Evolution of a Heel Click

Several months ago, I started a tradition - or perhaps I should call it a mission. So many times I have witnessed people taking uncreative, unoriginal, touristy photos. You know the kind. They stand in front of something historical or noteworthy, like a statue, the Alamo or an ocean, and they just stand there cheesin' at the camera. They might as well be wearing a fanny pack and an over sized tank top or something.

My last statement is somewhat hypocritical, because I, too, have victimized myself of a lame, touristy photograph (minus the fanny pack and over sized tank top. I do have some class).

One day I woke up with an idea. An idea to rid my life of uninteresting photographs. While this mission may seem somewhat pointless or ridiculous, it was one that I passionately devoted my energies toward.

It came to me like a great epiphany comes to a wise Chinese man sitting on a tall mountain.

"I must heel click across America!"


Some of you may have seen some of my heel clicking activity as I have journeyed around various points of the U.S. with my job or within my own leisure travel.

I'm trying to make it a mainstay, despite the curious looks I get from people or federal officers as I click in front of national monuments or the U.S. Capitol.


So, today, I want to lead you through the technique of a heel click. It takes practice, diligence and patience with the photographer...except Natalie. Nat, you're usually right on the money within the first two tries. Others of you, and you know who you are, you need a lot of work on your timing. Get with the program, folks.

It begins with a good ready stance.


When the photographer is ready, you move into action. It's very important the photographer is paying attention and is in sync with your every move.


*Note. Props are optional. However, this umbrella provided me with some great balance in my heel click in Tampa, Florida. The hat didn't hurt either...it was more for confidence, style and show.


Notice here how you can almost draw a line from my pointing toe to my adjacent shoulder. This is all part of good form. Why is this not an Olympic sport? I bet if the Chinese did it, it would be...wow, that's like my second mentioning of Chinese people today.

Now, we must begin the take off.


A good heel click puts the "click" out parallel with the ground. You don't want to click underneath you because that just looks lame. Get that kick out to the side!

As you can see above, the right leg begins the initial ascent to the click, while the left leg remains on the ground. The arms move forward to carry the rest of your body to get that click out to the side. I should also note that this makes me look way more flexible than I really am. I recommend a good stretch prior to clicking.

From here, it's all air. This is where stars are born...


Ok, not really, but for one moment in time, the click can be heard around the world.

Ok, not really again, but it's super cool when you nail a good one.

From there, you just need to land the thing. Be aware of your surface. A bad surface could instantly end your heel clicking career. As you can see in these pictures, I was heel clicking barefoot on a wet tile surface after it had rained. This is not advised to amateurs.


So, that my friends, is how you do a heel click. I would encourage you all to consider implementing something like this into your own photos. Notice I said "something like this"...don't you go stealin' my idea. Perhaps you could try something like a handstand, or a geni pose, your best George W. Bush impersonation, or you could walk like an Egyptian. That choice is up to you.