Shot from the hip

Marc Jutras · 08-30-2004

At the end of my last roll, I decided I'd try a shot from the hip (or belly as my camera was hanging from my neck (sorry if this offends any purists)). I set up exposure for the average situation, set focus to hyperfocal and checked in the viewfinder to get a good feeling of the angle of view.

I started walking on the sidewalk with my right thumb on the release, waiting for something somewhat interresting. I saw this guy in front of a restaurant and took the shot. Unfortunately, I was a bit too far and he's not big enough in the frame (I know, I could crop...). On the other hand, the shot is pretty well framed. Subject is centered and the scene is leveled pretty well considering how it was taken.

The exposure is a bit over as my subject's face is nearly washed out but there's a lot of detail in the shade.

Hyperfocal worked really well.

It's a fun technique and I'll surely give it a more serious try soon.

Rich Silfver · 08-30-2004

I must admit it's a technique I haven't tried yet...hmm...I do have a few shots left on my current roll...

And for those of you who haven't been to Marc's site - check it out. Some great work there.

Todd.Hanz · 08-30-2004

nice technique, I'll have to try that with my 35mm.

Todd

SolaresLarrave · 08-30-2004

I don't know if I'd call it a technique. It's more like a resource (something you use when everything else cannot be done). Also, doing it with a wide angle lens helps.

My first successful hipshot was done almost without aiming the camera, and managed to capture a nice view of campus in the fall. I had a 'cron 50/2 on the camera (same as yours, Richard), so it's a "veritable" miracle.

Doug · 08-30-2004

She was trimming our roses, and I wanted a low viewpoint, so just held the camera down low and winged it!

Doug · 08-30-2004

I should add on the rose-trimmer, I don't think she realized I'd snapped the picture.

This other one was sort of the opposite approach, but still not using the viewfinder; held the camera high over my head and pointed down over the counter.

Pherdinand · 08-31-2004

I shot many pictures from the hip, or actually, "from the belly". But, all of them were with a tlr

Except one:

GeneW · 08-31-2004

This one was shot from about waist level. I estimated the distance to the cashier and guessed the exposure and set both as the person in front of me was being served. I think I pressed the shutter with my thumb.

SolaresLarrave · 08-31-2004

Doug, I like the subway view...

Now... Let's share hipshots!

Here's to the citiscapes: Chicago, in the loop. Film is T-Max 100, developed as slide by dp5 labs.