Toss Your Camera (Photography)
- By Noupe Editorial Team
- Posted in Photography
- 29 comments
Camera toss photography is a relatively unknown technique, but its title alone is a good explanation of the photography technique. Yes, photographers literally throw their camera in the air after doing necessary shutter adjustments to achieve beautiful and original images.
In this post we present original examples of camera toss photography. Please notice: you may feel inspired to experiment with this technique yourself, but please be careful and start with an old camera to minimize the damages. Before starting, don’t forget to check some tips and techniques of toss photography to have a better understanding of how it works — they are listed in the end of the post.
Camera Toss Photography
Camera toss @ the bridgewater hall
011/365: Camera Toss Extravaganza
More information
_nod’s tossing guide for beginners.
Camera Toss Photography Technique
The Art of Camera Toss Photography
How To Take a Camera-Toss Photo (Video)
brian, 11 August 2010
Interesting to look at, and if anyone out there is ok with me throwing their slr in the air give me a shout. I worked too hard and saved for too long to risk damaging mine. Cool post though.
Elliott the web design guy, 11 August 2010
I tried this technique in the day time when I could actually see my camera to catch it. I got some pretty effective results… haven’t been confident enough to do it in the dark yet though, could be an expensive shot to take!
esranull, 11 August 2010
very very nice photo thanks for sharing
Chris, 11 August 2010
You could always attach a rope, or even your dog’s leash to the normal neck strap so that you can still get distance yet have the ability to save your camera if something goes wrong. I plan on trying this out tonight!
"EAJ", 11 August 2010
This approach falls within the domain of kinetic photography but violates the basic rule of toss photography, specifically, the camera must be aloft and untethered while the shutter is open. Six or eight of the images in this compilation show the telltale signs of tethered tossing – interrupted smooth lines being the most obvious sign. (Interruption of smooth lines can also be arise in true tosses due to lens wobble.)
Rafiq Elmansy, 11 August 2010
Totally amazing!!
Jamie, 11 August 2010
So rad. I love it.
Niubi, 11 August 2010
Wow, who would have thought such a random way of taking photographs would get such awesome results? Might want to buy a spare camera from DubLi in case it all goes horribly wrong, though….
"EAJ", 11 August 2010
Initially, for me, composition was “random” but with thousands of tosses behind me I can say that directed composition is attainable.
Bryan McAnulty, 11 August 2010
Some very interesting shots here. For anyone who wants to try this, but doesn’t want to risk damaging their camera:
1. Try using an older camera if you have one.
2. Put some kind of pillow or cushion for it to land on in case you don’t catch it.
3. Put the camera in a case.
Elonwy, 11 August 2010
Very interesting! I never thought that tossing my camera (with some skills of course) could capture such beautiful images!
Hermitbiker, 11 August 2010
….. astonishing results from the “tossing” of your camera…. I hope it’s not an expensive one…. lmao !!
Design Dazzling, 11 August 2010
Really amazing result
Hypesol, 11 August 2010
Awesome images
Raelin, 11 August 2010
Will definitely try this out! Amazing effects.
Richa khanna, 12 August 2010
Hey i tried it once and damaged my camera. Although its a fascinating photography technique but be careful.
Egidius Heerkens, 13 August 2010
Original concept, and some nice psychedelic images. I’m afraid i’m not going to try it with my SLR ;-)
All the best
Egidius Heerkens (eheerkens.com)
jeanne, 13 August 2010
FO! I’m elated to find you all!
Hundreds of people will tell you, I’ve been going this technique — with my traditional cameras/film — for 35 years. [PLEASE don't tell my husband how I got all those shots! He's the only one I've tried to keep the technique a secret from.] Now, I use my digital camera for the same purpose.
I am so spazzed to hear of others doing it, too!!
Thanks for publishing the info. If you hadn’t shared, I wouldn’t have know others are ‘crazy’ w the camera, too.
Terry Talbot, 14 August 2010
I’m a pro photographer based in Madison WI. The photos in the article are interesting to view, and the concept interesting to ponder. Instead of tossing in the towel, toss up (and hopefully grab) the camera. How about the quick pass/toss to a friend across the room? Why throw your money around when you can throw your camera instead! Wonder how this works with underwater photography?
Julie, 16 August 2010
I’ve done this technique. Sort of. Just holding my camera and moving it around really fast works, too :P
Eric E. Anderson, 19 August 2010
Thanks for including my “Camera Toss: Trees & Sky” photo in this write-up. I’m flattered :)
Camera Recovery, 31 August 2010
This is such an interesting technique of photography. But I think besides being a good photographer you need to be a good catcher as well.
Photo recovery, 30 September 2010
Its really interesting technique of photography. I never used this but i will try…
Telephoto Lens Rental, 28 October 2010
Amazing! amazing! amazing!!! A short note to say THANKS and thanks to sharing with us!!!
Andrew Buckle, 14 December 2010
wow.. beautiful photos. I have tried similar (with an inexpensive camera as I am never sure if I am going to catch the camera) – inspiring photos
canon ef lenses, 22 December 2010
Thanks for including my “Camera Toss: Trees & Sky” photo in this write-up. I’m flattered :)
Digital Cameras, 17 January 2011
wow…can U tell me how did this……
Alba Marrim, 26 June 2011
Thanks.
"EAJ", 11 August 2010
dSLR tossing isn’t a problem when coupled with dSLR catching : ) View the video below and notice how the photographer cushions the impact of the catch. Ultimately dSLR’s provide better images (easier to focus, better dynamic range), but I certainly understand one’s reluctance to loft an expensive tool into the arms of gravity.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eajames/4546967521/in/set-72157612290765251/