#Camera Lens Market Share

[delicatemagazinedreamer]

Global Camera Lens Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Demand for High-Quality Imaging

The global Camera Lens Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 4,520.0 million in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period 2022-2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

A) Market Overview: Camera lenses are integral components of cameras that focus and enhance the quality of the captured images. They play a crucial role in delivering high-quality photography and videography experiences by offering a range of focal lengths, zoom capabilities, and image stabilization features. The increasing trend of smartphones with multiple cameras and the growing popularity of DSLR and mirrorless cameras among photography enthusiasts are key factors driving the demand for camera lenses.

B) Market Key Trends: One key trend in the camera lens market is the growing demand for high-quality imaging. With the advancements in camera technology and increasing consumer expectations, there is a rising need for camera lenses that can capture crisp, clear, and detailed images. Manufacturers are focusing on developing lenses with higher resolution, wider apertures, and better autofocus capabilities to cater to this demand.

For example, Haesung Optics Co. Ltd., one of the key players in the camera lens market, offers a wide range of lenses with advanced features such as aspherical elements, ultra-low dispersion glass, and multi-coating technology. These lenses provide photographers with superior image quality, reduced chromatic aberration, and enhanced color reproduction.

C) PEST Analysis: - Political: The camera lens market is influenced by government policies related to import/export regulations, intellectual property rights, and security concerns associated with imaging devices. - Economic: Economic factors such as disposable income levels, consumer purchasing power, and economic growth contribute to the demand for camera lenses. - Social: Changing consumer preferences, increasing social media usage, and the popularity of photography as a hobby drive the demand for camera lenses. - Technological: Technological advancements in lens manufacturing, such as the use of advanced materials and coatings, image stabilization technologies, and improved autofocus systems, fuel market growth.

D) Key Takeaways: - The global Camera Lens Market Share is expected to witness high growth, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period, due to increasing demand for high-quality imaging. Continuous innovations in lens technology and the rising popularity of smartphones and cameras among consumers are major drivers for market growth. - North America is the fastest-growing and dominating region in the camera lens market, owing to the presence of major key players and a highly developed photography industry. The increasing adoption of advanced photography equipment and the emergence of professional photographers contribute to the region's market dominance. - Key players operating in the global camera lens market include Haesung Optics Co. Ltd., Largan Precision Co. Ltd., Tamron Co. Ltd., Sunny Optical Technology (Group) Company Limited, Sunex Inc., Kantatsu Co. Ltd., Ability opto-Electronics Technology Co. Ltd., Genius Electronic Optical Co. Ltd., AAC Technologies Holdings Inc., SEKONIX Co. Ltd., and IM Co. Ltd. These players focus on product development, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations to gain a competitive edge in the market.

In conclusion, the global camera lens market is witnessing high growth due to the increasing demand for high-quality imaging. Technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the popularity of photography as a hobby are driving market growth. North America is leading the market, and key players are focused on innovation and collaborations to stay competitive in the market.

[bishtmeenakshi]

Indian Digital Camera Market Size, Trends, Challenges and Future Outlook

In a world increasingly dominated by smartphones, the Digital Camera Market in India stands as a testament to the enduring passion for capturing life's moments in stunning detail. This market encompasses a diverse range of cameras, from point-and-shoots to high-end DSLRs, catering to photography enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Indian digital camera market is a significant contributor to the global market. The market size was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2023. This figure is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2%, reaching an estimated USD 2.4 billion by 2028.

Digital Camera Market Analysis: A Multifaceted Landscape

A thorough Digital Camera Market Analysis reveals a market segmented based on various criteria: Camera Type:

Digital Still Camera Market: This segment comprises basic point-and-shoot cameras, offering user-friendly features and affordability. The digital still camera market is expected to witness a decline due to the increasing camera capabilities of smartphones.

DSLR Camera Market (Digital Single-Lens Reflex): DSLRs offer exceptional image quality and interchangeable lenses, catering to photography enthusiasts and professionals. The DSLR camera market is experiencing a shift towards mirrorless cameras due to their portability and advanced features.

Mirrorless Camera Market: Mirrorless cameras (MILCs) combine the image quality of DSLRs with a compact and lightweight design. The mirrorless camera market is witnessing significant growth due to their versatility and technological advancements.

Lens Type

Interchangeable Lens Camera (ILC) Market: This segment encompasses both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, offering users the flexibility to swap lenses for different shooting scenarios. The ILC market is expected to witness the most significant growth due to the increasing popularity of mirrorless cameras.

Take a look : Forecasting the Camera Market Trends and Segmentation

Top Players: A Competitive Landscape

The Indian digital camera market is a competitive space with established international brands vying for market share. Some of the top players include:

Canon

Nikon

Sony

Fujifilm

Panasonic

These companies are constantly innovating and introducing new models with advanced features like high megapixel counts, faster autofocus, and improved low-light performance. However, the rise of smartphone photography has led to a decline in market share for some traditional camera brands like Olympus, which exited the camera business in 2020.

Digital Camera Market Trends: Shaping the Future of Photography

Several key trends are shaping the future of the Indian digital camera market:

Smartphone Integration: The increasing sophistication of smartphone cameras is impacting the digital camera market. However, smartphones are unlikely to completely replace dedicated cameras. Instead, we are likely to see a convergence where smartphones cater to casual photography, while digital cameras remain the preferred choice for serious photographers and enthusiasts.

Focus on Full-Frame Cameras: Full-frame cameras offer superior image quality and low-light performance compared to crop-sensor cameras. The full-frame camera market is expected to see steady growth in India, driven by the increasing affordability of these cameras and rising aspirations of amateur photographers.

Rise of Online Retail: The growing popularity of online shopping platforms is influencing consumer buying behavior. Online retailers offer a wider selection of cameras and lenses at competitive prices, making it easier for customers to compare and purchase products.

Focus on Content Creation: The rise of social media platforms and content creation has fueled the demand for vlogging and video recording capabilities in cameras. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by introducing models with improved video features and functionalities.

Challenges and Considerations for the Future

Despite the promising future, the digital camera market in India faces some challenges:

Competition from Smartphones: As smartphone camera technology continues to improve, it will remain a significant competitor to entry-level and point-and-shoot digital cameras. Manufacturers need to focus on innovation and highlighting the unique advantages of dedicated cameras over smartphones, such as superior image quality, interchangeable lenses, and better ergonomics.

Economic Factors: Fluctuations in exchange rates and rising inflation can impact the affordability of digital cameras, especially high-end models. Manufacturers may need to explore strategies such as localized production or offering financing options to make cameras more accessible to a wider audience.

Shifting Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences in the camera market are constantly evolving. Manufacturers need to stay up-to-date with these trends and adapt their product offerings accordingly. For example, the growing interest in videography necessitates cameras with robust video recording capabilities.

Camera Market Future Outlook: A Focus on Innovation and Specialization

The Indian camera market future outlook is expected to witness moderate growth in the coming years, reaching an estimated USD 2.4 billion by 2028. We can anticipate a future where:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI features like scene recognition and object tracking are likely to be incorporated into future camera models, making photography more intuitive and user-friendly.

Focus on Specialization: Camera manufacturers are expected to focus on specialized cameras catering to specific photography niches like wildlife photography, astrophotography, and sports photography. This will cater to the evolving needs of professional and enthusiast photographers.

Increased Focus on After-Sales Services: With the growing complexity of cameras, manufacturers may prioritize providing comprehensive after-sales services like training workshops and technical support to enhance customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Conclusion: Capturing the Future of Photography

The digital camera market in India is a vibrant and evolving landscape. With increasing disposable income, rising internet penetration, and a growing passion for photography, the market is poised for continued growth. While smartphone photography poses a challenge, dedicated cameras will remain relevant for serious photographers and enthusiasts who value superior image quality, creative control, and specialized features. By embracing innovation, focusing on niche markets, and providing excellent customer service, camera manufacturers can navigate the changing landscape and ensure the future of photography in India remains bright.

You can also read more at: Camera Market Trends, Segmentation and Forecast (2023-2030)

[endieinwonderland]

From The Archive: When It's Over

Pairing: Paige Bueckers/Media Manager! Reader

Warnings: Angst

It was a secret that needed to remain hidden. As the head of the sports marketing team and Paige as the captain of the women's basketball team, you both understood the stakes. If anyone discovered the truth, it would unleash a storm far worse than hellfire on both of you. This shared understanding was why, when Paige knocked on your door last Friday, avoiding eye contact and staring at her feet as she ended things, you weren't surprised. But that didn't mean you were ready for it.

"I don't know where your head's been lately, but I really need you to lock in today, kid," your boss's hands gripped your shoulders firmly. The stern, disappointed expression that would have sent you running home in tears a few years ago had become all too familiar over the past few days.

Professionally, you’d never had a worse week. Your hands shook constantly, making it impossible to take clear pictures, and your tear-filled eyes prevented you from seeing that your photos were blurry until it was too late.

Every click of the shutter felt like a failure, each misstep a confirmation that you were falling apart.

Your boss’s voice softened slightly, though the urgency remained. "Look, I know you're going through something, but we've got a job to do. People are counting on us."

You nodded, trying to muster some composure. "I know. I'll get it together." But even as you said it, doubt gnawed at the edges of your resolve.

She gave you a brief, encouraging squeeze before letting go. "I'm counting on you," she said simply, turning back to the task at hand.

You took a deep breath, willing your hands to steady, your vision to clear. You couldn’t afford to let this week define you. It was time to lock in, just like she said.

The problem was that doing so was rather difficult when what, or rather who, you were trying to focus on was the reason your chest had felt so tight all week.

This was the first official game of the season, and your team had promised at least three news outlets that by the end of the 40 minutes they’d have cover shots for their articles about the game.

