 👍🏻
Thank you. I’m glad it gave you a different perspective.
thank you for the advice, i normally shot from the eye, i will start a new topic and shoot from the hip. normally i use either 24mm or 35mm lens.
great vlog by the way 👍
Thanks very much.
Great video,some people can’t stop themselves from giving opinions on things they know a little bit about.Keep making the videos.
Thank you. Everyone is an expert these days. That’s the issue I think.
I like shooting this way and even remember waist level finder cameras.
Thank you! I can appreciate that it takes a lot of work to refine this technique, but the rewards are worth it!
Thanks for watching. It’s like anything else in life. You get out what you put in!!
I've shot this way for a number of years. I used to belong to a group of photographers in Leeds & found that when we went out a lot of the images shot from the eye were very "samey" so started shooting from the hip. I use a telephoto (travel) lens - 18-200mm at f8 & like the uncertainty of the images. Sometimes the blur or what the camera locked into. I did try to use a 50mm, but found that walking round the city or wherever i was,i found that i wanted to get different types of shots. At the moment i only get a small number of usable shots, but i enjoy the "walk & shoot" - great for positive mental & physical health.
Thanks for your comment. I like the randomness too.
interesting this comes up at this time, I just spent the afternoon locally downtown doing just this, shoot from the hip. More learning and blurry pix but did get a few keepers.