These photos are outstanding and by the looks of it the younger ladies aren’t wearing the bowlers as much so these photos are a record of a unique cultural detail that may be disappearing. Well done!
I love this technique. I've been using it for a few years now. To get sharper photos while walking, if you have a modern Android phone, go into PRO mode in your camera app and set the shutter speed to 1/500, with auto ISO. I'm not sure about iPhones. I gave a talk to my photography club one night to show how unobtrusive this technique was, and it was well received. :)
@@rileyphotos A natural looking photo done respectfully. Well, that leaves Bruce Gilden out. Seriously, that guy is a pet peeve of mine. We are free pretty much to take photographs anywhere in public in the USA, even generally private property that is open to the public as a rule, but people like Gilden (and those that mimic him like Trevor Wisecup) are likely to ruin that in future. I wonder what even the point is when it obviously looks so unnatural, one of the photographers from the 1930s said people noticing she took a photo ruined it, she called it bruising the scene. But Gilden, getting right in someone's face and setting that flash off, is just rude for a cheap, gimmicky shot and it startles people particularly some of the elderly.
I've seen most of the comments on this video And I must say there's a lot of sour grapes out there , (Oh that Photography been going for years ) Give the man some credit his images are amazing , Well Done Elliot👍
This is a great technique which I have been trying myself for a couple of years. If I want vertical shots, I sometimes put the phone to my ear and take shots but it does take a while to adjust the angle correctly. It helps to check the way you’re holding the camera by looking at yourself in a store window.
Wow, this is a great idea, photographs when you’re on the phone. I love it, I gotta go out and make a video trying this out, way to go my Falmouth friend (I take it that’s Penryn in Falmouth?) Video on its way, I love that idea 👏👏👏👏
@@rileyphotos Of course. Although you will have to go really down on my Instagram for those shots. Not that I haven't been taking photos, but I just haven't been posting in the feed for few months now, limited only in Stories. I can send those over for you to check.
Oh geez. I don't know what I expected but I read the description of the video first and lmao. Everyone has been doing this for years, and did it with zone focus for many decades prior.
Thanks for your comments. It would be good to hear more comments about the photographs on a photography channel but with regards to the technique, the point is people have been shooting cameras from the hip since the box brownie in the 1920’s, but these were taken on an iPhone, held sideways by the thigh, shooting using the volume button. Walking one way and shooting the other, and then post processing into jaw dropping monochrome. Not sure iPhones have been used like this for decades but if they have then my apologies, I haven’t seen it myself. Thanks for watching, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos Imagine you've never heard of this channel, and youtube throws it up. You read the description you've attached. Then you watch the video... and the most amazing revolutionary street portrait trick from the last 40 years etc etc... is hip shooting an iPhone with the volume button. Would you ever return to the channel?
Yeah, point taken, I did think that pictures of this standard from an iphone would seriously be of interest. For me it's always pictures first. I'm a successful pro photographer and have been for over 40 years, shooting worldwide, Dubai, London and Barcelona pre Christmas, just preparing for Helsinki and Oregon shoots, so I've been around the block a few times, seen a lot of photographs, especially when I was picture editing in newspapers, but hey thats just my opinion of these documentary iphone images. My channel is all about the photographs, I'm not a technical junkie, never have been, and I certainly will be giving Elliot's walk by shooting technique a go when I'm out with my phone, it's a new one on me. That said, I realise that for many the physics and technicalities of cameras and shooting are what fires them up, and for them, I'm really not the right channel. But I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to view my video, even if it wasn't the right fit for you, and wish you every success with your photography going forward. We can't all agree on what we like but that's just what makes photography so great; there are no right and wrong answers. If anyone ever tells you that you're wrong, then they don't really get it; what's right for one is wrong for another. Photography is subjective, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and long may that continue, that's why I love it. Thanks again and good luck, best wishes. Phil
This is actually not _that_ new. I did this kind of photography some 40 years ago with small 35mm automatic compact cameras (first a Minolta Hi-Matic F, later a Minolta CLE). Carrying the camera casually in your hand on hip height and pointing it to your motif. Worked like a charm, but was much more costly, since, well, film, and there were much less truly good pictures (maybe 2 or 3 per film, and film was expensive, thus max 2 films per day). With a smartphone, the chance to get really good photos is much larger, since you can machine gun and take hundreds of photos with zero cost in a few minutes. That was not possible 40 years ago. But that technique, in principle, was known and done.
Well done for discovering it early on, you should have shared it with the world. It’s the first time I’ve seen street photography done like this and I’ve been a pro over 40 years myself. I’ll definitely be giving it a go. 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos Well, there was no Internet that time, not even Email. Sharing with the World was much more difficult, for normal humans practically impossible that time. But I know, that I was not the only one who found that out, I can remember reading an article or two on that approach to street photography in the 90s in photography magazines. Also, in (most of) continental Europe, you wouldn't be able to publish those photos today, since you don't have the consent to do so of the people shown on those pictures.
I think we've all tried that at some stage or other, maybe not using a phone but give the guy some credit. These are fantastic shots! It just shows that you don't need the latest and greatest camera for travel. Mind you iPhones aren't cheap 😱 .
I too did this many years ago when I bought my first Olympus XA - 1979 I think. The touch shutter button and almost silent shutter was what enabled it even indoors. I used to roam NYC with it and have lots of nice shots on Tri X and Ektachrome film. I still do so some of this with my Nikon and the remote release on my phone - I've even modified a carrying case to hide the camera. I can put it on my front, sides, or even behind me while setting up the shot. @@rileyphotos
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. So many comments have been fired at the shooting technique, and so it's great to hear from someone appreciating how good these images were. I honestly don't think he would have got anything like these images without the way he worked and managed his shooting style on location to produce such natural shots. Thank you again for highlighting the most important bit - The Photographs, Many thanks. Phil 😀😀
The technique for sure is not new and been used by many to capture their shots, as many commented. But we have to give credit where credit is due. Good light, texture, mood, beautiful composition, use of layering and perspectives are all there in Elliot's photos that photographers aspire to achieve in every shot. It's not just the technique, gears and knowing, but the "seeing" that failed many of us. Great works and thanks for sharing. 👏👏😍
Thank you so much for these comments Edward, it’s lovely to see someone comment with such a holistic perspective who focuses on the images created. I truly appreciate it, thank you 😊 😊
u can raise a TLR to eye level & w/ lenses pointing 90deg sideways , then focus normally. Can use an angle finder on SLR, stay low, point sideways or both. Works better w/ mid or longer tele so people don't easily spot u r orientation .