Realistically, you knew this meant photos of Paige, but with your newfound inability to even look at her, you wondered if a picture of Johnathan the Husky would suffice.

For a fleeting moment, you seriously considered shifting your focus entirely, filling your memory card with shots of the mascot, relying on whatever your partner shot to fulfill your assignment. But you knew that wasn’t an option. The publications wanted Paige, the world wanted Paige, and your job hinged on delivering her in every frame.

Paige. Her name alone sent a shiver down your spine. You tried to steady your hands, adjusting the settings on your camera, but every time you caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of your eye, your focus slipped. Her confident stride, the way she commanded attention on the court, it was all too much.

You positioned yourself at the half-court line, trying to angle your shots to capture the game without letting your eyes linger on her. The crowd’s roar, the squeak of sneakers on the polished floor, and the rhythmic bounce of the ball blended into a cacophony that should help you drown out your thoughts. Yet, every cheer for the guard felt like a personal attack on your composure.

Through the lens, you saw her in action—swift, agile, unstoppable. It was almost offensive how unaffected her game seemed when your photography had taken such a blow this week.

Each shot she took, each defensive maneuver, you were supposed to capture it all. Instead, you found yourself focusing on anything else: the scoreboard, Geno’s animated gestures, you even caved in and took shots of Johnathan, who was currently entertaining a group of kids sitting in the bleachers.

But you couldn’t avoid it forever, and when Paige makes a particularly impressive play, driving through the defense with a grace that left everyone in awe.

You instinctively snapped a photo, and for a brief moment, you were lost in the brilliance of the shot—a perfect still of her in motion, the intensity in her expression almost palpable. Then reality crashed back in, and you felt the familiar weight pressing down on your chest.

“Get it together,” you whispered to yourself, trying to shake off the unease. But the lump in your throat didn’t budge, and the weight on your chest only grew heavier. Every second wasted felt like a countdown to disaster.

Then, in another sudden burst of speed, Paige broke away from the defense, sprinting down the court. You followed her through the lens, your finger poised on the shutter. She leapt, going for a layup, and you captured the perfect shot just as she scored. The crowd erupted, but your heart pounded for a different reason.

As Paige jogged back to her position, the whistle blew for a timeout. The players dispersed toward the sidelines, and you took the opportunity to review the photos on your camera.

Your hands still trembled slightly, but the last few shots were good—really good. For a moment, a flicker of hope ignited in your chest, sparking dangerously when you heard a voice behind you.

“Hey, did you get a good shot of that layup?”

You turned, startled, and found yourself staring at the other photographer, who was face-to-face with Paige. She was breathing heavily, a sheen of sweat on her forehead, but she was smiling.

The sight of her up close, the intensity of her gaze, even when not on you, was almost too much. You felt your throat tighten.

“Uh, yeah,” you heard the girl say, holding up the camera, casting you a nervous glance. “I think I got it.”

She steps back slightly, allowing Paige to move closer. Paige glances at the screen, her eyes bright with curiosity. “Looks great,” she says, her smile widening.

“Thanks, but we’ll probably use hers though, we both know she’s the real pro,” she said, tilting her chin towards you.

For a moment, it felt like the world narrowed down to just the three of you, standing there in the midst of the bustling gym.

Paige’s response was nonverbal, a mere shrug, as she turned her attention back to the younger girl in front of her, effectively excluding you from the conversation until the sound of the buzzer filled the gym, calling her back to the court.

----

The gym had erupted into chaos as Paige's final three-pointer sailed through the net, securing UConn's victory at the last possible second. The crowd was a roaring sea of cheers and applause, but all of it seemed to fade into a hush when Paige turned towards you, her eyes searching the sidelines for your face.

"Did you get that? Please tell me you got that," she shouted as she sprinted towards you, the excitement vibrating in her voice, her face flushed with the thrill of victory and the sprint. Her hair was a wild cascade, damp with sweat, sticking to her forehead, yet she seemed oblivious to everything but you.

You nodded, your heart pounding not just from the adrenaline of the game but from her intense focus on you. "Oh come on, you know I did!" you called back, flipping through the images on your camera to show her.

She reached you, breathless, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath, then straightened up to peer at the camera’s screen. Her face was inches from yours. As she looked at the images, her smile grew, and she reached out to touch your arm, a light, lingering touch that sent shivers down your spine.

"These are incredible," she whispered, her eyes not just bright with victory but with a warmth that seemed reserved just for you. Paige moved impossibly closer, her proximity sending a flush through you. Then, impulsively, she pulled you into a hug, her body warm against yours, her heart beating fast against your chest.

____

Your arms instinctively wrapped around yourself, a subconscious effort to hold onto the warmth of the memory. Your camera, once a bridge between you two, now hung heavily around your neck.

You stood there, a silent observer, as Paige melded back into her world on the court—a world where once you had shared a special place. Now, you were just another face on the sidelines, capturing moments that no longer felt personal but were merely part of a job.

The weight of the camera was a physical and emotional anchor, pulling you back to reality, reminding you of what your role here was supposed to be, even if your heart lingered somewhere back in a past that seemed both incredibly close and painfully distant.

[yvetteheiser]

Yvette Heiser Travel with Taste: Mastering the Art of Food Photography on the Road

Traveling opens up a world of culinary delights, and what better way to capture the essence of these experiences than through the lens of food photography? Whether you're a seasoned travel photographer or a food enthusiast with a passion for visual storytelling, mastering the art of food photography on the road can elevate your travel experiences to new heights. In this article, inspired by Yvette Heiser's insights on "Essential Qualities Every Travel Photographer Must Have we explore the fusion of travel and taste, delving into the captivating world of food photography and its role in documenting culinary adventures around the globe.

Embracing Culinary Diversity: The Intersection of Travel and Food Photography

As a travel photographer, the irresistible charm of varied cuisines and culinary traditions offers a unique chance to encapsulate the essence of a destination. From savoring street food in bustling markets to indulging in fine dining experiences at local eateries, every dish tells a story, and food photography serves as the visual narrative. The vibrant colors, textures, and intricate details of a well-prepared meal offer a rich tapestry of visual content that can transport viewers to the heart of a culture. Yvette Heiser talks about Food Photography, illustrating how this art form captures the soul of culinary experiences in her insightful discussions.

The Artistry of Food Photography: A Visual Feast for the Senses

Food photography is a delicate art form that goes beyond simply documenting a dish; it involves capturing the essence of flavors, aromas, and the cultural significance of a meal. Through skillful composition, lighting, and attention to detail, a travel photographer can transform a simple meal into a visual masterpiece. The interplay of natural light with the textures of food, the arrangement of ingredients, and the context of the dining environment adds depth and dimension to the visual narrative, inviting viewers to embark on a journey that engages all their senses.

Unveiling Culinary Destinations: The Role of Food Photography in Travel Documentation

In the world of travel photography, food becomes a captivating subject that captures the essence and spirit of a destination. From the vibrant street food stalls of Bangkok to the rustic trattorias of Tuscany, food photography becomes a means of preserving and sharing the essence of a place. Through evocative images of local delicacies, traditional cooking methods, and the conviviality of dining, a travel photographer can create a visual diary that encapsulates the spirit of each destination, inviting others to embark on a gastronomic adventure.

The Tools of the Trade: Tips for Mastering Food Photography on the Go

Mastering food photography on the road requires a combination of technical skill, creativity, and an understanding of the unique challenges posed by different environments. From selecting the right camera equipment and lenses to making the most of available lighting and composing captivating shots, a travel photographer must adapt to varying conditions while maintaining the integrity of the culinary subject. Additionally, embracing the local culture and engaging with chefs and food vendors can provide insight and authenticity to the visual narrative.

Conclusion: Capturing Culinary Adventures Through Food Photography

In summary, the amalgamation of travel and culinary exploration presents abundant prospects for travel photographers to hone their skills in the realm of food photography during their journeys. By immersing themselves in the varied culinary experiences, comprehending the artistic essence of food photography, and capturing the spirit of culinary destinations, photographers have the opportunity to craft a visual banquet that honors the convergence of travel and gastronomy. Therefore, seize your camera, embark on a voyage of flavors, and encapsulate the essence of culinary escapades through the captivating art of food photography. It's the perfect time to travel in search of taste and relish the visual wonders that await worldwide.

[yatsurinamikaze]

Sombre (ninth - part i) - (ninth - part ii) - (ninth - part iii)

//tw: miscarriage, blood, depression, dark stuff, angst

Miya Atsumu x Reader (Angst!)

Life in your village was… comforting. Mornings began with helping your father in the kitchen, resuming your morning runs, and feeding ducklings by the pond. With your neighbor, Mr. Kishimoto, you ventured into the rhythmic choreography of seaweed farming, where the ebb and flow of the ocean soothed the pain in your heart. The days were relatively busier. Yet, as dusk fell and night draped its veil, you found yourself in the quiet of your room with an unsettled mind, tears trickling slowly as you hugged your pillow tightly until morning came again.

One afternoon, while browsing the quaint local market, you spotted Mrs. Tanaka and a young, eccentric woman named Yuki with short, brightly dyed hair and a paint-splattered smock, standing in stark contrast. "Y/n-chan!" Mrs. Tanaka greeted warmly, her eyes crinkling with delight as you exchanged greetings. She grabbed a yogurt from the shelf and turned to leave, then paused with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, by the way, Yuki was looking for some help painting a background tapestry for the Eisa festival. Are you free to lend her a hand?"

Your eyes narrowed as you tried to decipher her smile. Slowly, you nodded, "Sure." Yuki beamed with enthusiasm. "Let's meet on Sunday at my studio by the beach. It'll be a blast!"

