How does Scott Kivowitz's use of 'shooting from the hip' in street photography differ from traditional methods?

Hi there!

When I talk about “shooting from the hip,” I’m really talking about removing the overthinking and the technical fuss so I can stay present and tell the story in front of me.

Traditional street methods usually mean:

• Camera to the eye
• Careful framing and timing
• A lot of awareness of composition in the moment

My approach with shooting from the hip:

• I pre‑set my exposure (zone focusing, higher ISO, reasonable aperture)
• I rely on practice and instinct rather than composing through the viewfinder
• I prioritize candid authenticity and flow over perfect framing

It is less about a secret technique and more about freeing yourself from hesitation so you can react quickly and naturally in unpredictable situations.

Are you thinking of trying shooting from the hip yourself, or comparing approaches for a project?