@@rileyphotos perfect timing since I just got back from a festival with a full frame camera. Impossible to hide. However going to find something smaller for street again
I hadn't heard about the term "shoot from the hip" but the exact same idea came to my mind a few weeks ago, I got a Sony rx1 to explore street photography and I saw the shutter button has a thread for a cable release , and that camera doesn't make any noise , so I am able to walk around with the camera attached to a belt holster.
Alan Schaller has gotten so used to a particular focal length lens that he can picture what is in front of the camera without having to look through the view finder and thus is able to take truly candid shots at close distances without people realizing and reacting.
I have done this with my DSLR by leaving the camera hanging at my side and using the camera connect app to show the image and take the shot. I wish the connection was better.
I will be travelling to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Santiago in April. Will use this technique with my R5/40mm pancake lens at waist level on a strap in my right hand and a remote shutter release concealed in my left. I'm sure I will get some good ones. Love the B&W treatment on these and will do the same.
Creo que vas a tener una gran diferencia, la tecnica, de por si, como dijo el colega no es nueva, son las "tipicas fotos robadas" que las camaras pequeñas (me recuerdo la Rollei) siempre existio. El logro principal de las fotos aqui logradas son por un lado el Sujeto. Solo lo vas a encontrar en Bolivia y en particular en el altiplano. Y lo segundo, no se cuantas fotos tiro pero estas que se muestran son excepcionales, sin trepidacion y con un encuadre y un OJO envidiable. Suerte con tu viaje pero preparate para ver otro tipo de gente. MAs europea (Buenos Aires), muy de pescadores (y miles de turistas britanicos) (Ushuaia) y segun donde vayas a Santiago (supongo Chile) gente comun, quiza en las ferias comunales encuentres algun estereotipo parecido (+/-) a estas exquisitas street Photos. Para Ushuaia te recomiendo gran angular y teles grandes (pero cuida la espalda pues las caminatas son exigentes).
If you own a small Fujifilm with an unconspicious lens, you can do something similar. I did it in Barcelona last year: Put a screw-in shutter button to your camera, hold the camera at hip's height and release the shutter with the palm of your thumb!
Love the images. Just great images !!! I hate using phone cameras. I do this with a small mirrorless, by shooting from the hip. It's not as stealthy, but better than holding the camera to my face
I love this set of pictures and what a great technique. I don’t mind getting spotted when you are front on as it results in interesting facial expressions. I am yet to be confronted, but it will probably happen one day.
He has some very nice images. I am sure the failure rate is high but you only need a few goods ones to tell the story. it is a way to get great candid images on the street. I have used this techneque with a point and shoot camera for a number of years when I am in an area I feel needs this method of photography. I prefer to engage the subject straight on and interact with them if only briefly. I have never been denied the opportunity to take someone's picture when asked. When in a foreign land the words I make sure I learn in their language is Hello " My I take your picture please" and thank you. It seems to work really well.
@@rileyphotos I just have a cheap one that I bought in Amazon. I never used it like this but I thought it might work and people won’t see your finger moving on the volume button
Very nice. I've done something similar using my Nikon, I just hold the camera to the side and just take shots naturally walking about. When it comes to cellphones... Did I hear that in Japan all phone-cameras are now required to make a "shutter" sound to battle public photos, or at least making the strangers aware a photo has been taken?
Forgetting to take your camera, we’ve all been there, it’s amazing how you can still get quality images with your cell phone when you put your mind to it, hope you got some great photos 👍🏻😁
I like this idea! I try and look nonchalant while taking shots with my X Pro but I can never quite seem to be nonchalant enough! Plus the shutter sound is quite a give away. Phones are so ubiquitous they are most often ignored and within certain parameters my 15 Pro Max produces images which realistically rival anything I get from my mirrorless. Nice one 😀
I do shoot from the hip with my xpro3 and if you switch to electronic shutter (xpro allows that) you may disable shutter sound completely (I do not like it) and go stealth (also increase max shutter speed to 1/8000 when compared to mechanical shutter which is 1/4000). I’ve done this with my iPhone for several time with cool results for the same reasons as mentioned. I can get more natural shots with my iPhone but I still prefer fewer shots and the experience of my xpro3 shooting from the hip in hyperfocal mode with manual lenses. My favorite at this moment is the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4. I use it mostly at f/8 which covers from 0.8mt to infinite and 17mm on a crop sensor as mine is equivalent to almost 26mm on full frame. Is pretty decent as composition I get the subject and the environment which helps as a documentary or story telling.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. Yes I agree, it would be possible to take the shots with a camera, but I don’t believe it would be possible to go as unnoticed and get such unguarded natural shots with a camera around your neck or on your shoulder. People would see it and be aware of it in my opinion. I’d love to be proved wrong though! Is there anywhere we can see the shots, are they online? Cheers Phil
@@rileyphotoshi Phil! I'm working on a new website currently. Trying to get everything off of social and into a realm I can control. Unfortunately, there's nothing to look at currently. The shots in your video are beautiful and very difficult to get for sure. I was working with people that knew I was always with-camera, so even if they did see the cam they may have just disregarded my presence. I would sling the camera over my right shoulder and let it hang to my side. The sleeve of my jacket would mostly hide the camera, and it helped that I always wore black. From there, I could casually reach down and trigger a shot from the extended battery pack on my Nikon. Anyway, I enjoyed your video, and keep it up! Subscribing, thanks!
I’m not sure, I’ll have to send a few off to print and see, although the Apple ads I see in cities show images printed pretty big. Watch this space, might try another video to see.
Thank you for your comments. There was obviously a fair amount of post processing but only using traditional darkroom techniques, that is to say, the were take on an iPhone as regular colour photos. Then in Photoshop, they were de-saturated to black and white, brightness and contrast adjusted and the dodge and burn tools used to heighten and darken areas. No ai and no cloning or cut and paste. Hope that helps, cheers Phil
Amazing, Amazing imagery!… By any chance was the Photographer wearing any form of body bracing with the iPhone mounted to it?… Also, was the Photographer using the default iPhone camera software, or any specialized 3rd party camera software to take these amazing B+W images and how was he using a remote trigger as to not be seen taking the images?
