willy nilly.

I didn't realize I'd been shooting like this until a client pointed it out. With disbelief, she said "You're not even looking through the camera?!" I looked down and realized that indeed she was right... I wasn't. I think it happens reflexively as a subconscious urge to subtract the camera-barrier. This way our faces can meet and interact. This photo probably isn't the greatest example because the little boy is looking away. But it demonstrates the willy-nilly approach. Of course there are tons of crappy shots that come from this roulette-wheel technique. But it's balanced by a few great ones too. And there are always angles that I would have neglected to find had I been thinking harder about it. Sometimes it's just good to give thinking a rest, no?

Do you ever shoot all willy-nilly? We'd love to see some examples and hear your thoughts! 

Also, I have a special holiday treat for you today... (and maybe a bit of a shameless plug too)! In case you haven't heard, I just launched my new website of camera bags for WOMEN! We're super excited and would love it if you clicked over to check it out at www.epiphaniebags.com! The bags are set for delivery in February, but you can purchase gift certificates now! PLUS one lucky commenter will win a free bag of their choice! Leave a comment today and you'll be entered to win! 

And if you'd like to pre-order a bag for yourself or as a gift, we're offering the Shutter Sisters community a special discount. When you check out, type in the code: SISTER and you'll receive 15% off your purchase. This is the last promo that we'll be doing until next spring. And it expires Sunday at 12:01am CST. So don't miss out!  :)

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Updated December 18th...

Using the random integer generator, THE WINNER IS CAROLYN from Silly Happy Sweet! CONGRATULATIONS! I'll be contacting you with the details. Thank you for all the comments everyone! Remember the discount code is good through Saturday!  :) Happy holidays!  

Comments

[Jenn]

I think the bags are just AMAZING—I'm inspired and covetous all at the same time!

[sebrina]

This is an awesome picture considering you weren't even looking through the viewfinder :-D

[noilyn]

yes, i've definitely shot willy nilly and some interesting shots have come out that way. i had a friend who "shot from the hip". funny and amazing results that way as well.

and, those bags... i *heart* them. finally an attractive and inconspicuous camera bag. hmmm (thinks christmas present)... i have to pass along your website to my hubby. =)

[zalaine]

I do this all the time! Always do the bird's evey view from above shot - I could make a big book with all those shots. Hey, sounds like a great idea for a book!

[Jill]

Love the blue bag!

[Marisa]

Those bags ARE awesome - it's about time someone came up with something more practical and stylish like that. I guess it is an "epiphany"!

[Darla]

These bags look great!

[Esther]

The bags are lovely - and the photo is great!

[alisa]

willy-nilly shots are some of my absolute favorites! i think they do a good job of capturing the mood of the moment. plus, it's always fun to see what you've managed to capture :)

[Szilvia]

Willy-nilly-ing is definitely a great way to create connection between you and whoever you're shooting, it's almost like shooting pool (or being an old time cowboy, shooting from the hip). As long as you feel where the focus hits you do it more and more.

I also find that it can sometimes give me a perspective and angle I otherwise might have been to clean-cut to find.

An example: In this shot I just held my camera close to the ground and this is what it saw:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sommerfugel/3999404556/

Oh, and as for the camera bags? Be still my beating heart!! I swoon over the red Lola bag, it would certainly be a step up from the plastic bag and soft hat I keep it in, in my handbag right now (I scraped together enough money to buy a used Canon 5D but couldn't afford a bag to it as my old one was too small).

Thanx for the tip! Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah!

[kylydia]

I love shooting willy-nilly. I also love the bags!

[bogwork]

I love your bags - such a fabulously fashionable way to haul around camera stuff. haven't tried the willy nilly way of shooting (just found your blog) but will give it a shot

[carole]

Oooh! Those are gorgeous!!

I do NOT shoot willy-nilly, but I think I'll play with it!

[Sarah Boutwell]

Sometimes I just have to shoot a little willy nilly...whether it's height I need for the shot, or a wall that I can't get close enough to...every now and then I think it's good to just wing it, click and see what you get! { I love Shutter Sisters, and I love the Epiphanie bags!}

[Petchy]

Love love LOVE those bags :)

Yeah I shoot willy-nilly sometimes too - it's fun!

[knitgurl]

I love your bags! What a great idea! Will keep my fingers crossed that we're both winners- me: 1 bag. You: business bonanza. Happy Holidays!

[Tonya]

Love the willy nilly approach! It may be just what I need to re-spark the photo juices that have been running slow for me recently. Thanks and good luck with your line of camera bags! They are beautiful!!

[Leslie]

Wow, that's an amazing shot! I've gotten some really cool ones by almost setting the camera on the ground and shooting a subject off in the distance. It makes for an interesting perspective! Thanks for the chance at winning an ephaphanie bag! I've been coveting one since I first saw them!