On Sunday, you arrived at Yuki’s studio, where she had transformed an old fishing shack into a vibrant workspace. You were greeted by canvases splashed with bright colors and the scent of fresh paint lingering in the air. Yuki welcomed you with a wide grin. “Shall we get started?” She handed you a brush and pointed to a bucket of paint. You began painting the backdrop, mirroring her movements.

After some time, Yuki began sharing her passion. “I love expressing Okinawa's spirit through my paintings,” she explained animatedly, showing you her sketches for the tapestry. “Art allows me to capture the essence of this island—the rich culture, vibrant colors, and deep connection to nature.”

You listened intently, captivated by Yuki's fervor. Your eyes traced the intricate details of her work. “It's amazing how art can convey so much emotion and beauty,” you mused, recalling your own joy in photography. “Capturing moments in time felt like capturing a piece of the soul.”

Yuki's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Why did you stop?" she asked gently. You sighed, a hint of regret tugging at your heart. "Life happened, I suppose. Moving to Osaka, starting a career, and then... other things got in the way. I lost touch with what brought me joy.”

Yuki nodded thoughtfully. "Sometimes life distracts us from what truly matters,” she hummed, continuing, “But you're back now, and Okinawa is waiting for you to rediscover its beauty through your lens."

"Yeah... maybe," you hummed along with Yuki's song, stroking the brush against the canvas. You started thinking about your old camera, making a mental note to ask your dad about it. Mrs. Tanaka entered, marveling at the progress you both had made.

Suddenly, a mischievous grin spread across Yuki's face. "You know, yn-chan, we should capture Mrs. Tanaka doing the Eisa dance! That would be a sight to behold!"

You chuckled, picturing the usually composed Mrs. Tanaka in the midst of the dance. "That would be quite a photo! Mrs. Tanaka, are you up for it?"

Mrs. Tanaka chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, my dear, you might need a faster camera for that!" The three of you burst into laughter.

Inspired by Yuki's encouragement and lighthearted humor, you returned home that evening with renewed determination. Rummaging through your belongings, you unearthed your old camera, its familiar weight comforting. Alongside it, you found a few photographs from your early days.

Standing by the window, you gazed out at the tranquil Okinawan landscape bathed in twilight's soft glow. The rhythmic lull of the ocean waves echoed a gentle reassurance, prompting a realization to bloom within your soul.

In the quiet solitude of your thoughts, you recalled Yuki's words, “Those who find contentment within themselves will be truly rich.” This resonated deeply, reminding you that true wealth lay not in material possessions but in finding peace and fulfillment within oneself.

You understood that amidst life's tumultuous journey, finding solace in passions and embracing self-love were the foundations of happiness. Each click of the shutter would capture not only Okinawa's beauty but also your journey—of healing, rediscovery, and the profound wisdom gained through embracing solitude.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of gold and lavender across the sky, a serene calm settled within your heart. With a peaceful smile, you whispered a silent promise to yourself—to never lose this part of yourself again.

You realized that true happiness begins within oneself before it can be shared with others.

I know the three parts of the ninth chapter are boring. Bear with me. :)

Masterlist (taglist is open!)

[ascendingtostardust]

Click

(Sam Kiszka x f reader)

word count: 2.1k

warnings: none, all fluff and dad!sam

a/n: this was going to be a little blurb that turned into 2k words (oops). I didn’t edit it at all so I hope it makes sense and isn’t too hard to read :)

—

Sam had gotten into film photography long before the two of you had gotten together, racking up quite the collection of cameras. Some he traveled with, some he never left the house with, and some he never left the house without. He had a preferred use for each one, sometimes testing their limits when he learned about a new technique or feature. This hobby of his was actually how the two of you met.

On a blanket in the shade produced by a tall tree in the park right by your apartment, you sat enjoying the beautifully warm summer day. You rested with your hands behind you, legs outstretched in front of you as you munched on an assortment of fresh fruit you had just bought from the market earlier that day. Completely in your own world, you almost missed the click of a camera a few feet away from you.

When you looked over, the most beautiful man you’ve ever seen stood lowering his camera to rest against his chest. The confused look you shot him caused him to cautiously make his way over to you and apologize for not asking before taking a photo of you. He said that you “just looked so beautiful when you didn’t think anyone was paying attention” in the most sincere way you’d ever heard anyone compliment you.

And just like that…click.

-

Your entire relationship was documented, which you were extremely grateful for. At first the photos were only from Sam’s perspective, but then also from yours when you felt more comfortable grabbing the camera from him to take a few shots from your own point of view. Being able to show how you viewed each other and your shared experiences through the way you captured those special moments was something you never knew you needed until Sam came into your life.

After a few years of dating, you both knew you were ready to settle down and start getting serious about what the future held for you as a pair. Sam and the band’s schedule was lightening up as his brothers had a few kids of their own and began pushing for more time at home and less time on the road.

When you decided to finally take a pregnancy test after a few weeks of unbearable nausea, your fate as a couple was sealed - you were having a baby. Sam, of course, was over the moon, wanting everyone special in his life to share in his excitement. Bringing new life into the world was a big responsibility, but one that he always knew he wanted to take on. Now it was happening, and it was happening with the love of his life.

Just like every other part of your relationship, your pregnancy journey was documented on the film in Sam’s camera. You swore he sometimes went through a whole roll of film in one day just taking pictures of you and your swollen belly while doing completely mundane, everyday tasks - though he would try to deny it. Every now and then he would get an idea for a few photos and have you pose naturally while he got his shots, but most photos were completely candid. He was respectful of your boundaries, though, and knew when to put the camera down and actually live in the moment that he wanted to capture forever.

From the moment she was born, your daughter heard the click of a camera shutter at least 6 times a day. As a baby, it became a sound that comforted her during those rough moments of nonstop tears. Sam would request one of his less expensive cameras that was devoid of any film and would take the lens off, carefully storing the fragile piece away from any curious hands. You would watch as he brought the old camera to lean against the hip your daughter wasn’t resting on, cranking the small lever on top of the body, and pressing the button next to it to release the shutter.

The fluttering click of the camera would immediately pull your daughter’s attention to the object in his hand without fail, making you stifle a giggle every time you witnessed it. Through her tear-soaked lashes she would watch with wide eyes as Sam repeated the same actions, pretending to take photos of things around the room in an effort to keep his baby’s attention on anything but the cause of her sadness.

As much as she loved the sounds of the camera, though, the same effect could never be repeated by you when Sam was traveling for shows or interviews and nothing you did was calming her down. In those moments the only thing you could do was call Sam and hold the phone to her ear as he sang softly or whispered how much he loved her until she fell asleep. A true daddy’s girl through and through.

-

There was a long break of touring before Sam had to leave again, both of you preparing for months to make sure that all three members of your little family were ready for Sam to be gone for a few weeks. Your baby was now a toddler, though Sam insisted on calling her his teenager because of how grown up she acted. Her curiosity mixed with Sam’s persistence to answer all questions (mostly) honestly and openly gave her a level of intelligence that both of you were extremely proud of.

Though when it was time for her to say bye-bye to her favorite person in the world, her endless tears caused a few of your own to run down your cheeks. Just when you began accepting the fact that she may simply be inconsolable until he got back home, Sam pulled out a small gift bag overflowing with soft pink tissue paper. Your little one sat down over Sam’s crossed legs as the three of you sat close on the carpeted floor of your living room. As she eagerly pulled the tissue paper from the bag and let it fall carelessly, Sam made sure to hold the bottom of the bag steady so she could reach inside and grab the contents.

A book of empty plastic sleeves cased in a smooth hard cover, a few packets of stickers, and lastly…her own camera.

Her eyes widened as she pulled the bright yellow disposable camera out of the bag with her little hands, looking at Sam as if she couldn’t believe what she was holding. Sam had always told her how special it was to be able to capture a moment and freeze it in time, just like the magic in the books he read to her before bed. And now she held that magic in her hands.

Sam placed the empty bag on the ground, wrapping his arms around her softly, head resting on her small shoulder, as she turned the camera in her hands and inspected each feature.

“I was thinking…” He started, taking the stickers and empty book out of your hands to hold in her lap as he spoke. “Maybe you can take some pictures of yours and mommy’s adventures while I’m away, hm? Just like how I take pictures when we’re all together.”

He leaned forward to gauge her reaction, studying her concentrated face as she continued to hold the camera like it was the most precious gift she’d ever received.

“Do you know how many pictures you can take with that camera?” He knew she didn’t, but gently pointed to the number printed on the front label, whispering “what number is that?” into her ear to help her figure it out.

“36!” She exclaimed, looking up at him with a grin for his approval.

“That’s right, buggy! And you know how long daddy’s going to be away?” He paused to give her a moment to think, not sure if he even told her how long he’d be gone in fear of upsetting her before this very moment. “We’ll be away from each other for 36 days.”

He kept his voice soft, almost as if he was afraid the moment would become too real if he spoke too loud.

“While I’m away with your uncles and you’re here with mommy I want you to take one picture every single day that I’m gone, okay? Do you think you can do that?” He kissed her cheek lightly, rocking the two of them side to side soothingly. Your daughter nodded her head sadly, another wave of tears forming in her eyes.

“But hey, I’ll tell you what…if you take a picture every day with your camera, I’ll take a picture every day with mine and when I get home we’ll get our pictures processed so that we can print them out and put them in your special book. Is that a deal? You think you can do that?”

Another kiss was placed to her cheek but this time he didn’t pull away, closing his eyes to prevent his own tears from rolling down his cheeks.

“Mommy will help you decorate your book with these stickers and then we’ll be able to see what both of us were doing on the same day.” He pulled away to show her the small photo album as she flipped through the empty pages curiously.