The phone was just held sideways in his hand by his pocket, and triggered using the volume button in the side of the phone as the shutter release button. No snazzy software, just iPhone set to jpeg. Thanks for watching 😁😁
Wow!… I’m amazed at the sheer quality of captured images… at least the Photographer should seriously consider Photography as a 2nd Professional career and he certainly has an eye for composition and especially telling a story with each image…
What do you think about the idea of having a small compact camera in your hand, you can have a remote app on your phone to operate the shutter via your phone. So you are looking at your phone to see what the camera sees without holding the camera up ?
I think it’s a great idea Andrew, I’m going to shoot another video using that system and I’m also going to try pairing the phone to a smart watch and framing and firing through the watch. Watch this space! Thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it 👍🏻😃
The iPhone was on auto mode with picture quality on jpeg. Taken as regular colour shots then de-saturated in Photoshop with added darkroom style dodging and burning. No cut outs, layers, masks, Ai or cloning stamps were used. Just good old fashioned darkroom techniques, contrast, levels and Dodge and Burn. We thought about doing a follow up video showing the process of taking and post production. If anyone would like to see that let us know 😁😁
Great idea .... I may try to use camera remote control with the camera cradled in my folded arm and hands appearing to be in front holding a map/book .. Thanks
Man, I really dig these. Wonderful post work too, obviously they weren't all shot perfectly like this. He's done a great job of cropping and editing. But man - I can't help thinking that if I tried this, all it takes is one person that was hip to it, and I would quickly become a target of mob violence, LOL
I assume that the photos have been cropped but yes, they capture people as they naturally are in a way normal photos can't. Just seeing the camera or phone pointed at you makes you react differently.
You’re right there Paul, I couldn’t agree more. A lot of comments haven’t been able to get past the ‘shooting from the hip’ element but the technique is more than that, which you have clearly spotted. It’s about not appearing to point the phones camera at anyone, and walking past so as not to appear to be taking photos at all. That is the key to the natural documentary look. Thank you for watching, We really appreciate it 😊😊
Thank you Paul, that’s exactly the problem with asking so when he wanted natural poses he chose this method. Thank you for noticing that, not so many folks have seen it in the images, I appreciate you picking it up, bravo 👏👏
Are these raw files from the iPhone? What setting on the iPhone and what year is the phone. The detail and tonal range in these photographs are fantastic. I imagine that he shot wide and then cropped and rotated the image to align and straighten out the composition. Correct?
The photos were not taken in RAW, but he did switch from native apple codec to Jpeg. They were shot on an iPhone 12 Pro Max or was it the 13?? I think the 12. Images were captured as standard colour images and then desaturated in post production, a combination of Adobe RAW and Photoshop. It’s great that Adobe RAW works with JPEGs, I use it a lot. All the re-cropping was done in Photoshop at the end. Of course iPhones are great in bright sunlight, and these shots were taken in high sun, so the camera coped admirably, it’s low light when they struggle a little with moving subjects. Thanks for your comments, we really appreciate it.😊😊
It's so obvious, and I am sure some are doing it, but maybe less of the "photographers" are doing this. Great job! It seems like more regular photography has informed many of the choices?
Now shooting from the hip isn’t new, we’ve been doing that since box brownies, but the technique is more than that, it’s using a phone not a camera, it’s holding it in the hand like you are carrying it, it’s shooting as you walk by looking in a different direction and it’s using the volume button to activate the shutter. Give it a go, you might be surprised
No, as long as people are in public places, you can photograph them, there is no copyright on people. Obvs disclaimer, this does not constitute legal advise, check it out yourself, but that’s as I understand it.
I tether my 5D MK IV to my phone and use facial recognition, and operate the camera from the phone. Then I can hold and point my camera anywhere and it looks like I'm looking at my phone, which, of course I am.
It’s not so much shooting from the hip, it’s the fact that he did is as he walked past without looking. You’re right, shooting from the hip has been around since the waist level viewfinder, but even with that, you point the camera towards someone, and they see you taking the picture. The new technique for me, is having the camera at right angles to disarm the subject.
@@rileyphotos I get the gist of the comment you replied to. It´s nothing new. Lots of people with smartphones have done this already. I´ve done this. How long have we had smartphones with reasonable cameras?
I so appreciate what you've discovered! It's exciting and sometimes a bit nerving. As you've shown us, it's doable! I do the same thing! At functions, the doctor's office ... Practically Everywhere! Some wonder if I'm taking pictures and try to look at your phone.! What to do is press the power button discretely and quickly, with normal motion. Turn the phone so they see the screen and relax. Especially with those who hate getting their picture taken! Pretend you're doing something, anything on the phone and turn the camera back on... Even video recording! The more you practice, the better it gets! Then discretely, Have Fun! Lol! Thanks, Elliot! And Rileyphotos!
Thanks Joe, I’m a huge fan of Allen’s work, top drawer street photography. This technique was about how to hold a phone in a way that didn’t draw attention to the photographer, so 35mm shooting isn’t quite the same point I was making, but I get your drift. Thanks for the watch and comment, really do appreciate it 👍🏻
Yes of course, his IG account is @_vintage_vantage_ (The lines are underscores). Elliot loves film photography and his IG is all film. Interestingly, his street portraits with cameras are all with interaction with the subject. He talks to them and then asks for a photo. The South America project was his first venture into documentary. Photography. Hope you like his film images, and thanks for watching and commenting, we really do appreciate it 😁😁
Yes your right Phil, hip shooting is one part of the technique and of course that’s not new, it’s been around since the box brownie. But for me, what is new, is coupling it with using an iPhone , holding the iPhone in your hand with fingers spread around like you are carrying it, walking at right angles to the subject, looking one way and shooting another, and using the volume button as a shutter release. It’s a combination of elements that I believe added together that allowed him to capture these great documentary images. Thanks for watching Phil, and for commenting, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻
I’d have to politely disagree. Shooting from the hip is not new of course, photographers have been doing that since the box brownie. But using a phone, holding it in your hand at your side as though you are carrying it, using the volume button to release the shutter, shooting in the opposite direction while walking past, and doing all of this with a wide lens, so that you are no more than three feet from a subject, well I haven’t seen that before, but if you’ve been doing it yourself then bravo, you have my compliments. Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated 👍🏻
Great photos. Really excellent ! I know how difficult it is to take photos in Bolivia (La Pas). I have been there in 2015. If thy are aware of you presents and see you camera, they start hiding their faces behind their hands or any thing else. They even get angry at your just for trying. Fortunately al my photos are lost because I was robbed end of the day. I wonder what camera and lens you used. I guess a 28 on a Q2?
