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

[Evil Pixie]

The Belle bag is TO DIE FOR!!! I'd tell Santa, but I think he would just roll his eyes. I think I'm going to have to call in the big guns and talk to Mrs. Santa.

[jenica]

i really need to work on my willy-nilly ness. ;-D
these bags look amazing!

[Jaana]

The bags are fabulous! Congrats launching your line.

[GayleV]

I loved your bags the moment I saw them last week!! SO stylish! A new bag is on my list and these are just perfect.

[Kathy Winter]

It would be a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS to get one of these gorgeous bags!

Maybe "willy-nilly" shooting will spark some new creativity in my work. I'll definitely be giving it a try.

[liz]

love, love, love the bag!! sure hope i'm the winner :)

[Kat]

I just found your blog via A Friend to Knit With. I am hope I am not too late to enter your giveaway. I would love a new camera bag for my little camera.

[Ali]

I ALWAYS shoot from the hip (that's what I call it)! Using a point and shoot - you get great shots when people aren't paying attention (removes that barrier as you said) - I also ensure that I turn off all volume! With an SLR, they hear the click, but wiht a point and shoot - you get some wonderful candid shots.

Everyone with a digi camera needs to remember "it's just ones and zeros" - like Doritos - munch all you want, they'll make more.

[Jessica]

I have never shot like that. But now I am excited to try. I have been such a slave to my light meter that I think I might crumble or burst into flame if I'm not looking at it. It's time to evolve!!! Great bags, btw!

[Crystal]

My husband likes to take pictures in exactly the same way - and sometimes he gets the shot that I miss, especially when we are in a vehicle. He will love seeing this post!

And the bags are gorgeous! I'm going to save for one - maybe by February I'll be able to get one. Good luck with your venture - I'm sure it will be successful!

[Ashley]

Such beautiful bags! I'm totally going to post about them on my own photo blog. Thanks so much!

[Suzanne]

What fantastic concepts--both the bag and the willy nilly approach to photographing. I can't wait to see more of your bags.

[Amanda {Mocking Bird}]

Love the bags, I've been waiting for something like these for a long time.
They are just gorgeous!

[Christian Jones]

I must try this! I always forget about it and also a bit nervous to try it, but I'm gonna go for it!

[Jaime]

Not sure why, but it's never occurred to me to not look through the camera. I'll have to try that.

Great bags!

[ali]

Wow- incredible bags! And as a camera happy mother of many, I need to shoot willy-nilly much more!

[marissa]

GREAT bags! I'm telling everybody I know who owns a camera!! These bags are to cameras what Namaste is to knitters.

[Sherri]

Lovely shot, and lovely bags!

[Melissa]

I shoot like this all the time! You're right...you do get a bunch of crappy shots, but every now and then you get a great one! love the bags!! :)

[Christine C]

Love, Love, Love the bags. They are gorgeous. Good luck with your new adventure.

[stacey]

LOVE the bags!!!! and your work ;)

[Stacey]

Oh my, those bags are wonderful!

[Gina]

oh how fun..shooting from the hip! woohoo!

[Laurie]

Your new camera bags are the bomb! Also just LOVE the image of you shooting.... you are so talented! Also can appreciate your sentiment about cutting out some of the "holiday must-do stuff" in order to keep your sanity. With 2 trips to the hospital in a month, I've had to do the same thing... Happy holidays, and I hope your camera bags are a huge success! If all my $ wasn't going to insurance deductibles right now, I would buy one!

[Paula]

I so need a new camera bag! fun giveaway!

[Merry]

I've been waiting for bags like these all my life. seriously. fine, fine and exciting work!

[~Kristina]

oh maile! you can't be serious. i thought i was nuts just clicking away with the camera and while i haven't yet come up with any shots that are worthy of significant mention, your image here is inspiration to keep trying.

[Heather]

I shoot that way a good 60% of the time if not more. Kids move too fast to crouch down and then catch their next move. Willy nilly rocks!

[Megan]

I love that way of shooting but when I do try it I always cut off body parts :P

[Michelle Davies]

I love shooting like this to keep the creativity fresh!

[julie chung]

Love the bags!

[greta]

I'm all ABOUT the willy nilly...my favorite technique!
It ALWAYS freaks people out though...
and I get some great expressions when they don't think I am LOOKING through the
lens at them.
Would LOVE to have one of the bags...totally awesome, sisters!

[cindy]

I love the bags! I can't pick between Lola and the turquoise one. They're all too cute. Love them all!!!

[Emily]

Finally, a nice camera bag that I'd totally buy! Love love love it!

[Mama DB]

I've already been dropping the mad hints for one of these bags with my husband. Love 'em!

[Denise]

I find willy nilly photography to be the best sometimes. Most people have no idea I am even taking a photo! It's when I get some of the best shots this way. Love your photo above and thanks for the affirmation that willy nilly is the "in" thing. Lol love the camera bags can't wait till they are available to ship!!!!! :)

[Angela]

Oh how I would love to get my hands on one of those bags!!

[Melissa R]

I love Willy Nilly it is so much fun and little kids love some of the one-eyed/one-footed blurry outtakes. When they see you not being all serious photographer lady it loosens them up too. I want that bag, seriously, I need that bag. Please, I've been a good girl this year.

[amanda]

love the bags! wishing you the best of luck in this new venture :)

[Jodyangel]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/4191697670/

I was taking a familys portraits and they really wanted a photo or two with their dogs in it. Well its easier said then done lol..but I was just messing around here checking my exposure ect while mom and dad tried to settle the pups.

I Love this little girls face as she is hugging her dog =)

[toviah]

i love when people catch you shooting willy nilly and they are startled. hee! love the bags!

[Jennifer]

Great pic! So organic! =)

Great bag! So ME! ;)

[andrea]

Never would have called it Willy Nilly, but I shoot that way a lot, especially with little ones. Love the bags they are so cute and tops on my Christmas list!

[Kath]

I shoot willy nilly out the car window (not when I'm driving - when I'm a passenger) .... I would love to win a bag ....

Kath

[Jackie J.]

Love the compo of this pic. And your bags are gorgeous! My fav is the ginger bag. :)

[curiousillusion]

Ha ha I've done that before, but my camera is set to manual focus so usually the pic is blurry.

And oooh I wanna win! :)

[georgia]

love the shot! i used to strictly shoot from about eye-level. then one day, one of my friends encouraged me to try all kinds of things. holding the camera down low to the ground. at the hip. i like to go in public and shoot willy nilly from the hip. it's fun to see what comes out. like you said... lots of crummy shots, but some great, spontaneous ones, too.

although i don't yet have the fancy camera {that could use one of your lovely bags} that i'm sure a lot of the commenters today have, i plan to keep upgrading my camera and adding new equipment as i grow and learn. so i will leave a comment for the bag anyway, as i hope to put it to good use in the near future. congrats on the launch!

[Angie]

Oh man, what a great giveaway! And I'm not good enough to shoot from the hip yet. How do you set your focus?! Thanks for this!

[Vinu]

I love love love love love your bags! And I love your photos. I like the way you experimented with it.. instead of looking thru the lenses you use the reflection on glass to capture the photo.. very interesting :)

[tiffani sunshine]

awesome outside the box image and self portrait. love that way of shooting!

BUT.....love your stylin' new bags so much I can't stand it!;-)