“I can do that, daddy,” she said after a few moments of silence. A small smile spread across your lips as he gave her a grin and began showing her how to wind up the camera, what button to press “to make it click,” and where to look to see what she was taking a photo of.

And just like that, a few minutes later it was time for Sam to say his goodbyes before heading out the door and leaving you with a very distraught toddler who started missing her daddy the moment he stepped out the door.

-

The morning after Sam left, you expected your little one to be miserable once she realized that her dad was really gone for a while. However, your brows furrowed slightly when you heard the patter of feet quickly running down the hallway and into the kitchen where you stood making breakfast for the two of you. Your daughter immediately wrapped her arms around your leg, looking up at you excitedly as your empty hand found its way to the back of her head to hold her close.

“Mommy when can I take my picture for daddy? We can’t forget.” She said matter-of-factly, making you look down to see her serious look. Her favorite tiny purse that she used for dress-up was draped over her arm, something inside weighing it down slightly. It was a sparkly, baby pink bag that was her favorite because her Uncle Josh got it for her when she became old enough to want to dress up and play pretend with him, however she never brought it with her to breakfast.

“Maybe when we go to the market later you can take a pretty picture for daddy, how does that sound?” You said, plating her breakfast and guiding her to the kitchen chair that had her booster seat attached to it. She nodded and handed you the bag before climbing into the chair and sitting in her seat so that she could reach the table, something she did whenever she had something in her hands but needed to get something else done like the little lady she was.

When you grasped the bag, though, you realized what was inside. The camera. Sammy always made sure that he ate breakfast with the two of you, citing that the day just didn’t feel right if it wasn’t started with his girls and so, even with him away, she brought him to breakfast. You felt a pang in your chest at the realization and gently placed the small purse containing her precious item onto the table next to her plate.

After a few bites, your daughter placed her small fork down and began digging through her bag to pull the camera out.

“I think I want daddy to see my breakfast. He probably misses it.” Her tiny voice, filled with so much confidence, made your eyes misty at the thought of her wanting to share her morning with Sam just like he had always made sure to do.

“I think he’d like that, buggy.” You give her a smile, watching as she refamiliarized herself with what buttons did what, just like Sam had shown her the day prior.

And just like that...click.

[labyrinthofsphinx]

Statistical Outliers

Part 3 of drabble. Will be a bit busy, but might post some more later.

He’ll be honest, it was a long day. Even after all the drama with Velvette, he was called down to Val’s studio because of some issue with the cameras there. The issue had been that someone had dropped some lube onto the lens, warping what would’ve been a perfect shot. Well, said someone gave Val his much needed target practice.

Angel dust was there, of course, and Vox made it a point to avoid him as much as physically possible. He didn’t want to hear about him today.

Aside from that, shooting the new commercial for later use, and filling out the rest of his programs, he almost forgot his earlier troubles. So much so that, when he finally was able to retire back to their top floor, he was surprised to find the kid on the couch, wrapped up in Velvette’s arms as she took more pictures of the two of them together.

He didn’t often keep tabs on Velvette’s feed, that was usually her business, but he poked around for a second.

It’s blown up. Like, they’ve always had numbers before, but he’s not sure up to this scale.

Likes, shares, replies, the works in unprecedented figures. All from photos she’s sharing of her latest projects, most of which featured the kid in the background like a set piece. Positivity regarding their brand, regarding them seemed to be at an all-time high. A quick search revealed that most of that positivity was an echo chamber from Velvette’s followers bleeding down a common thread to the rest of hell, which was generally: ‘Look how good/awesome/attractive the Vees are! They’ve even got such a cutie pie with them!’.

He calculated all of that in the span of a minute. Velvette knew he was just…so baffled the minute after. He might’ve blue screened from the way her face twitched, like she was holding back a laugh. She was smirking when he finally regarded her again.

“You think you’d know better than to question me by now.” She teased.

“…okay, granted. But how?”

“I told you, ‘cute’ is in.” She grabbed the kid again and lifted him onto her lap like a plush doll. She wasn’t tall, or at least, not compared to Vox, but the kid was small even in her arms. Looks like she probably burned his old clothes too, because he was wearing one of her new summer collections loungewear outfits, Vee branded and everything. Around his neck was a delicate collar, almost a necklace, the charm of which had their signature hearts but with an electric ‘V’ cutting through it. Hm, note for later, look into pet market.

The kid looked at him again, head perking up a bit as he walked over, but it seemed like he learned his lesson on the talking thing.

It was strange to have another person in their space, though less so the more Velvette treats him like a pet than a person. Val had a pet for…brief time, and Vox learned from that to never get him anything of the sort again. Which means, this kid is going to be an issue already.

“Has Val seen him yet?” He asked, almost with a groan. It was the end of the day, and he didn’t feel the need to cake on a smile without anyone else around. He was fucking tired, alright? He didn’t need Val causing an issue over her new literal boy toy.

She shrugged.

“Don’t think so. Been too busy with that long shoot with Angel. Why?”

“Remember what happened to the last pet?”

At that, the kid’s ears dropped, and his body curled inwards a bit. Velvette petted the spot at the top of his head.

“…he’ll stay in my room. And tell Val that if breaks my new toy, I’ll be up his ass, I swear to God.”

“I’ll let him know.” Better that the two adults work it out…hopefully work it out. If there was one thing worse than a Val tantrum, it was a Val versus Vel brawl. Because somehow Vox was always the one fixing shit afterwards.

Then, her phone went off. Velvette made a face, groaned, then turned to Vox.

“I’ve got to take this.”

She put the kid down beside her for a moment, standing up to head off to her room.

“Watch him for a second, darling.” She didn’t ask so much as just abandoned him to his new task, walking off and pretending to be pleasant about something over the phone. Her door slammed shut as the conversation seemed to take a turn. He could listen in, but her shriek from before had already had him running diagnostics and he didn’t want to risk a round two so quick.

God, he was so fucking tired. He’ll just order in for the night. He just didn’t have the energy to head back out for food and a night full of drinks.

“Coffee?”

The voice caught him off guard. He’d been zoning out, hadn’t he?

The owner of the voice poked his head over the rim of the couch. Geez, he was small. He barely made it over just to look at him.

“Huh?” He asked.

“Y-you look tired. I…I was just thinking that you might want a coffee…or tea…or I can make hot chocolate, if you want.”

He…what? Did he not realize who he was talking to? Did he not realize where he was? Was he just stupid? Also, who gave him permission to talk? Vox certainly didn’t.

“You know, last I checked, pets didn’t talk.” He snapped a bit, voice warping with distortion.

The kid didn’t look any more afraid than before. Since when was he unintimidating to children? Before he could get madder, an alert flashed before his eyes. Power levels low, please plug in or put into power save mode. He really overdid it today, huh? Maybe he should fit in another coffee break between segments. You know, forget the kid. He can punish him tomorrow when he had the energy to do it.

His limbs hurt a bit as he moved. His back was sore from all the sitting in that stiff chair. He really ought to replace it, but the odd angle of its back meant he always sits straight in interviews and, well, it’s a good look. He’d be lament to get rid of it just because of a little pain.

Fuck it. He’s just going to go pass out.

“Stay here, and don’t move.” He ordered as he quickly undid his bow tie. The collar released and he could feel air and blood circulating around his neck again. Eyes followed him as he went to his room, but he couldn’t be bothered to snapping back again.

He was just about to open his door when he noticed it.

Ah, he must’ve snuck pasted Velvette.

Smoke curled in from the doorway, red whisps of the telltale signature of Valentino drifted towards him like grasping hands. It reached to his waist, his shoulders, and across his chest. Val was in a mood. Probably that mood. Unless he wanted to deal with another fit, and despite feeling like he wants to drop to the floor, Vox had to be in that mood too.

Fuck my life.

Business smile, come on. Just business as usual.

And he stepped in.

…

As it turned out, there was a reason Valentino was in that mood. Worse, he was in the version of that mood which left Vox feeling like he just lost a fight. He was also, currently, on the floor. Val has taken over his bed, and any attempt to remedy this whole situation will probably end up worse somehow.

Small glitches danced across his vision. He could feel the places Val’s claws caught on the sides of his screen. They were enough to hurt, but he just hoped it wasn’t bad enough to need a buffing out. He sat up, and almost immediately regretted it. Damn it, Val! What was so appealing about mauling on him like a fucking cat toy? His back was a collage to scratches, his legs a testimony to the power of mandibles or whatever the fuck he’s got in his face.

Valentino was happily snoozing away, his particular grievance stripped away by the power of a fucked-out sleep and mauling Vox. Apparently, Angel was acting up. He was late to set, was pissed off when he arrived, and was in entirely too much of a rush to leave. Obviously, this was a problem for Val. And, now, Vox. Because, again, Valentino’s problems are always Vox’s problems.

It didn’t take much to figure out why Angel was doing this shit. It would only a couple of hours before Alastor’s pet projects figured out the kid was gone. Not dead, but gone. So far as he knew, they haven’t figured it out yet. Angel probably hadn’t had time to surf the web while working, and the rest of them apparently didn’t even have phones. Princess Morningstar didn’t follow the Vees, so it’s not like she’d be likely to see their feed.

Even now, he could see them walking the streets, asking folks, looking for hide or hair of him. Instead of looking the one place they might get a clue, they distracted themselves with nonsense.

He stretched out, figuring he might as well take the couch. He had to get some sleep. Also, while he was at it, he’d just quietly silence anything mentioning the kid on the pity party’s feed. Not that he was concerned, but the idea of Princess Morningstar walking into Vee tower (or worse, Lucifer) with demands was both embarrassing and demeaning. He wouldn’t have it.

