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!  :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[Rene'K]

LOVE the bags!!

[PaisleyandCoopersMom]

LOVE your work Maile! Oh, and your bags are to die for! GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

[Maria]

Love this pic. Very cute capture. Love how serious he looks & how happy you look in the refelction.

[Andrea]

Those bags are so lovely! I'm quite excited. I'm also interested in trying to take photos without holding the camera to my face. I tend to only do that for self photos...

[Suzette]

Oh my, those camera bags are A-mazing! I want one so bad! Love the willy nilly idea too! I am going to stop worrying so luch and just snap away willy nilly!!

[Baylee Brown]

I love your photography and your new camera bags! so gorgeous! :)

[margie]

Throwing my hat in the ring for a chance to win one of your fabulous bags!! Looks like a great multi-use bag to me. Thanks for your generosity!!

[suep]

HEY! I love that separated from your camera thing!
that is my big 'separation' from my subject. the camera is always in the way. no longer! thanks.
and i can hardly wait for the bags. i so want a girl camera bag!
thanks!!
sue

[Teresa]

Your bags are so great! Especially love that Belle :)

[SJ]

Love the bags. What a fantastic idea!

[Cat]

I found your link through "A Friend to Knit with"'s blog! I love any kind of bag, really, and I think it's great that you created this line!

[Kat]

Pretty bags and pretty photo!

[summer]

I call it shooting from the hip and have really been working on it...I love it...this photo is so great!
also...I think I might pee my pants if I won a bag like one of these...my lens just broke because I carried it in my purse one too many times..eek.

[Brandi]

I've never shot nilly-willy before. I'll have to try it and see what I come up with. I like that you are able to have more interaction with your subject that way. BTW, love the new bag collection! I'd love to add one to MY collection!

[kendall.micayla]

that kid cant get any cuter! he is adorable!

[Dee Sutton]

BIrthday tomorrow, christmas in days, anniversary the day after. Either bag on all wish lists.

[Suvarna]

Your bags are so stylish, finally someone who gets a girls need for practicality and style. :-)
I love to shoot willy nilly and do so often, some of my best (and worst) photos are shot that way.

here are a couple from the archives

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10751420@N07/3912428807/in/dateposted/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10751420@N07/2997730519/in/dateposted/

[LisaL]

Of course, I shoot willy-nilly! All day, everyday! I've caught some incredible memories that way. Started because my children grew up constantly moving all over the world. I wanted them to be able to have photos to ground their lives in the various stages after they were grown. And it has----

[Emma Case]

I love willy nilly....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25769838@N03/4144104129/

[Rachel]

I love the the reflection in this shot and his expression. I haven't done too much shooting willy-nilly, but it looks like fun.

[Meg]

WOW! I just got a Nikon D3000 for Christmas! Could this girl be so lucky to get an AMAZING bag to go with it? I hope so!!!

[Kellee]

Sometimes it is also nice to give your knees a rest!! :)

I don't typically shoot this way, but sometimes. I believe these were both captured with the "willy nilly" style:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/booyacakel/3468153705/in/set-72157615816233344/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/booyacakel/3569939017/in/set-72157615816233344/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/booyacakel/3469077285/

[Nancy McKee]

I love your site. I will definately put on my favorites and explore some more!

[IleneBrowning23]

One knows that life seems to be very expensive, however people need cash for different stuff and not every man earns big sums money. Thence to receive quick <a href="http://lowest-rate-loans.com/topics/business-loans">business loans</a> and small business loan should be a correct way out.

[KathrynVILLARREAL22]

Following my own monitoring, thousands of persons all over the world receive the <a href="http://lowest-rate-loans.com">loan</a> from well known banks. Hence, there is a good possibility to receive a small business loan in every country.

[jordan shoes]

I have to move through it slowly like wading in the shallows of the sea. Baby steps. Baby steps.Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article

[marday]

<a href="http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-dior-watches_c1216" title=" Dior watches replica "> Dior watches replica </a>
<a href="http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-ebel-watches_c1163" title=" Ebel watches replica "> Ebel watches replica </a>
<a href="http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-girardperregaux-watches_c1171" title=" Girard-Perregaux watches replica "> Girard-Perregaux watches replica </a>
<a href="http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-hublot-watches_c1211" title=" Hublot watches replica "> Hublot watches replica </a>
<a href="http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-iwc-watches_c1091" title=" IWC watches replica "> IWC watches replica </a>
<a href=" http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-jaegerlecoultre-watches_c1153" title=" Jaeger-LeCoultre watches replica "> Jaeger-LeCoultre watches replica </a>
<a href=" http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-omega-watches_c1076" title=" omega watches replica "> omega watches replica </a>
<a href=" http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-panerai-watches_c1068" title=" Panerai watches replica "> Panerai watches replica </a>
<a href=" http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-parmigiani-fleurier-watches_c1188" title=" Parmigiani Fleurier watches replica "> Parmigiani Fleurier watches replica </a>
<a href=" http://www.replica-watches-onsale.com/Wholesale-patek-philippe-watches_c1082" title=" Patek Philippe watches replica "> Patek Philippe watches replica </a>