Nice stuff, but a warning. In some places in the world holding a phone like that will introduce to being a victim of robbery. Just be aware of where you are before attempting.
That’s good advice, thanks for letting us know. The really odd thing about that though, is Norway has some amazingly good Street photographers online. 🤔
Elliot isn’t a pro photographer like his dad, he’s an industrial designer by trade. Photography for him is a hobby, so he doesn’t have a TH-cam channel or a website, but he does have an Instagram account dedicated to film photography called _vintage_vantage_ . Saying that, after seeing these pictures, I’m thinking he should launch a photography career 📷😁
In late 80's I used an electronic cable release screwed into shutter of mf slr, 28mm or 24->35 zoom, film usually XP1/2 or HP5. w/ rt hand grabbing (pre- focused) lens&body cable inside rt arm shirt sle__, triggered by left hand. film advance noise not that noticable in a city. Could not do same w/ af film camera since 1994, because of lag of cable connec Smart phone trigger & digital cam appeared only decades later. p.s. I no longer do it. BBBBBut can trigger a small aps-c turned up-side-down !!!!!!! Switch to e-shutter to kill noise. Well. may be one of these days...... start w/ subways.
Absolutely brilliant. Beautiful photos, well done Elliot.
These photos are outstanding and by the looks of it the younger ladies aren’t wearing the bowlers as much so these photos are a record of a unique cultural detail that may be disappearing. Well done!
That’s a very good point. Thank you for watching a commenting, we appreciate it 😄😄
I love this technique. I've been using it for a few years now. To get sharper photos while walking, if you have a modern Android phone, go into PRO mode in your camera app and set the shutter speed to 1/500, with auto ISO. I'm not sure about iPhones.
I gave a talk to my photography club one night to show how unobtrusive this technique was, and it was well received. :)
Great advice for the android users, thank you
@@rileyphotos A natural looking photo done respectfully. Well, that leaves Bruce Gilden out. Seriously, that guy is a pet peeve of mine. We are free pretty much to take photographs anywhere in public in the USA, even generally private property that is open to the public as a rule, but people like Gilden (and those that mimic him like Trevor Wisecup) are likely to ruin that in future. I wonder what even the point is when it obviously looks so unnatural, one of the photographers from the 1930s said people noticing she took a photo ruined it, she called it bruising the scene.
But Gilden, getting right in someone's face and setting that flash off, is just rude for a cheap, gimmicky shot and it startles people particularly some of the elderly.
even works on my 3yrs-old Huawei (
The photos were fantastic and they had to be in black and white to give it this effect,brilliant. Thanks for sharing.
My son is a monochrome fanatic; and you’re right, it really adds to these images. Thanks for watching and commenting, we really appreciate it 😁😁
I've seen most of the comments on this video And I must say there's a lot of sour grapes out there , (Oh that Photography been going for years ) Give the man some credit his images are amazing , Well Done Elliot👍
Thank you so much, I can’t tell you how much your comment means, thank you 😊
This is a great technique which I have been trying myself for a couple of years. If I want vertical shots, I sometimes put the phone to my ear and take shots but it does take a while to adjust the angle correctly. It helps to check the way you’re holding the camera by looking at yourself in a store window.
Wow, this is a great idea, photographs when you’re on the phone. I love it, I gotta go out and make a video trying this out, way to go my Falmouth friend (I take it that’s Penryn in Falmouth?) Video on its way, I love that idea 👏👏👏👏
I like the tones of the monochrome, the processing is excellent.
Thank you for your kind comment 😀
I been doing this for last 10 or more years. I even did this using small Point and Shoot basic cameras. Without looking into the screen.
That sounds great, where can we see the pictures? Are they online at all 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos Of course. Although you will have to go really down on my Instagram for those shots.
Not that I haven't been taking photos, but I just haven't been posting in the feed for few months now, limited only in Stories.
I can send those over for you to check.
I love candid photography. Great subjects and lighting. B&W fitting too.
Thanks so much!
Great video; stunning images. Thank you!
Very enjoyable…great idea and I like the black and white .
Thank you for your kind comment , we really appreciate that 😊😊
Absolutely stunning pictures.
Glad you like them!
Given me ideas for street photography. Thanks
Go for it!
I found this technique to be particularly useful for taking shots of people in the subway. My best street shots were taken this way with my iPhone
Oh geez. I don't know what I expected but I read the description of the video first and lmao. Everyone has been doing this for years, and did it with zone focus for many decades prior.
Thanks for your comments. It would be good to hear more comments about the photographs on a photography channel but with regards to the technique, the point is people have been shooting cameras from the hip since the box brownie in the 1920’s, but these were taken on an iPhone, held sideways by the thigh, shooting using the volume button. Walking one way and shooting the other, and then post processing into jaw dropping monochrome. Not sure iPhones have been used like this for decades but if they have then my apologies, I haven’t seen it myself. Thanks for watching, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos Imagine you've never heard of this channel, and youtube throws it up. You read the description you've attached. Then you watch the video... and the most amazing revolutionary street portrait trick from the last 40 years etc etc... is hip shooting an iPhone with the volume button. Would you ever return to the channel?
Yeah, point taken, I did think that pictures of this standard from an iphone would seriously be of interest. For me it's always pictures first. I'm a successful pro photographer and have been for over 40 years, shooting worldwide, Dubai, London and Barcelona pre Christmas, just preparing for Helsinki and Oregon shoots, so I've been around the block a few times, seen a lot of photographs, especially when I was picture editing in newspapers, but hey thats just my opinion of these documentary iphone images. My channel is all about the photographs, I'm not a technical junkie, never have been, and I certainly will be giving Elliot's walk by shooting technique a go when I'm out with my phone, it's a new one on me. That said, I realise that for many the physics and technicalities of cameras and shooting are what fires them up, and for them, I'm really not the right channel. But I'd like to say thank you for taking the time to view my video, even if it wasn't the right fit for you, and wish you every success with your photography going forward. We can't all agree on what we like but that's just what makes photography so great; there are no right and wrong answers. If anyone ever tells you that you're wrong, then they don't really get it; what's right for one is wrong for another. Photography is subjective, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and long may that continue, that's why I love it. Thanks again and good luck, best wishes. Phil
Wonderful technique producing such natural images.