When he left the room and headed into the lounge, he was surprised to find the T.V. on. There was a streaming movie playing, and a voice was singing that he hadn’t heard in…fifty? Sixty years? Longer?

God, he’d been alive last time he heard this. Back when it first came out. He remembered. He had that tune stuck in his head for months. Everyone did.

He’d always loved the T.V., alive or dead. As hypnotic as it was to everyone down here, it held just as much sway to him, even after all these years. His feet dragged him towards the sound, the old timey tune jumping into chorus again.

“I’ve a smile on my face. I walk down the lane. With a happy refrain. Singin’, just singing in the rain.”

That…didn’t come from the T.V.

The small, soft sound came from the couch, where two tired eyes blinked slowly at the screen. There was a small smile on his face, as if he really did forget for a moment that he’d been kidnapped.

“She’s gonna be really mad that your over here and not where she told you to be.”

Vox’s little comment nearly made him jump out of his skin. Though shock, surprise, and even slight fear seemed to give way to something somber in his mind. Vox didn’t say it, neither did the kid, but they both knew he looked like shit right now.

“…I know.” He muttered, after a moment, like he was considering whether Vox would want a response or not. “But…but I didn’t want to sleep on the floor.”

Oh. Well. Um.

He bit his lip.  No, no. He wasn’t about to sympathize with him. That’d be like sympathizing with the wallpaper or the chair. It had a purpose and when it’s done with it, it’ll get thrown out like all the rest of it. That’s all.

“That’s where pets belong.” He hissed.

“…do I have to be a pet?”

“If you want to keep your scalp, yes.”

He sighed, despair puffing out into a choked noise. That said, he didn’t wander back to Velvette’s room. Instead, he abandoned the couch for the floor, resting his head on his tail as he curled inward for warmth. Now abandoned, Vox took over the couch. He had half a mind to change the channel and was about to when the kid pipped up again.

“C-could you leave it on?”

“…why?”

“I love this part.”

He could name on one hand the number of people down here still alive that he knew of that actually watched this movie. All of them were far, far older than the kid. He didn’t look like a 50s kid, or didn’t dress like one. Maybe he kept up to date with all the innovations, like Vox has, but nothing about the kid has struck him as being from when he was still walking around.

A movie kid then? Sure, one with good taste but…okay, no, that was weird too.

He left it on. Not sure what possessed him to do it, but he left it on. Gene Kelly kept right on talking, even after the kid fell asleep. And at some point, while he was singing, Vox’s own lids drooped low.

…

He woke up to the click of a phone taking a picture. His whole body felt like it was still coming online by the time he even realized what was going on. Velvette, standing in front of the couch, was holding an impromptu photo session featuring Vox sleeping on the couch. She did that sometimes, take photos of him in compromising or funny positions. Most of them involved Val, though there was a particular vid of him unintentionally slamming his head against his desk that got a good laugh. She doesn’t really post these more…reputation damaging ones. No, she just keeps them for blackmail.

Now, while he didn’t really care about the sleeping part, it registered that he probably still looked like a shark attack victim via Val. The fuck was so amusing about that-?

A quick look down and he got his answer. The kid was there, guess he never went back to Velvette’s room. He was still asleep, curled almost entirely into a sphere. A Voxtek branded throw blanket was tossed across his shoulders. It was probably the one they kept by the couch, all things considered. He didn’t think much of it…but from an outside perspective…

“I didn’t do that.” His voice sounded groggy from sleep and the lingering exhaustion. Velvette scoffed, in a laughing, mocking tone, and kept taking pictures.

“That is so cute, Vee.”

“I didn’t do it!” He snapped louder, enough to wake the kid up with a jolt. A bit of electricity might’ve made the jump and zapped him, because he responded like someone stepping on a live wire. Eyes wide and leaping up, his ears flicked around looking for the problem.

“What happened? What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” Vox growled, frown pulling into a broken smile. “You’re still talking.”

The kid deflated, realizing again where he was, and snapped his mouth close. Velvette puffed out her cheeks.

“Uh, did you have to go and ruin it?”

“Ruin what? You making fun of me?”

“No, you being cute, Vee. I told you, ‘cute’ is in. It makes you look more approachable and desirable to be a little cute sometimes.”

He felt like he was going to blow a fuse. Sparks danced around between wires and circuits, and he had to physically pull himself in. He was never going to get anything done if he started his day short-circuiting. He trained his emotions back. Smile, the camera’s on again!

“While that may be the case, Vel, I think it’s probably better if half of hell doesn’t think I got mauled by a bear, hm?”

She actually looked upset by the idea of not sharing it. He can already tell she tacked on a few hearts across the pic. The taglines, ‘Vee life’ and ‘Vee with the dog he didn’t want’, were all set and ready to go.

 A game show thinking sound went off his speakers as a thought came to mind. “Oh, here’s an idea, why don’t you just edit it a bit, so I look more put together when you post it? Don’t you have better pictures of me on the asleep on the couch?”

Usually, he was speaking to Val like he was a misbehaving child, but Velvette earned it a few times. Like right now, when she was acting like a kid who was told they had to see the doctor before getting a lollipop.

“Fine!” She huffed. “And don’t be surprised when everyone’s up in arms to watch your new presentation.”

She grabbed the kid by the scruff of his neck and walked them both back to her room.

What presentation-? Oh, yeah. Headsets. The whole reason he was currently suffering Velvette’s added attention right now. Well, if it gets him more viewers…it should be worth it. It better be worth it.

Though, he did double check on Alastor’s little gang. Still panicked, it seemed. Still had no idea where the kid was. Good. His little media silencing was doing the trick then. Yet…he knew even he couldn’t keep it up forever. Someone would let it slip. That could lead to some trouble, given the kind of reaction the king of hell seemed to have. Honestly, he didn’t realize anyone would miss him this much. Lucifer hardly went out, now he was patrolling the streets with his daughter like he was desperate to find the family dog. And he wanted no part of that fight.

Hm. As far as he knew, the kid still owned his soul. Maybe it was about time he wrote up a contract. File that under things to do for later.

For now, there was work to do.

Part 1/ Part 2/ Part 3/ Part 4/ Part 5/ Part 6/ Part 7/ Part 8/ Part 9/ Part 10

[enam3l]

my first full little ficlet? or blurb? some lovely fluff of your boy and his new hobby / 1.3k words / sfw

Once Eddie settled into a career and for the first time in his life, had disposable income there was one thing that he spent his money on more than anything... camera film.

You had bought him his first camera for his birthday, wanting to treat him to something special that he'd never let himself buy. But mostly, after everything he'd been through, you wanted him to be able to preserve the new happy memories you were going to make together. 

You wanted him to be able to keep mementos of seeing his favourite bands, of Corroded Coffin rehearsals, of the crowds they'd pulled in at gigs, of fun drunk nights your group of friends shared at The Hideout and Steve’s house, or your holidays like the camping trip in California you'd all gone on when you visited Argyle and the trip to New York for your anniversary (which was really an excuse for Eddie to visit CBGBs).

However, these were not the pictures Eddie took. 

Well, not really. All these people and places were merely in the background as Eddie insisted that you must be the focus of every picture. No occasion too small or too big, they all required documentation that you had been there. He couldn't help that you were his muse, he would dramatically declare you were the Edie Sedgwick to his Andy Warhol. Edie joined his already long list of nicknames for you. Was Edie your real name? God no. Was it remotely close? Not even slightly. 

-

Standing impatiently by the front door, you waited for Eddie to get ready so you could go to the Sunday market before it closed. After several minutes he appears from your bedroom, infamous camera in hand. 

‘Eddie what could you possibly need to take a picture of right now?!’ you scolded him, knowing all too well how this boy was going to delay your plans further. 

Shaking his head at your attitude, he calmly explained ‘No baby you don't understand, your outfit right now is fuckin killer. I gotta remember this!’

You're wearing one of his old faded Metallica T-shirts with a satin midi skirt, frankly it was what was clean. 

‘Honey, I am literally wearing the first clothes I could find, I just wanted to get out the house so I can make you a meal and not give you Chinese takeout for the third time this week.'

Gathering your shopping bags, you muttered 

'When you moved in here, I promised Wayne I'd actually feed you real food. Like actual vegetables and shit!'

‘Alright, alright... but you still look fuckin hardcore. Lucky veggies seeing you like that...’

Now angling his camera at you as you opened the front door he frantically tried to halt your movements.

‘Babe! Stop stop stop! Just wait there, the sun coming through the door is perfect... just turn your head towards me more... mmhmm... oh you can keep that angry look on your face, it's sexy, you're just making my picture better sweetheart'

By the time you got to the market, not a vegetable was left for you to force feed him. 

-

Squealing, you spin around your arms out wide as you take in your surroundings, 

'Eddie, we're here! We literally made it to your house of worship!!'

As your gaze returns to your boyfriend, you see exactly where he stands with his camera pointed.

'Why are you taking a picture of me right now?! Don’t aim the camera at me, aim it there! The freaking Ramones carved their names right there!' You point to the piece of iconic music history but Eddie remains unfazed, his eyes and lens laser focused on his favourite icon.  

'Yeah well there's four Ramones and only one of you.' 

You can't help but smile at his soppy ways however the romantic moment is interrupted as Eddie begins to shoo away an innocent fellow tourist.

‘Sorry Sir could you move out the way? Yeah, I'm just trying to get this picture of my girlfriend… great, thanks man... Okay cool, sorry about that interruption my darling Edie, now just pick up your beer and pose again.’

He proceeded to spend the rest of the vacation only acknowledging the wonders of New York if he could capture you alongside them. Multiple tourists’ days out ruined by Eddie pestering them insisting that his girl was practically supermodel and would’ve made a much better statue than Lady Liberty.

