Bill Cunningham taught me something. You’re probably wondering who Bill Cunningham is and what he taught me. I’ll get to that in a bit. But first a story…
It’s 1:30 in the afternoon as I am writing this and just took a break from editing some photos that I took for a baby. It was not really a photoshoot but since I carry my camera everywhere that I go I made it one. I remember going out to eat and some people were out of town. They asked me to snap a photo of them with their cell phone camera and not even thinking….I took my camera out and snapped the picture ignoring the cell phone that was pushed into my hands. I asked for their cell number and said that I would edit with my VSCO editing app and send it to them within a few minutes. This was the photo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFNET55vvM6/?taken-by=itsreallykita
What I love about photography is that you can capture moments. A moment that doesn’t change in the picture even if the person in the picture has changed. I remember my mom had a camera in her hands all the time I didn’t realize it at the time but she was a photographer. She would carry that damn camera everywhere we went…Kita smile, Kita turn around look at the camera, Kita can you stop sticking your tongue out. I remember I took one photo with my tongue out because I was tired of taking pictures and my mother set her camera down and said ok I won’t bother you with anymore pictures. I was around 9 at the time and she didn’t take any pictures of me again until I was around 12 or at least I thought. She actually snuck some photos of me without me knowing since I was such a brat about her taking pictures. If I knew then what I know now……
Fast forward to me being in my mid 30’s and me not having my mother here on earth anymore……what gives me comfort is knowing that I can go through all 2000+ photos that she has of me from the time I was a baby to before she passed and remember the good memories (some where I was bad too) and reflect on those times that were captured. It gives me comfort and peace knowing that I can look at them anytime I want. Which is why I picked up a camera…..
I think it was back in 2014 that I bought my first DSLR I always had a little point and shoot but I wanted those crisp and clear pictures so I bought a T3i. I took photos with it and loved capturing the kids then I followed some photography blogs and then took some lessons from Lashawn . After some practice and some test subjects I decided to get the Canon 6D. That’s my boo….like it’s my everything. I carry my camera everywhere with me…..right in my purse. I take photos of everything a bug, a flower, buildings, my kids, my home, the store, people, etc. My kids even know that mommy cares about her camera…my daughter even said to me one day…Mom do you even care about us, if I trip and fall and I am holding your camera who would you tend to first. Mom guilt had me thinking my got damn camera….SHAT. After that thought went through my head I of course said you, I would tend to you.
Bill Cunningham Taught Me Something
I didn’t know anything about Bill Cunningham until around the later part of last year. I was combing through some articles on Facebook and someone posted something about him and I went to look him up and I was fascinated by him. How he didn’t even need much, just a bike and a camera. Not a bunch of lens, no lighting, no fancy extra stuff just him and his camera. Street photography at it’s finest. He taught me that less is more…and that your skill shouldn’t be based on what you say….only on what you do. You see he did it everyday….he went out and he took photos. When you have a love for the craft you just do what you love. You don’t worry about other people, you don’t worry about what equipment you have or don’t have, you don’t worry about money. All those things will come all you need to do is worry about your craft and be the best at it and do it every single day. If you say you are a cook then you should be cooking 80% of the time, if you say you are a photographer then your camera should never be far from your side, if you say you are stylist then you need to always have on the latest most unique outfit out there. A photographer tells the story through the lens…you shouldn’t care about what you look like taking photos, if you have to climb a tree to get that shot do it. You shouldn’t care about the opinion of others either. Many times when I shoot people are giving me direction instead of just being natural and let me do the shooting. I hope Mr. Cunningham is having a blast on the streets of heaven taking as many photos as he wants!
You can see some of my photos that I have taken on my Hire me page if you want to see some of the things I have taken. I prefer lifestyle shots and shooting for small businesses.
Have you heard of Bill Cunningham? Can you relate to what Bill Cunningham taught me? What does photography mean to you?
21 Comments
LaShawn
July 20, 2016 at 9:49 amI loved Bill Cunningham. I’m fascinated by street photography, it’s something that I want to try but I’m always so nervous and feel like I’m being sneaky!
Robin Masshole Mommy
July 20, 2016 at 2:32 pmThis is the first I have heard of him, but it sounds like he’s a great photographer.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
July 20, 2016 at 3:01 pmI have been into photography since I was so little, my mom would give me her old cameras I miss 35mm to be honest, I remember spending hours in the darkroom developing my own photos! I have toyed with going pro, although to be honest I prefer architecture to people as subjects. LOL 🙂
Kita
July 20, 2016 at 4:00 pmI will take photos of people but not a huge fan. I love doing product photos or events.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
July 20, 2016 at 4:02 pmThank you so much for sharing this post. I’ve actually never heard of Bill Cunningham before, but I’m a major photography buff. I’m always so excited to learn about a new photographer.
Pam
July 20, 2016 at 6:32 pmPhotography is a great way to remember moments. There are so many people I wish I had more pictures of.
mary
July 20, 2016 at 9:41 pmI love learning new photography tips. Thanks for sharing. And I’m going to look him up too, never heard of him.
Val
July 20, 2016 at 10:56 pmI had no idea that he could have been such an influence, I am glad he taught you some things. Looks like Bill Cunningham was an inspiration to others as well reading these comments!
Melisasource
July 20, 2016 at 11:08 pmI’m only an amatuer photographer but I do love taking pictures! I find it relaxing and fun.
Meagan
July 20, 2016 at 11:59 pmI have never heard of him but I will be checking out his work.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
July 21, 2016 at 1:44 amI love taking photos as well even though I’ve never taken a single photography class. It’s still on my list of ‘want to do soon’, though. Thanks for sharing your story. I’ve never heard of Bill Cunningham.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow)
July 21, 2016 at 2:39 amI haven’t heard of him.
But I believe the best camera you have is the one in your hand.
I love my iPhone 6s. I need to add that app you and Lashawn seem to love.
Liz Mays
July 21, 2016 at 2:42 amOh those Canon 6Ds sound so nice. I decided to wait to get one until I learn how to use my t3i manually. I’m going to have to check out some of Bill’s work.
Nikki Wayne
July 21, 2016 at 3:34 amI am not good with photos. I wish I can own a great camera too and learn what you have learned!
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane
July 21, 2016 at 4:38 amI think Bills’ work is amazing. I love photography but I have a hard time taking photos randomly because some people just don’t like having their picture taken and I am afraid I will bump in to one of those people.
Karlaroundtheworld | Karla
July 21, 2016 at 4:56 amI believe it’s now your time and everybody else to inspire people after Mr. Cunningham and you just did. Going through that positive path and simplicity will surely reward you with more blessings and I am glad I was able to read your post here. Good luck with grabbing as much beautiful photos as you can and share it to the world!
Kiwi
July 21, 2016 at 5:51 amI will be honest I heard of Bill Cunningham but didnt know it was linked to photography. I learned something new, and as a blogger I am always looking to expand my photography skills!
Annemarie LeBlanc
July 21, 2016 at 4:39 pmI love taking photographs of anything and everything that captures my eye. This is the first time I have heard about Bill Cunningham. Thanks for letting me learn something everyday.
Kristin
July 21, 2016 at 6:21 pmWhat an incredible photographer. I like anyone who can meet someone new and learn something form them, takes a unique person to that these days. Love hearing stories like this!
Rosey
July 21, 2016 at 10:01 pmThe pictures are nice. I’m going to check out the Canon 6D. You’ve got me curious. 🙂
Nicole Escat
July 23, 2016 at 1:16 pmOh, what a great talent he has. I’ve seen his work and they are stunning.