Thank you so much 😀
This is actually not _that_ new. I did this kind of photography some 40 years ago with small 35mm automatic compact cameras (first a Minolta Hi-Matic F, later a Minolta CLE). Carrying the camera casually in your hand on hip height and pointing it to your motif. Worked like a charm, but was much more costly, since, well, film, and there were much less truly good pictures (maybe 2 or 3 per film, and film was expensive, thus max 2 films per day). With a smartphone, the chance to get really good photos is much larger, since you can machine gun and take hundreds of photos with zero cost in a few minutes. That was not possible 40 years ago. But that technique, in principle, was known and done.
Well done for discovering it early on, you should have shared it with the world. It’s the first time I’ve seen street photography done like this and I’ve been a pro over 40 years myself. I’ll definitely be giving it a go. 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos Well, there was no Internet that time, not even Email. Sharing with the World was much more difficult, for normal humans practically impossible that time.
But I know, that I was not the only one who found that out, I can remember reading an article or two on that approach to street photography in the 90s in photography magazines.
Also, in (most of) continental Europe, you wouldn't be able to publish those photos today, since you don't have the consent to do so of the people shown on those pictures.
I think we've all tried that at some stage or other, maybe not using a phone but give the guy some credit. These are fantastic shots!
It just shows that you don't need the latest and greatest camera for travel. Mind you iPhones aren't cheap 😱
.
I too did this many years ago when I bought my first Olympus XA - 1979 I think. The touch shutter button and almost silent shutter was what enabled it even indoors. I used to roam NYC with it and have lots of nice shots on Tri X and Ektachrome film. I still do so some of this with my Nikon and the remote release on my phone - I've even modified a carrying case to hide the camera. I can put it on my front, sides, or even behind me while setting up the shot. @@rileyphotos
Haha, you’re right about the price of iPhones! Thank you for your kind comments on the photos, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻😁
Very nice, deserve a subscription thumb. Please make more content on the street photography
Excellent captures. The framing is amazing.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. So many comments have been fired at the shooting technique, and so it's great to hear from someone appreciating how good these images were. I honestly don't think he would have got anything like these images without the way he worked and managed his shooting style on location to produce such natural shots. Thank you again for highlighting the most important bit - The Photographs, Many thanks. Phil 😀😀
Absolutely gorgeous imagery and so unconventional
Outstanding photos, the techniques although not new , but works perfectly
Thanks, we appreciate that 😁😁
Wonderful photos.
Many thanks!
The technique for sure is not new and been used by many to capture their shots, as many commented. But we have to give credit where credit is due. Good light, texture, mood, beautiful composition, use of layering and perspectives are all there in Elliot's photos that photographers aspire to achieve in every shot. It's not just the technique, gears and knowing, but the "seeing" that failed many of us. Great works and thanks for sharing. 👏👏😍
Thank you so much for these comments Edward, it’s lovely to see someone comment with such a holistic perspective who focuses on the images created. I truly appreciate it, thank you 😊 😊
Agreed, brilliant idea & better execution
Thank you so much 😊 😊
Great idea and spin on the waist level pics shot with twin lens reflex cameras of yesteryear. Good work mate!!!
Thank you, that’s much appreciated 😁😁
u can raise a TLR to eye level & w/ lenses pointing 90deg sideways , then
focus normally. Can use an angle finder on SLR, stay low, point sideways or both.
Works better w/ mid or longer tele so people don't easily spot u r orientation .
fantastic images !!
Thank you, he’ll be really happy with the feedback, thank you 😃😃
Now that is fantastic!
Thank you so much 😊
Great photos
Thank you! Cheers!
@@rileyphotos perfect timing since I just got back from a festival with a full frame camera. Impossible to hide. However going to find something smaller for street again
Amazingly good images. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Alan, that’s very kind of you, and thank you for watching 😊😊
I use a similar but different technique. It requires some subterfuge but it's kosher.
nicely done ! I'll have to put that one in my tool kit. Thanks !!
You’re welcome, and thank you for watching, we really appreciate it 😄😄
Very inspiring video and striking photo's. Looking forward to follow ups and giving it go. New sub here. Thanks
Awesome, thank you!
I hadn't heard about the term "shoot from the hip" but the exact same idea came to my mind a few weeks ago, I got a Sony rx1 to explore street photography and I saw the shutter button has a thread for a cable release , and that camera doesn't make any noise , so I am able to walk around with the camera attached to a belt holster.
Sounds great, I hope you enjoy, let us know if you post your results. We’d love to see them 👍🏻
Alan Schaller has gotten so used to a particular focal length lens that he can picture what is in front of the camera without having to look through the view finder and thus is able to take truly candid shots at close distances without people realizing and reacting.
I have done this with my DSLR by leaving the camera hanging at my side and using the camera connect app to show the image and take the shot. I wish the connection was better.
I have done many 'shoot from the hip' photos with my pocket camera. Now I'm going to try my cell phone. Thanks for the informative video!
Your welcome, enjoy the cell phone shoot, let us know how you got on 👍🏻😁
Just love these!
Thank you so much Terri 😁😁
I do this with my iPhone on my belt clip and I used the Apple Watch to snap the shutter with the Camera Remote app, it works like a charm!
That sounds like a great idea, I’m going to try that, thank you 😁
I'm surprised that you don't have more likes! Brilliant find/discovery. Thanks for sharing ❤
Wow, thank you!
so inspiring!
Thank you, we really appreciate you saying that 😊😊
Stellar. Thank you
That’s very kind of you, 😁😁 cheers
I will be travelling to Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and Santiago in April. Will use this technique with my R5/40mm pancake lens at waist level on a strap in my right hand and a remote shutter release concealed in my left. I'm sure I will get some good ones. Love the B&W treatment on these and will do the same.