-

The beautiful moment before you was rudely interrupted by a ring-clad finger poking your ribs and a poor attempt at a whisper in your direction.

‘Psst baby… psst… look at me and lift your bouquet up a little bit.’

Oblivious to the occasion around you both, Eddie stood next to you, camera angled too close for comfort. In horror at his actions, you muster the angriest whisper ever heard

‘Edward! Are you shitting me! Turn your camera away from me this second or so help me…’ 

Outraged, as if he was the perfect angel Eddie gasped 

‘What?! Why!’

Now attempting to discreetly swat at him and half wishing on the seating chart you had sat him at the back of the room with children and toddlers, you chide him

‘Why?! It's our best friends’ wedding. Nancy is literally paying you to photograph her wedding… Oh my god! No! Stop it! Turn it around now, he's putting her ring on! This is like the most important part!’

Thankfully he does as he’s told… for once. As he captures the exchange of rings he timidly whispers to you again

‘...Will you be a runaway bride when I try to take your photo when we're at the alter?’

‘Yes.’

You attempt to put on your sternest voice whilst hoping he doesn’t spot your cheeks blush the same colour as your bridesmaid’s bouquet. Secretly, your more desperate than ever to catch Nancy’s bouquet later on.

-

After a long work trip, you were finally home. Sick of dreary hotels, you look around to absorb the comfort and warmth of the apartment you’d not long moved into. However, you quickly notice the walls had been filled. 

Now hung years of photos carefully arranged into frames. Some in collages. Some arranged into montages. Some standalones. Some with captions like 

'My own metal Cindy Crawford at Yosemite.' 

You try not to cry as you take them all in, every one of them a memory with you that Eddie felt he had to preserve for eternity. Although, you pray that the photographs you know exist of your more 'intimate' moments did not make it onto the wall. You also hope he got those developed somewhere out of town, you'd rather the spotty teenage boy at Eddie's usual shop did not see photos of what you let Eddie do to you. 

Following the walls, you eventually arrive into your bedroom. Now, above your bed are a montage of photos you've never seen before. Arranged in three frames. 

The first is you walking down the aisle, towards Eddie behind the camera at the altar. 

The second is you sliding a ring onto Eddie's finger as he takes the photo with his other hand. 

The third he had turned the camera round to capture the two of you as you kissed for the first time as husband and wife. 

On your bedside table in a pretty vase was now the dried and preserved bouquet you caught from Nancy at her wedding.

You had lied. You would never have been a runaway bride. 

You knew he'd end up taking photos, it's mainly why you'd made Hopper officiate the wedding. You weren't sure an actual priest would approve of being interrupted by your husband’s camera flash. 

Plus, you weren't convinced Eddie could step into a church without bursting into flames anyway. 

i loved doing this so much and hope you loved it too!! i am a total sucker for fluffy Eddie! i have lots more stuff coming soon. follow my lil hashtag to see all my Eddie writing and also feel free to request anything. i am open to whatever, as cute or angsty or horny as you want!

[mil-doo]

First Film Camera Quick Guide!

I was putting together a list for a partner who's been interested in buying a film camera that can do a little more than his point and shoot and it was recommended to me that I share the picks I sent him!

This is by no means comprehensive but these are the four that come to mind for me. I've kept the options $200 and below (with lens, based on ebay listings) with the idea being if this is your first film camera, or first film SLR, you probably don't want to spend much more than that.

For anyone who's been shooting for a while who has some other options to share please feel free to mention them so nothing gets overlooked!

Nikon F4 ($200)

Pros: It was Nikon's first professional auto focus camera and also has multiple auto exposure modes from full auto, to aperture and shutter speed priority! It has great build quality, Nikons are known to be indestructible. It has advanced metering to help make sure everything in the frame is exposed properly. The F mount has been around for 70 years and counting and has the largest library of lenses available, many of which are fairly inexpensive. It also has the best viewfinder on this list for glasses wearers due to its size!

Cons: It's a tank! It's big and chunky and much like many other auto focus film cameras of the era it has that ugly DSLR look. It has a Swiss army knife worth of features many of which you may never use!

Canon EOS Rebel GII (>$100)

Pros: You can get the body and a lens for under $100 making it the cheapest option on this list! It's capable of auto focus and a number of different exposure modes that let you learn various settings or take pictures with the ease of a point and shoot. The EOS mount lasted for 30+ years so there's a wide variety of lenses across a wide spectrum of prices.

Cons: It's an enthusiast grade camera with consumer grade build quality and a somewhat limited feature set for a late era film SLR --but all the right features are included. It's big, chunky, kinda ugly.

Olympus OM-2 ($150)

Pros: It's really small for a professional camera! It has that classic film SLR look, and it was in FLCL! It's manual focus, but does have some auto exposure tools to assist you. You'll have to dial in aperture to your liking but shutter speed can be determined for you. You can grab one of these with a lens for around $150.

Cons: It will have a steeper learning curve than the auto focus cameras on this list. The OM mount library is pretty limited and while the 50mm lens you probably get with it will be cheap most other focal lengths get a little more pricey due to availability.

Nikon FE ($200)

Pros: Another small manual focus camera with auto exposure features! It uses the F mount so it's an easy system camera to grow into if you think you'll want to experiment with different focal lengths along the way! It's a Nikon so it'll probably outlast us all.

Cons: It's pricier up front than the OM-2 and if you don't think you'll want to experiment with different focal lengths down the line it probably isn't worth it!

Point & Shoot!

If you're looking for a point and shoot my main recommendation is to buy anything that's $50 or less. They all more or less work the same and they're all ticking time bombs of 90s consumer electronic goodness.

Facebook market place is a sadly a great place to find them, and where I got my beloved little Olympus MJU for $20 three years back!

Final Frame

Like I said up top, none of this is definitive! If you find something you think you can grow into that gets you excited to get out and shoot that's the camera for you! The most important thing is to have fun and make some art! Enjoy <3

[zagrebist]

Meet another photographer: Clara, a soulful photographer whose photography journey began in the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires and continued in our lovely Zagreb. 📸✨

"As a kid, I started documenting whatever was going on around me, probably unconsciously imitating my dad who's a great photographer. But it was not until my 20s while traveling that I realized that the camera served me as a means of expression. These travels were a turning point in my approach to photography. Now, after almost 8 years in Zagreb, the camera has become a really good companion of mine. The fact that it's such a safe city makes it easy to walk around with a camera, and here, my love for street photography developed."

Sundays find her at Britanski Trg, where she shares her art with the world. 🎨 This bustling square has become her muse, inspiring a new project: 'Slices of Quotidian Life, Portions of Daily People.' From extravagant characters to vibrant colors and curious objects, Clara captures the essence of the market scene, fearlessly asking strangers to share their stories through portraits. 📸

"Although the themes and styles of my photos vary depending on what lens I’m using or what spot I’m in, I’ve realized that what I’m most drawn to is the fleetingness of life and the beauty that lies in it. Every moment is unique and unrepeatable. Once it’s over, it’s gone forever. Life is beautiful, and like my friend Julio Cortázar said: "entre las muchas maneras de combatir la nada, una de las mejores es sacar fotografías."✨️

》 join Clara on her journey to seize life's fleeting beauty: @stayclasi & @clasiness 《

[sugdenlovesdingle]

K, L & N please!!!

it's almost a shame you picked N and not M - KLM is the royal Dutch airline lol K:  Do you have a guilty pleasures in fic (reading or writing)? I'm not sure about guilty pleasures but I NEED a happy ending. I can deal with drama and angst and heartbreak as long as everything is all sunshine and rainbows at the end. And I LIVE for meddling parents/siblings/friends and outsider/third person POV fics. L:  Which of your fanfics was the most emotionally challenging to write? PS I love you. I usually avoid/ignore Gwyn's death (and I will be doing the same with Gabriel, thank you very much) but this worked really well with the prompt "Letter". I just cannot deal with Major Character Death fics in general, but dead parents/grief heavy fics are a big no for me. I'm happy with how it turned out but I probably won't be writing anything like that again! N: Any fic ideas brewing that you’d care to share? Oh man - so many! I'm hoping to finish my pride fic soon, there is my TK and Marjan exploring Austin fic that was inspired by TK's diamond earring and also these (mostly just ~vibes~ for now) - K9 handler/reluctant social media star Carlos - wrong person/right time blind date - photographer!TK going all Humans of New York Austin and getting Carlos in front of his lens (inspired by this screencap from the pilot I saw ages ago that had cameras on the shelves in TK's apartment) - Owen's bff/TK's godfather from New York visiting (outsider POV) - Owen and TK getting interviewed for local news as the new father and son duo working to reopen firehouse 126, and Carlos being there too to update the public on a missing person's case - a kind of missing moments thing of TK "officially" meeting Gabriel and Andrea. The show went from the farmer's market to dinner party at casa tarlos and that always felt a bit rushed. - Carlos and Gwyn bonding while TK recovers after being shot. In Bad Call, when Carlos shows up at Owen's house looking for TK, he still calls Owen Captain Strand but calls Gwyn by her first name, so in my mind he's closer to her/knows her better/is less intimidated by her. I have this image in my head of them having long conversations late at night when TK is asleep on Carlos' bicep and he can't/won't move because TK needs rest, and she isn't quite as scary when the only light source is the tv.

