When most people think about improving their photography, they focus on composition rules or editing tricks. But here’s a lesser-known technique that can completely change your perspective: shooting from the hip.
This style — popular with street photographers — involves holding your camera or phone at waist level and taking photos without raising it to your eye. The results? Natural, candid, and often surprising images.
Why Shoot From the Hip?
- Candid Moments: People act more naturally when they don’t realise they’re being photographed.
- Unique Angles: Shooting lower than eye-level gives a fresh, dynamic perspective.
- More Spontaneity: You capture life as it happens, without overthinking composition.
It’s especially effective in busy urban settings, markets, or festivals where life is constantly unfolding.
How to Try It
- Use a Wide Lens – On your phone, stick to the main lens rather than zoom. This gives you more in-frame flexibility.
- Tilt Slightly Upwards – Pointing your camera up from the hip makes buildings and people look taller and more powerful.
- Shoot in Burst Mode – Since you can’t see your exact framing, bursts give you more chances to capture “the shot.”
- Don’t Worry About Perfection – Embrace the unpredictability. The slightly off-balance look is part of the charm.
Bonus Trick: Pair It With Reflections
For an extra creative twist, try shooting from the hip next to puddles, shop windows, or shiny surfaces. You’ll often capture double perspectives — what’s happening at street level and its reflection — in one spontaneous shot.
Final Thoughts
Shooting from the hip might feel odd at first, but it’s a brilliant way to capture authentic, unposed, and energetic images. It breaks you out of rigid habits and invites happy accidents — some of the most memorable photos are the ones you didn’t plan.
Want to practice creative techniques like this? Join a PicTour in Cork, Dublin, Glasgow, or Edinburgh, where we’ll help you discover new ways to see the world through your lens.