Sounds like a great set up, I hope you get some cracking shots, 👍🏻😁
Creo que vas a tener una gran diferencia, la tecnica, de por si, como dijo el colega no es nueva, son las "tipicas fotos robadas" que las camaras pequeñas (me recuerdo la Rollei) siempre existio. El logro principal de las fotos aqui logradas son por un lado el Sujeto. Solo lo vas a encontrar en Bolivia y en particular en el altiplano. Y lo segundo, no se cuantas fotos tiro pero estas que se muestran son excepcionales, sin trepidacion y con un encuadre y un OJO envidiable. Suerte con tu viaje pero preparate para ver otro tipo de gente. MAs europea (Buenos Aires), muy de pescadores (y miles de turistas britanicos) (Ushuaia) y segun donde vayas a Santiago (supongo Chile) gente comun, quiza en las ferias comunales encuentres algun estereotipo parecido (+/-) a estas exquisitas street Photos. Para Ushuaia te recomiendo gran angular y teles grandes (pero cuida la espalda pues las caminatas son exigentes).
Brilliant! Such a creative leap forward, and triggered by a broken camera! What a silver lining.
Thank you very much! 😊😊
If you own a small Fujifilm with an unconspicious lens, you can do something similar. I did it in Barcelona last year: Put a screw-in shutter button to your camera, hold the camera at hip's height and release the shutter with the palm of your thumb!
HEY, that sounds like a good idea, I'll give it a go with the X10, cheers 😀
@@rileyphotos If you took a camera with a tilt-able screen, you could also get a minimum of compositional control.
Excellent Shots
Thanks a lot 😊
That's a collection of Images to be proud of.
Thank you Matt, and thank you for watching and commenting, we really appreciate it 😁😁
That the first time I've come across your channel. Definitely worth a Sub!
Thank you, I really appreciate it 😁
Think I'll give this a try. Thanks!
Your welcome, enjoy 😊
Based on how these photos were taken, I was predisposed to dismiss them as a spray-and-pray method … but, they really are awesome!
Thank you for your comments, we really appreciate it 😁😁
Love the images. Just great images !!! I hate using phone cameras. I do this with a small mirrorless, by shooting from the hip. It's not as stealthy, but better than holding the camera to my face
Thank you, we really appreciate those kind words 😊😊
I love this set of pictures and what a great technique. I don’t mind getting spotted when you are front on as it results in interesting facial expressions. I am yet to be confronted, but it will probably happen one day.
Thanks so much! 😊
Thank you for sharing the images. I loved them. 😊
Glad you like them!
I found this feature on my iphone by accident. Brilliant technique in a pinch.
Awesome.
Thank you! Cheers!
He has some very nice images. I am sure the failure rate is high but you only need a few goods ones to tell the story. it is a way to get great candid images on the street. I have used this techneque with a point and shoot camera for a number of years when I am in an area I feel needs this method of photography. I prefer to engage the subject straight on and interact with them if only briefly. I have never been denied the opportunity to take someone's picture when asked. When in a foreign land the words I make sure I learn in their language is Hello " My I take your picture please" and thank you. It seems to work really well.
Beautiful!
Thank you! Cheers!
The photos are truly wonderful. He certainly did a really great job with those photos.
I think so too!
Great shots. I will have to try this with a little Bluetooth trigger in my left had. That might make it easier to shoot
That sounds like a great idea, a Bluetooth trigger, which one do you have, is it any good? I’d like to give on a go 😁
@@rileyphotos I just have a cheap one that I bought in Amazon. I never used it like this but I thought it might work and people won’t see your finger moving on the volume button
Well it sounds like a great idea, will you let us know how it works please Robert?
Very nice. I've done something similar using my Nikon, I just hold the camera to the side and just take shots naturally walking about. When it comes to cellphones... Did I hear that in Japan all phone-cameras are now required to make a "shutter" sound to battle public photos, or at least making the strangers aware a photo has been taken?
The shutter does have a noise added by Apple but with the noise of the street it’s impossible to hear.
@@rileyphotos Ahh, good to know!
Nice, I did the same with my Leica Q3, having it hanging on my side around the shoulder and controlling it with the phone.
Controlling a Leica with your phone? Now were talking 👏👏👏
@@rileyphotos yeah the app is quite good :)
did this in barcelona after getting to heathrow for a street photography weekend with some mates, forgot my camera!
Forgetting to take your camera, we’ve all been there, it’s amazing how you can still get quality images with your cell phone when you put your mind to it, hope you got some great photos 👍🏻😁
I like this idea! I try and look nonchalant while taking shots with my X Pro but I can never quite seem to be nonchalant enough! Plus the shutter sound is quite a give away. Phones are so ubiquitous they are most often ignored and within certain parameters my 15 Pro Max produces images which realistically rival anything I get from my mirrorless. Nice one 😀
The 15 pro max is perfect for this style of street photography, hope you have a ball out there 👏
You do realize that you can close the shutter sound on your x-pro ?
I do shoot from the hip with my xpro3 and if you switch to electronic shutter (xpro allows that) you may disable shutter sound completely (I do not like it) and go stealth (also increase max shutter speed to 1/8000 when compared to mechanical shutter which is 1/4000). I’ve done this with my iPhone for several time with cool results for the same reasons as mentioned. I can get more natural shots with my iPhone but I still prefer fewer shots and the experience of my xpro3 shooting from the hip in hyperfocal mode with manual lenses. My favorite at this moment is the TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4. I use it mostly at f/8 which covers from 0.8mt to infinite and 17mm on a crop sensor as mine is equivalent to almost 26mm on full frame. Is pretty decent as composition I get the subject and the environment which helps as a documentary or story telling.
Did this in Rome last year using a z50 nikon, silent shooting mode and pancake lens...
This is also possible with a full size camera. I used to wear my camera on my side and it works well.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting. Yes I agree, it would be possible to take the shots with a camera, but I don’t believe it would be possible to go as unnoticed and get such unguarded natural shots with a camera around your neck or on your shoulder. People would see it and be aware of it in my opinion. I’d love to be proved wrong though! Is there anywhere we can see the shots, are they online? Cheers Phil
@@rileyphotoshi Phil! I'm working on a new website currently. Trying to get everything off of social and into a realm I can control. Unfortunately, there's nothing to look at currently. The shots in your video are beautiful and very difficult to get for sure. I was working with people that knew I was always with-camera, so even if they did see the cam they may have just disregarded my presence. I would sling the camera over my right shoulder and let it hang to my side. The sleeve of my jacket would mostly hide the camera, and it helped that I always wore black. From there, I could casually reach down and trigger a shot from the extended battery pack on my Nikon.