And my RWRB different first meeting fic that I shared a little snippet of earlier (and was supposed to be posted 4 months ago - never let me run a challenge again, me and deadlines is a bad combo)

[dweemeister]

The Robe (1953)

Henry Koster’s The Robe, distributed by 20th Century Fox, appeared near the beginning of an era where religious epics and sword-and-sandal films became massive box office draws worldwide. Cecil B. DeMille’s Samson and Delilah (1949) and Mervyn LeRoy’s Quo Vadis (1951) had already laid the foundation on which Koster’s film, adapting Lloyd C. Douglas’ novel of the same name, would find its success. Despite The Robe being highly influential in Hollywood and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1953, the likes of DeMille’s The Ten Commandments (1956) and William Wyler’s Ben-Hur (1959) overtook it artistically and financially – no shame there, as those are two far superior films.

So what is The Robe’s claim to movie history beyond its initial theatrical earnings? When The Robe first came to theaters, 20th Century Fox advertised it as the first film ever made in CinemaScope. Created by Fox’s president, Spyros P. Skouras, CinemaScope was a format in which a widescreen camera lens contracted its widescreen shots onto regular 35mm film and, during theatrical projection, another lens would de-contract the image from the 35mm film in order to project a widescreen format. Theaters would only need to make minor, inexpensive modifications to their projectors in order to show a film in true CinemaScope, a 2:55:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Almost all other films were shot in the Academy ratio at the time (1.37:1, close to the 4:3 ratio – think: black bars on the left- and right-hand sides of a widescreen monitor – seen on many older standard computer monitors and televisions). With increasing competition from television, Fox executives believed CinemaScope could be a way to lure audiences back into theaters. Despite this overreaction from Fox’s executives (as well as the other major Hollywood studios), the legacy of CinemaScope’s innovation is still apparent today. Seven decades later, widescreen formats, not the Academy ratio, are the default in film and television.

Walking through the markets of Rome, returning Roman Empire tribune Marcellus Gallio (Richard Burton) reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Diana (Jean Simmons), who is now promised to Marcellus’ rival, Caligula (an always-sneering Jay Robison). Not long after, Marcellus – out of pettiness rather than financial sense – outbids Caligula for the Greek slave, Demetrius (Victor Mature). Marcellus immediately frees Demetrius, but Demetrius thinks of himself as honor-bound to stay by Marcellus. Elsewhere, an incensed Caligula reassigns Marcellus to Palestine – which, to the film’s Roman characters, might as well be the armpit of the Roman Empire. Marcellus and Demetrius go to Jerusalem, where they witness a man named Jesus enter the city, heralded by crowds of Jews greeting him with palms. Several days later, Judean Governor Pontius Pilate (Richard Boone) orders Marcellus to crucify Jesus on Calvary. Marcellus executes the order but, during and after the crucifixion, witnesses and experiences supernatural events. Demetrius, who has become a follower of Jesus during that week, obeys Marcellus when he asks him to fetch Jesus’ robe. The moment Marcellus dons the robe, he suffers something like a seizure. He falls out with Demetrius, and spends the rest of the film reckoning with his conscience over his role in Jesus’ crucifixion.

The film also stars Michael Rennie as Peter, Dean Jagger as Justus, Torin Thatcher as Senator Gallio, and Ernest Thesiger as Emperor Tiberius. Michael Ansara and Donald C. Klune are both uncredited as Judas Iscariot and Jesus, respectively.

The Robe has the misfortune of peaking in the first half. The adapted screenplay from Gina Kaus (1949’s The Red Danube), Albert Maltz (one of the blacklisted Hollywood Ten; 1950’s Broken Arrow), and Philip Dunne (1941’s How Green Was My Valley) is at its most interesting whenever Marcellus and Demetrius find themselves at odds with the other. In the scenes they share together, that happens often. But when Demetrius disappears after their disagreement over Jesus’ robe midway through, the film begins to sag with no foil for Burton to play off of.

For the entirety of this film, Richard Burton’s acting is overwrought. Burton, who had just arrived in Hollywood the year before to star in My Cousin Rachel (1952), is leaning too deeply into his theatrical roots here. His grandiose exclamations, stiff facial acting, and inconsistent line delivery result in a performance that is easily the weakest part of this film (Jean Simmons is also guilty, to a far lesser degree, of these same flaws in her performance). The Robe requires Burton’s Marcellus to undergo a spiritual conversion – becoming an adherent of Jesus despite following orders to crucify him, a developmental arc more dramatic than any other character’s in this film. Burton’s inability to convincingly sell this conversion (the stoic masculine tension, which some will interpret as coded homosexuality, between Burton’s Marcellus and Mature’s Demetrius does not help) weakens the film’s spiritual power.

Instead, it is Mature who is The Robe’s reliable scene-stealer. Mature, at one time likened to a “miniature Johnny Weissmuller”, has the classical Greek physique that, frankly, Burton does not. And in contrast to Burton at this time in their careers, Mature was more capable of a nuanced performance, as evidenced in his roles as Doc Holliday in My Darling Clementine (1946) and Nick Bianco in Kiss of Death (1947). As Demetrius, his soul hardened through his enslavement, there remains hope for a life free from the yoke of the Roman Empire and its callous slave masters. One sees it in his face during Holy Week, culminating with seeing Jesus dying on the cross. His faith is there, too, during a torture scene upon his return to Rome and an encounter with Peter. Amid miracles and cruelties, Mature’s Demetrius is simply the most compelling character of The Robe and the viewer – through Mature’s performance, especially in contrast to those of Jean Simmons and Richard Burton’s – can discern his genuine turn of faith. The Robe’s failure to showcase this inner awakening more believably is the fault of its two central actors and its screenplay; Mature’s performance and Demetrius’ characterization are all that saves the narrative.

One aspect of Christianity that The Robe captures confusingly (and oxymoronically) is the insignificance of Judea and the prominence of early Christianity in Rome in the time immediately following Jesus’ crucifixion. Oftentimes in Biblical epics, Judea is a centerpiece of the Roman Empire when, in truth (and in The Robe), it was a relative backwater. By Caligula’s reign between 37 and 41 CE, Christianity almost certainly would not have had a substantial presence in Rome at that time. So while Caligula would probably see Christianity as a threat, the film’s decision to treat the early Christians as a clear and present danger to his rule and the Roman state religion is the film’s glaring historical inaccuracy. The Robe – the book and the film – muddies the timeline from Jesus’ crucifixion to the film’s final scene in Caligula’s court. The relative suddenness of the Roman Empire seeing the early Christians as a very minor cult into becoming an Empire-wide menace is difficult to reconcile.

With few other post-silent film era Biblical epics as a guide, The Robe helps set the aesthetic of its fellow Biblical epics and sword-and-sandals movies going forward through its costumes and production design. The work of costume designers Charles LeMaire (1950’s All About Eve, 1956’s Carousel) and Emile Santiago (1952’s Androcles and the Lion, 1958’s The Big Country) is resplendent, regardless of either the Roman or Judean setting. Art directors Lyle R. Wheeler (1939’s Gone with the Wind, 1956’s The King and I) and George Davis (All About Eve, 1963’s How the West Was Won) and set decorators Walter M. Scott (All About Eve, 1965’s The Sound of Music) and Paul S. Fox (The King and I, 1963’s Cleopatra) all make full use of the CinemaScope format and color to enliven the scenery – a sumptuous visual treat for the viewer, and, to reiterate, setting a standard that the crew of The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur both would study and surpass.

Of all of 20th Century Fox contracted stalwarts behind the camera, composer Alfred Newman was the studio’s most important figure. If Fox’s executives needed a composer to craft a score for what they would consider would be their prestige motion picture of the year, Newman – who composed the original 20th Century Fox fanfare and its CinemaScope extension (the extension, which is now inextricable from the fanfare, was first introduced in 1954’s River of No Return) – was almost always their first choice.

In one of Newman’s finest scores of his career, it is his choral compositions, with incredible help from his longtime choral supervisor Ken Darby, that form the score’s emotive spine. Jesus’ motif, shared between wordless choir and strings, appears almost immediately, in the opening seconds of the “Prelude”. During the many invocations of a Messiah before Jesus’ first physical appearance in The Robe, his motif shifts, changes form, and modulates – imparting not spiritual comfort or devotion, but a mysteriousness and otherworldliness. When Jesus (whose face we never see) first appears in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the cue “Passover/Palm Sunday” represents one of the rare juxtapositions of the brass-heavy martial music representing the Roman presence in Judea and Jesus himself. The modulation to a major key at 1:22 in this cue, with festive percussion, also includes one of the only instances of celebratory choral music in the score. Jesus’ motif in “Passover/Palm Sunday”, appears at 2:26 – cementing his (and Christianity’s) association with the cue, and appearing as the only instance in which one might consider this motif triumphant.

Choruses, which Western viewers so often associate in religious movies as angelic musical devices, become mournful in “The Crucifixion” – arguably the standout cue of Newman’s score. Even though one might be well aware of Jesus’ death and can anticipate a turn in the music (starting moments earlier in “The Carriage of the Cross”), it is startling to hear Newman’s composition change so rapidly. But it is in these several minutes depicting Jesus’ final moments that Newman, with modifications to his harmonies and orchestration, transforms Jesus’ motif to evoke its tragic dimensions. It is magnificent scoring from Newman, and this is not even mentioning his wonderful demarcation of Roman and Judean identities through his score.

In a film about faith – how it comforts, destroys, heals, and vexes – one wishes that the characterization of The Robe’s supposed lead characters in Marcellus and Diana could feel more plausible. The film’s final scene, possibly allegorizing of screenwriter Albert Maltz’s travails as a blacklisted figure in Hollywood, is decently powerful, but it needs far more storytelling support from numerous scenes preceding it.