[yasmine]

=) i love this idea of 'subtracting the camera-barrier.'
and the bags are ROCKING!

[Chantelle]

I really like those bags! x Hope I win! x =)

[Jamie Wa Walker]

That is seriously amazing. You really take your pictures that way?! I am in awe! :)

[Mae Folk]

Love the bags!! What inspired the color choices?

And I am also a big fan of willy-nilly...the word and the style :-)

[Elizabeth]

Ooh so pretty!!! I'd love to have one

[jo]

i do shoot willy-nilly quite a bit. especially when we're outside and the kids are running around, sometimes i just have to stick the camera out and go for it!

[PunditMom]

These are awesome bags! And I am going to try this method -- it might free up my mind!

[Kevyn Jalone]

The bags look just beautiful. I've already pre-ordered one but would love another to give as a gift!

[Teri]

I find myself shooting like that when I am in a crowd. It is so fun to get home and download to see what I got. I also shot from the hip last Spring while I was on a back of a mule, riding the Grand Canyon. Lots of not so good stuff, but a couple of keepers.

Oh, and I love your bags. Definitely on my wish list!

[Kim Kimmel]

Awesome! Thanks

[Heather]

Wow, great bags! Love this sort of shooting from the hip. I need to give it a try more often! Thanks for the inspiration.

[Lisa]

I like the bags better than my purse!!!

[Toni | Daily Vignette]

Well, I'm order #5, but I'll take another bag!! Who couldn't use a second one, especially when they are so cool. =)

I do shoot willy nilly, but not usually with people. Mostly nature shots that I want to capture without getting out a ladder or laying on my belly to get.

[Erin]

Re: willy nilly shooting - I have tried this but always end up taking a LOT of shots to get the subject framed the way I want. Sometimes willy nilly is the only way to go, though.

Very pretty bags - they are the ultimate undercover camera bag. I like that potential camera thieves would not detect these as a camera bag. Ginger is my favorite.

[Sally Ann Sloley]

Great post. I shoot like this a lot with my kids. I let myself go one year and followed the LOMO advice "shoot from the hip". That year I shot one of my favorite series of photos of my daughter on a trampoline in Mexico. I'd never have taken those shots if I'd been staring through the viewfinder. Oh, and the bags are awesome too!

[Libertad]

Oh wow, I've never shot like that. I've got to try it! Love the bags!

[Jan]

Those bags are incredibly cute. I so want one. Maybe a birthday gift?

[Amy]

I wish you all the best for noticing a gap in the market and delivering! I think the Christmas fairies are delivering me my first DSLR and a fantastic feminine bag would truly be the icing on the cake!

[Caroline]

The bags are too cool! I would love to get one. :-)

[Louise]

Your bags are wonderful, I've been stroking my pc screen!!! Love them and just what I NEED!!

[kari]

I asked Santa for a bag gift certificate. Hope he comes through!

As for willy nilly, I have definitely gotten some lucky shots that way.

[Jade Sheldon]

Hehe... I know I have done this on occasion...

Lovely camera bags!! How thrilling it would be to have one... I may just have to let my sweetie know for Christmas ;)

[Stace]

Whenever I try taking pictures without looking, I totally miss the subject I'm aiming for. Oh well! The camera bags are gorgeous. Added to my wishlist!

[corinne]

WHAT AN AMAZING GIVEAWAY! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! XO (GOODNESSRECYCLED.BLOGSPOT.COM)

[maura]

WOW... Finally, a stunning collection of bags just for women! the colors are beautiful and they look totally stylish...whats better than a bag that doesnt scream, hey! i got thousands of dollars of equipment here!!! They are simply beautifull! I want them all!!!!!

[Shawna]

Those bags are gorgeous! Way more girlie than anything else I own, but just as practical!

[Deborah]

I love the self-portrait aspect of the picture. I think it is beautiful, as are the bags.

[Joscie]

super cute shot, and those bags.are.so.dang.cute!

[jenfoi]

Oh... I can't wait. I LOVE the red one :)

[Michelle @ One Crafty Mama]

I remember looking at your bags when you first announced you were starting this business. Good luck and thanks for a chance to win one.

I'm sure I will be buying one! Oh and as far as willy nilly......not so much.

[mika]

love love the bags!! and yes... i do shoot "willy nilly" sometimes...it's like when sarah-ji talks about shooting from the hip all of the time... can't say the results are always great, but when they are, i love it!

[Mariana Maya]

WOW! Lola has my name all over it! I think these new bags were created specifically for me!!


I Shoot willy nilly all the time! Mostly when i am shooting tiny kids and pets.