Anyway, I enjoyed your video, and keep it up! Subscribing, thanks!
Great work. How large can they print??
I’m not sure, I’ll have to send a few off to print and see, although the Apple ads I see in cities show images printed pretty big. Watch this space, might try another video to see.
All stunning images, but as a curiosity, how much post processing was done? I ask because I'm working on my street photography and would like to know.
Thank you for your comments. There was obviously a fair amount of post processing but only using traditional darkroom techniques, that is to say, the were take on an iPhone as regular colour photos. Then in Photoshop, they were de-saturated to black and white, brightness and contrast adjusted and the dodge and burn tools used to heighten and darken areas. No ai and no cloning or cut and paste. Hope that helps, cheers Phil
@@rileyphotos Yes, thank you for your response and quick reply.
Amazing, Amazing imagery!… By any chance was the Photographer wearing any form of body bracing with the iPhone mounted to it?… Also, was the Photographer using the default iPhone camera software, or any specialized 3rd party camera software to take these amazing B+W images and how was he using a remote trigger as to not be seen taking the images?
The phone was just held sideways in his hand by his pocket, and triggered using the volume button in the side of the phone as the shutter release button. No snazzy software, just iPhone set to jpeg. Thanks for watching 😁😁
Wow!… I’m amazed at the sheer quality of captured images… at least the Photographer should seriously consider Photography as a 2nd Professional career and he certainly has an eye for composition and especially telling a story with each image…
That's why i use the infamous Canon Ivy Rec 😂 ... fixed focus, not much of a camera, but conspicuous and discrete
Sounds like you’ve got a good set up, 👍🏻
@@rileyphotos hahaha it is 🤓😂📷
What do you think about the idea of having a small compact camera in your hand, you can have a remote app on your phone to operate the shutter via your phone. So you are looking at your phone to see what the camera sees without holding the camera up ?
I think it’s a great idea Andrew, I’m going to shoot another video using that system and I’m also going to try pairing the phone to a smart watch and framing and firing through the watch. Watch this space! Thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it 👍🏻😃
Go for it !@@rileyphotos
I’m impressed these are taken w iPhone. Would like to hear his settings and post processing 😊
The iPhone was on auto mode with picture quality on jpeg. Taken as regular colour shots then de-saturated in Photoshop with added darkroom style dodging and burning. No cut outs, layers, masks, Ai or cloning stamps were used. Just good old fashioned darkroom techniques, contrast, levels and Dodge and Burn. We thought about doing a follow up video showing the process of taking and post production. If anyone would like to see that let us know 😁😁
@@rileyphotos would love a follow up vid on how he post processes
Great idea .... I may try to use camera remote control with the camera cradled in my folded arm and hands appearing to be in front holding a map/book .. Thanks
That's a great idea!
Just a small modification to your very clever, new and unique technique@@rileyphotos
Modify away John, and if it works, let us know so that we can have a go too 😀
Man, I really dig these.
Wonderful post work too, obviously they weren't all shot perfectly like this. He's done a great job of cropping and editing.
But man - I can't help thinking that if I tried this, all it takes is one person that was hip to it, and I would quickly become a target of mob violence, LOL
I assume that the photos have been cropped but yes, they capture people as they naturally are in a way normal photos can't. Just seeing the camera or phone pointed at you makes you react differently.
You’re right there Paul, I couldn’t agree more. A lot of comments haven’t been able to get past the ‘shooting from the hip’ element but the technique is more than that, which you have clearly spotted. It’s about not appearing to point the phones camera at anyone, and walking past so as not to appear to be taking photos at all. That is the key to the natural documentary look. Thank you for watching, We really appreciate it 😊😊
I once had a co-worker with a beautiful smile. But when I got a chance to take her picture one day, she put on a big, phony smile. Noooooooo!
Thank you Paul, that’s exactly the problem with asking so when he wanted natural poses he chose this method. Thank you for noticing that, not so many folks have seen it in the images, I appreciate you picking it up, bravo 👏👏
Are these raw files from the iPhone? What setting on the iPhone and what year is the phone. The detail and tonal range in these photographs are fantastic. I imagine that he shot wide and then cropped and rotated the image to align and straighten out the composition. Correct?
The photos were not taken in RAW, but he did switch from native apple codec to Jpeg. They were shot on an iPhone 12 Pro Max or was it the 13?? I think the 12. Images were captured as standard colour images and then desaturated in post production, a combination of Adobe RAW and Photoshop. It’s great that Adobe RAW works with JPEGs, I use it a lot. All the re-cropping was done in Photoshop at the end. Of course iPhones are great in bright sunlight, and these shots were taken in high sun, so the camera coped admirably, it’s low light when they struggle a little with moving subjects. Thanks for your comments, we really appreciate it.😊😊
It's so obvious, and I am sure some are doing it, but maybe less of the "photographers" are doing this. Great job! It seems like more regular photography has informed many of the choices?
Exactly! Thank you for your comments we really appreciate it 😁😁
Now shooting from the hip isn’t new, we’ve been doing that since box brownies, but the technique is more than that, it’s using a phone not a camera, it’s holding it in the hand like you are carrying it, it’s shooting as you walk by looking in a different direction and it’s using the volume button to activate the shutter. Give it a go, you might be surprised
Do you need model releases to use the photos?
No, as long as people are in public places, you can photograph them, there is no copyright on people. Obvs disclaimer, this does not constitute legal advise, check it out yourself, but that’s as I understand it.
I tether my 5D MK IV to my phone and use facial recognition, and operate the camera from the phone. Then I can hold and point my camera anywhere and it looks like I'm looking at my phone, which, of course I am.
What a great idea, thanks for sharing 😁😁
@@rileyphotos I'm a sneaky one. Lol!