As it is, the film’s expressive power lies within Demetrius and Victor Mature’s performance. So how fortunate that, because Fox also wanted to make a sequel to The Robe even before it finished production, Mature also signed a contract to appear in a sequel. Nine months after The Robe made its theatrical debut, Victor Mature starred in Demetrius and the Gladiators, directed by Delmer Daves and also seeing Michael Rennie and Jay Robinson reprise their roles as Peter and Caligula, respectively. Though it did not top the box office for that year like The Robe did, Demetrius and the Gladiators was a financial boon for Fox.

With Hollywood’s major studios always ready to respond to the box office successes of their rivals, The Robe helped make possible the decade of Biblical and sword-and-sandals epics to come – and the required viewings for many a Sunday School student in the years hence. These films were Studio System Hollywood in full maximalism, adopting human and tactile scales seldom seen today.

Yet outside of churchgoers, The Robe – for its CinemaScope and genre-specific innovations – has seen its standing slip gradually over the years, no thanks to the reputations of better movies of this tradition and, regrettably, decisions to keep 20th Century Fox’s valuable past under lock and key. 20th Century Fox’s refusal to distribute their classic films more often and more widely – before and after the studio’s 2019 takeover by the Walt Disney Company (and post-takeover, I believe the situation is now worse) – is resulting in films like The Robe slip through the proverbial cracks of film history, sights unseen for younger film buffs. That is unfortunate, especially as The Robe, almost incidentally (and no matter my aforementioned criticisms of the work itself), continues to quietly wield, by virtue of being the first CinemaScope film, a remarkable influence over cinema worldwide.

My rating: 6/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found in the “Ratings system” page on my blog. Half-points are always rounded down.

For more of my reviews tagged “My Movie Odyssey”, check out the tag of the same name on my blog.

[selloldmobile]

Realme 12 5G: Launch Date, Specifications, and Features

Realme 12 5G launch date in india

Realme is set to make waves in the mid and entry-level smartphone market in India with the launch of their latest offering, the Realme 12+ 5G. Anticipation is high as the company promises to redefine the sub-Rs 20,000 segment with segment-first features and powerful specifications.

While most details about the Realme 12+ 5G have been kept under wraps, the company has revealed some key information about its camera and processor. The phone will sport a 50MP Sony IMX600 main camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a feature previously unseen in this segment. Powering the device will be the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, promising smooth performance and efficient multitasking.

The official unveiling of the Realme 12+ 5G will be live-streamed on Realme's YouTube channel, starting at 12 PM. For those eager to witness the launch, the YouTube link will provide access to the event.

Renowned tipster Sudhanshu Ambhore recently shared a screenshot allegedly sourced from an e-commerce platform, revealing key details about the Realme 12 5G (RMX3999) and Realme 12+ 5G (RMX3867) smartphones.

According to the leak, the Realme 12 5G is expected to be priced at ₹18,999 for the 8GB RAM/128GB storage variant. It will come in Twilight Purple and Woodland Green color options. On the other hand, the Realme 12+ 5G is speculated to offer broader storage choices, with the 8GB RAM and 256GB storage variant potentially priced at ₹22,999. Color options for the Realme 12+ 5G include Navigator Beige and Pioneer Green.

Additionally, tipster Abhishek Yadav hinted at some exciting features of the Realme 12+ 5G. The smartphone is expected to sport a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. In terms of camera capabilities, alongside the confirmed 50MP Sony LYT600 primary sensor with OIS, it may feature an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 2MP macro lens. Selfie enthusiasts can expect a 16MP selfie sensor on the front.

Battery life is always a concern, but the Realme 12+ 5G is rumored to come equipped with a sizable 5,000mAh battery, with support for 67W SuperVOOC fast charging. On the software front, it is expected to run on the latest Android 14 operating system with Realme's own UI skin.

The teaser from Realme has already confirmed the presence of a punch-hole-style notch at the top of the display, but according to the tipster, there will also be an in-display fingerprint sensor, adding an extra layer of convenience and security.

[yvetteheiser]

Yvette Heiser - Phone Photography Essentials without Formal Education

In today's digital world, the art of photography has become more accessible than ever. You no longer need a formal education or expensive camera equipment to create stunning images. With advancements in smartphone technology, your phone can be a powerful tool for capturing professional-quality photos. Here’s everything you need to know to excel in phone photography without a formal education.

Understanding Your Phone’s Camera

Before diving into photography, it’s essential to understand the capabilities of your phone’s camera. Modern smartphones are equipped with high-resolution sensors, multiple lenses, and advanced image processing software. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the various settings and features available on your phone's camera, including HDR, portrait mode, night mode, and manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance. For more detailed insights, consider exploring resources like Yvette Heiser Texas – All You Need to Know about Phone Photography.

Mastering the Basics of Photography

Even without formal education, you can learn the fundamental principles of photography. Start with the basics:

Composition: The rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing are essential techniques that can help you create balanced and visually appealing photos.

Lighting: Excellent lighting is essential for taking outstanding photos. Natural light is your greatest ally, so it's important to learn how to use it effectively. Understand the differences between soft and hard lighting and how to leverage shadows and highlights to enhance your images.

Focus and Exposure: Ensure your subject is in sharp focus. Most smartphones allow you to tap the screen to set the focus point. Adjusting exposure can help you manage the brightness and contrast of your photos.

Leveraging Photography Apps

One of the advantages of phone photography is the plethora of apps available to enhance your images. Here are a few must-have apps:

Editing Apps: Tools like Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, and VSCO provide robust features for tweaking exposure, contrast, saturation, and other elements. They also come with presets and filters that can add unique and creative touches to your photos.

Camera Apps: Apps like ProCamera and Camera+ offer advanced manual controls, allowing you to fine-tune settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

Special Effects: Apps such as Lens Distortions and Afterlight can add unique effects and overlays to your photos, helping them stand out.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Your portfolio is your introduction in the photography world. Create a diverse collection of your best work to showcase your skills and style. Include different subjects such as landscapes, portraits, and macro shots. Regularly refresh your portfolio with updated and enhanced photographs. Sharing your portfolio on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest can help you reach a wider audience and attract potential clients.

 Networking and Marketing

Building a successful photography career requires more than just taking great photos. Networking and marketing are essential components:

Networking: Join online photography communities, attend local meetups, and participate in photography challenges. Networking with other photographers can lead to collaborations, referrals, and learning opportunities.

Social Media Marketing: Use social media to market your photography services. Regularly post your work, engage with your audience, and share behind-the-scenes content. Consider creating a website to establish an online presence and make it easy for clients to find and contact you.

 Continuous Learning and Experimentation

Photography is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques is crucial. Follow industry leaders, read photography blogs, and watch tutorial videos. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new styles and subjects. Continuous learning and experimentation will help you grow as a photographer and keep your work fresh and innovative.

Conclusion

Excelling in phone photography without formal education is entirely achievable with dedication and practice. By understanding your phone’s camera, mastering photography basics, leveraging apps, building a strong portfolio, networking, and continuously learning, you can create stunning images and establish a successful photography career. Yvette Heiser- Is it possible to start a career in photography without formal education? Embrace the journey, and let your creativity shine through your lens!

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Please Visit Our Website To Learn More About Bhutan: www.bhutaninbound.com

[ardn632-themanipulatedimage]

What Is the Role of the 21st Century Post Digital Photographer?

“Within the limits of his medium, without resorting to any method of control that is not photographic (i.e., of an optical or chemical nature), the photographer can depart from literal recording to whatever extent he chooses.” Edward Weston, (1964) ‘Seeing Photographically’, The Encyclopaedia of Photography, Vol.18

’electronic imaging’ ‘post-photography’, my take on the role of the photographer has definitely been challenged and opened after reading this article.

The idea of visually recording via photographs was addressed in this article as it challenges the question of what the role of photographers are. Calling out the falsity of image manipulation that is encouraged and enabled by digital capture features as well as specific jobs asking more from photographers - creating new roles and more tasks for them.

The practice of post-production effects and features can quickly turn an image into a poorly judged norm that images are masked with. Likewise, the decision to alter images to attain a certain outcome not captured on camera, creates a piece that lacks integrity. More often than not, the results of work with these practices are deemed to be quite like a "'magpie' collection of work, rather than a photographic language unique to the photographer", like the article states.

Gran Scott establishes the responsibility of creating a personal visual body of work is vital in the means of formulating an honest and substantial foundation of photographic practice in the 21st Century, however the role of the photographer must first be understood.

Scott addresses the responsibilities of photographers nowadays being not only a storyteller, but to also name a few, they are also writers, publishers, marketers and filmmakers. The role of the photographer has changed from that of creating and disseminating and it is in that dissemination or butchering, that the photographer has inherited the power of communication that they have for so many years longed for. However, said power comes with unconsidered realities of implications and sensitivities that concern both legal and international aspects.

Edward Weston commented in a pre-digital world, the process of creating and capturing a moment remains in the control of the photographer. From the camera position to the choice of camera, lens, ISO and use of light; the documentation of the subject is their interpretation of that moment in time. But today, the photographer has to be considerate and aware of how the image would be viewed and consumed within the context given - considerations previously taken by a publisher. The photographer has to take the responsibility not only for their work, but for those involved within the images and potentially the image creation. This is because of the reach of said image, being posted online, seen at exhibitions or an environment unexpected. By sharing photos, they are adopting the role of a publisher and therefore must accept outcomes that may result into a irresponsible and ill-informed publication.

The reality is, photographers of the 21st century can no longer remain purely as an author dependant on others to give foundational directions for their practice. Acceptance of the realities and responsibilities in the new forms of storytelling is a part of the unspoken agreement photographers take on, having to embrace personal and ethical responsibility to address the issues of unscrupulous and deceitful image creation. It is no longer acceptable to play the ignorance card.

The constant changes of the 21st Century photographer evolves in ways that must consider and respond rationally to realities that also continue to change.