Visions Inside My Head

I was lying in my bed last night reading Tess Gallagher poetry and listening to Joni Mitchell (like the Renaissance woman I am) and I sprang upon an idea. Why don't we try more to please ourselves with the visions we have inside ourselves? How come we settle for less? How come everyone grows up thinking "I'm going to be a ballerina" or "I want to be an astronaut", and so many of us actually hang onto those dreams as if they were life support, but they never fall through? I connected this with the idea of photography. To the idea of the perfect image. So many of us want to be famous from that one image that we envision, but many of us never achieve it because we feel that we are held back from it. It's sort of like wanting something or someone who is out of reach. We have all felt it. And life is a little dissatisfying, but what can we do? Die? Would that be more fun? No. Life is incredible. Grab it by the horns. Alfred Eisenstaedt certainly did with his famous image on V-J Day (Victory Day in Japan for all of you non-historians), August, 14, 1945 The Kiss:

Upon the idea of envisioning your perfect photo, I stumbled upon a recent web-surfing scoop that was in the backstage of my mind. Vivian Maier, the famous street photographer, who frequently and overall used the famous Rolleiflex camera has some perfect examples of achieving random, yet beautiful photos. Rolleiflex is notable for many things, and all things that connect with fantastic quality. Vivian Maier, sadly, became known for her photography just before her timeless death on the date of April 21, 2009. But doesn't she reign? Her use of parallax (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/parallax?s=t) is exceptionally pleasing to the eye. And why is it? Because she made photography a priority of hers (even though she nannied children as an occupation), she made time to perfect her art through random ideas, and through accepting what was presented to her with the fervor of that kid at Christmas. Here is a beautiful example of someone's lovely memory asleep on the bed, with somebody (mom?) in the background. The lighting is like chocolate fondue as it folds and cools in your mouth as you let the still-warm liquid slither down your throat. If I can just find it here.... AH! Here we go ladies and germs:

Ah. Yes. Perfection personified. But I'll let you be the judge. If there is no such thing as perfection in this world, then why does the word "perfect" exist? To achieve it. To achieve greatness. 

"Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever."

-Isak Dinesen. 

Today's quote.

Thanks for reading! Signing off. 

Camille Elaine Craig

Hope you enjoyed it. Because I enjoyed writing into the void of the unknown. 

Willkommen! Bienvenue!

Welcome to the first edition of Inside and Out: A Photographer's Lifestyle (Slowly Growing). The reason I have created this blog is to share the world of photography with those who may or may not have the interest or addiction that most of us feel. Or maybe you just want to learn something new. Come, take my hand. Let me show you the light(ing).

Inside and Out (for short) is a place where photographers of all levels can share opinions, photos, stories (of photos), life stories, their issues and how those issues have contributed to their lives as a photographer, links to photos (if you send viruses, pornographic material, or any other thing that may be deemed inappropriate you WILL be reported and dismissed), their role models in the photographic world, and anything else you think that may suit you and your new colleagues. We can even have counseling sessions if you want! So we are an everything site, in alleged terms of agreement, that is.
Now, you may ask, why does it say "(Slowly Growing)" at the end of the title? Because, my friends, foes, ladies, and gents, I am slowly growing as an editor, photographer and human being. I wish to hone in on what life can be worth. I have remembered the idea that life isn't a story about you, it's a story about who and what happens to come your way. If it was only about you, then you would be floating in a void with no photography, no love, no virtues, no ANYTHING! I want to give you a place of solace as well as recognition in this sometimes lonely world. I will be posting some shots by moi, as Miss Piggy might say, as well as weekly ideas, links, and everything else mentioned in order to add the fuel to the fire. Movie scenes are acceptable as well, in order to portray inspirations, cinematography (a form of photography), and stories being told are also welcome. But, please, nothing inappropriate. If you wish to send in something that you think might be risque, cross it by my palm first, thank you very much.
Let us begin then.

P.S. I cannot guarantee the schedule of the blog. I will most likely update it every Saturday from now on. But, sometimes, I may be busy. So don't get your knickers in a twist! Have conversation and allow the world to unfold, even without any of the editor's ideas. Start your own ideas.

Love,
Your Editor-in-Chief,
Camille Elaine Craig 

Photographer of the Day. Guess who? She is one of my favorite role models. Hint: She was the first woman to ever work for LIFE magazine and was also the first woman to be sent into the war-zone during WWII to take pictures of the atrocities and battlefields. Post your guesses!