Today we’d like to introduce you to Cammie Pendleton.
Hi Cammie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in West Baltimore, I began my journey in documentary photography at age 12 around 2012—without even realizing it. Growing up in Gilmor Holmes Projects, a few homies and I would make skits and take photographs of one another to post on social media. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it; I just thought we were having fun.
Fast forward to senior year of high school: I was assigned to a photography class as my homeroom. Looking back at my history, I believe that move was intentional. I despised it at first, until I finally gave it a shot and found myself effortlessly walking away with decent results. Shortly after graduation, I purchased a Nikon D3500, but I barely used it. I listened to my nibbling conscience when it told me that ‘this is only a phase’, so I put the camera down for awhile. I found myself stepping away from my purpose, feeding my flesh, and indulging in low-vibrational activities.
August of 2022 was when I finally made the decision to prioritize documenting my life and the world around me. Since then, it’s been about building a platform, upgrading equipment, creating consistently, networking, and studying the past greats and source material. I’ve been consistently documenting the streets for four years now, focusing on becoming 1% better every single day. I’m learning from my imperfections and using them as fuel to keep the fire burning within me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Early on, I struggled with discovering my identity. I knew I wanted to be myself, but I didn’t know how to translate that into expression. At the time, My only goal was to create work that was easily digestible, while still conveying my core message. For awhile, I walked on egg shells— feeling out the community and looking for a place to potentially fit in. But I never quite did. So, I chose to simply do what I desired. I refused to become a mere ‘sum of my influences’. Instead I tried things and failed. I’ve come to perceive failure as a profound opportunity to grow. For me, if a ‘yes’ comes too easily before a ‘no’, I can’t fully embrace or appreciate the end result. I’ve finally learned to breathe and allow the process to run it’s course.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a documentary photographer, specializing in the mundane of everyday life, captured on 35mm, 120 film, and digital. I am known for creating dark, eerie, black-and-white photographs, but I often dabble into C-41. My work carries weight; at times, it can feel a bit cumbersome.
I take great pride in how I deliver my work—it is raw, authentic, and unapologetic. I believe this strict adherence to authenticity is what sets me apart. I choose not to fixate on unsolicited opinions from other artists or the public. While I am always incredibly grateful when a viewer connects with or takes a liking to my frames, the true battle has always been within. My current goal is simply to conquer the outdated version of myself, not to compete for the ‘best photograph’.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people see the work I put out, but they don’t see the environment it’s born in. I’m a loner, and I spend most of my time in solitude. I have a joint every morning with my sorrows to help me understand them better, to evolve. My own company is my sanctuary, and I’m deeply rooted in the divine and love. I prioritize work over a night out. I’m extremely empathetic, and I can see what others cannot.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Cam.miie_