Oh shooting from the hip with the iPhone, so revolutionary L-O-L
It’s not so much shooting from the hip, it’s the fact that he did is as he walked past without looking. You’re right, shooting from the hip has been around since the waist level viewfinder, but even with that, you point the camera towards someone, and they see you taking the picture. The new technique for me, is having the camera at right angles to disarm the subject.
@@rileyphotos I get the gist of the comment you replied to. It´s nothing new. Lots of people with smartphones have done this already. I´ve done this. How long have we had smartphones with reasonable cameras?
Sounds great, I’d love to see the results, where can I find your photos, are you in IG?
I so appreciate what you've discovered! It's exciting and sometimes a bit nerving.
As you've shown us, it's doable! I do the same thing! At functions, the doctor's office ... Practically Everywhere!
Some wonder if I'm taking pictures and try to look at your phone.!
What to do is press the power button discretely and quickly, with normal motion. Turn the phone so they see the screen and relax. Especially with those who hate getting their picture taken!
Pretend you're doing something, anything on the phone and turn the camera back on... Even video recording!
The more you practice, the better it gets!
Then discretely, Have Fun!
Lol! Thanks, Elliot! And Rileyphotos!
Some really excellent ‘street’. Would be really interesting in watching a vlog on the post production process, these images really ‘talk’ to you.
Coming soon!
Not new Allen Schiller does this with a 35 mm
Thanks Joe, I’m a huge fan of Allen’s work, top drawer street photography. This technique was about how to hold a phone in a way that didn’t draw attention to the photographer, so 35mm shooting isn’t quite the same point I was making, but I get your drift. Thanks for the watch and comment, really do appreciate it 👍🏻
I'd like to see more of Elliot's work. Does he have a website, IG account?
Wonderful images BTW!!!!
Yes of course, his IG account is @_vintage_vantage_ (The lines are underscores). Elliot loves film photography and his IG is all film. Interestingly, his street portraits with cameras are all with interaction with the subject. He talks to them and then asks for a photo. The South America project was his first venture into documentary. Photography. Hope you like his film images, and thanks for watching and commenting, we really do appreciate it 😁😁
I have done that a lot with my iPhone . You can also use your smart watch
Smart watch, wow, now that sounds very interesting, can you tell us how? 📷⌚️😁
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you 😊😊
What's new about that? It's called hip shooting and it's a very common technique. One that I've been practicing for 50 yrs and I didn't invent it.
Yes your right Phil, hip shooting is one part of the technique and of course that’s not new, it’s been around since the box brownie. But for me, what is new, is coupling it with using an iPhone , holding the iPhone in your hand with fingers spread around like you are carrying it, walking at right angles to the subject, looking one way and shooting another, and using the volume button as a shutter release. It’s a combination of elements that I believe added together that allowed him to capture these great documentary images. Thanks for watching Phil, and for commenting, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻
Lovely images but a “new technique”? Hardly!
I’d have to politely disagree. Shooting from the hip is not new of course, photographers have been doing that since the box brownie. But using a phone, holding it in your hand at your side as though you are carrying it, using the volume button to release the shutter, shooting in the opposite direction while walking past, and doing all of this with a wide lens, so that you are no more than three feet from a subject, well I haven’t seen that before, but if you’ve been doing it yourself then bravo, you have my compliments. Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated 👍🏻
Did you have to crop and straighten them?
Yes they were all edited, he treated them the same as any image from a regular camera. Thanks for watching 😁😁
Great photos. Really excellent ! I know how difficult it is to take photos in Bolivia (La Pas). I have been there in 2015. If thy are aware of you presents and see you camera, they start hiding their faces behind their hands or any thing else. They even get angry at your just for trying.
Fortunately al my photos are lost because I was robbed end of the day. I wonder what camera and lens you used. I guess a 28 on a Q2?
Thank you for your kind comments, everything I did was shot on an iPhone 😀
Can you provide a link to his site or sites. Thanks
Elliot only has an IG site, and that is @_vintage_vantage_ Cheers Phil
I use the same technique with a Fuji X100
Hope you get some great results, thanks for watching 😁😁
how is he getting that sharp of photos in a hand held cell phone? I tried it with mine and I always have some blurring.
I’ve asked him if he will take me out to video him using his phone and then editing the images, it would be good to see his process in action 📷
You can get very sharp photos from most phone cameras these days.
Nice images and some good post processing. Just shows what you can do with a decent phone camera.
Great idea - using the volume button to shoot is perfect! Gonna give it a try...
Have fun 😀
Brillant. But can't find his IG.
Thank you. It's underscore at the start, middle and end. He's a film nut so everything on his insta is shot on film. it's @ _vintage_vantage_.
not a trick, or new, just sleek method taking a pic of someone without their permission...but cost skill to do it.
Nothing new here. I have more than one book of photos shot from the hip.
Nice stuff, but a warning. In some places in the world holding a phone like that will introduce to being a victim of robbery. Just be aware of where you are before attempting.
Didn’t hipstamatic used to have the catch-phrase “shoot from the hip” 😂
Only 'hipster' photographers are allowed to use it these days 😂
In Norway I believe this would be illegal. You need to get explicit permission from the person to use them in official/published photos.
That’s good advice, thanks for letting us know. The really odd thing about that though, is Norway has some amazingly good Street photographers online. 🤔
It is the same in the EU. (GDPR Legislation).
Link to this guys channel?
Elliot isn’t a pro photographer like his dad, he’s an industrial designer by trade. Photography for him is a hobby, so he doesn’t have a TH-cam channel or a website, but he does have an Instagram account dedicated to film photography called _vintage_vantage_ . Saying that, after seeing these pictures, I’m thinking he should launch a photography career 📷😁
In late 80's I used an electronic cable release screwed into shutter of mf slr, 28mm
or 24->35 zoom, film usually XP1/2 or HP5. w/ rt hand grabbing (pre- focused) lens&body
cable inside rt arm shirt sle__, triggered by left hand. film advance noise not that noticable
in a city. Could not do same w/ af film camera since 1994, because of lag of cable connec
Smart phone trigger & digital cam appeared only decades later.
p.s. I no longer do it. BBBBBut can trigger a small aps-c turned up-side-down !!!!!!!
Switch to e-shutter to kill noise. Well. may be one of these days...... start w/ subways.
C’est tout simplement génial !!!
Thank you so much, merci beaucoup 😁