This is a term that I just love. Not only for its gun-fighter-of-the-wild-west connotation, but for what it can literally mean, in regards to [your] photography.  Shooting from the hip can add a twist to your photography, one that shooting through the view finder cannot possibly do.
Here's what you do:
- Hold your camera at hip level;
- Point;
- Shoot;
- Try over and over again because practice makes perfect!
There's a big learning curve with shooting from the hip, but once you try this you may find that some things are best revealed when they aren't actively sought out.
You're probably asking, "What on earth do you mean, Mishelle?"
What I mean is: there is a whole world out there to discover. It's not always attainable by following the rules. There's a new plane, a new angle, a new way to discover things.  Step out of the box and shoot from the hip. You just might like what you see.
Hip Scenes from Soccer Practice
[Mishelle is the author of Secret Agent Mama and Mishelle Lane Photography. Along with her husband, four children, whom she home schools, she resides northeast Metro Atlanta.]
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What a great idea! Thanks for the tip. I'll definitely have to give this a try. Your pictures came out great.
Great tip Mish!!!! Will try tonight.. see what I can get!!
Thanks for validating my weird angles! I take them sometimes facing behind me at leg level to get right in my girls' faces while they're walking. It's so nice to get at their level rather than towering over them.
great post! You know…I have never tried this. I just might have to give it a shot.
wink wink…
so much in agreement. this is a part of the beauty of digital. shoot shoot shoot. looking through the viewfinder can all too often blind us. Just look with you eyes, see what's around and let lady luck and the camera do the rest.
I hope that you all will give this a try. It's actually quite addictive!
Oh this sounds/looks like so much fun! I'm going to try it next time I'm out. I'll keep ya posted…