Rage Against the Regime: From Alligator Alcatraz to the Golden Palace

Rage Against the Regime and the Distractions They Are Counting On Us to Miss

They are betting we will be too distracted to notice the walls closing in.

They are wrong.

On August 2, I joined hundreds in Denver for the 50501 “Rage Against the Regime” protest, one of 50 held nationwide. The mood was not just resistance. It was reckoning.

Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” passed weeks ago. What once read like political fiction is now law, stripping away rights in plain sight while his allies flood the news with distractions. One of the latest was “Alligator Alcatraz,” a media stunt that buried questions about Trump’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Even in the last few days, he ordered Texas to redraw voting maps to lock in Republican power.

Meanwhile, ICE has detained U.S. citizens in raids, public broadcasting has been gutted, environmental protections shredded, and detention centers expanded. The White House is being turned into a golden palace for one man.

What We Are Raging Against

This big, beautiful bill and the long list of executive orders are built from Project 2025,  a plan to dismantle democracy from within. It gives Trump sweeping powers to remake government in his image. We are already seeing the results:

❌ DOJ purged and replaced with loyalists

❌ FBI under direct presidential control

❌ Protesters surveilled and prosecuted

❌ National abortion restrictions

❌ LGBTQ+ protections rolled back

❌ Muslim ban expanded to 14 countries

❌ Censorship of educators and journalists

❌ Mass deportations, including U.S. citizens

❌ Environmental rollbacks

❌ Homelessness criminalized

❌ Civil Service gutted

❌ Insurrectionists pardoned and reinstated

❌ Deep funding cuts to NPR, PBS, and cultural programs

❌ Texas ordered to gerrymander voting maps

This is not theoretical. It is happening now. In Denver, we said: we see you and we reject you.

Why I Keep Showing Up with My Camera

Photography is not neutral. I photograph protests to preserve proof that people stood up, spoke out, and refused to normalize tyranny. These images will outlast headlines and speak for those who are silenced.

The Movement Is Not Over

Yes, the bill passed. Yes, damage is unfolding. But the resistance is organized, visible, and growing. We will fight in courts, communities, and streets because silence is what they want, and we will not give it.

They want us to look away. Our eyes are wide open.

The images from the Denver protest are shared below, echoing what we stand against and what we stand for.

The Buzz of Summer: A Closer Look at Bees in Bloom

The Buzz of Summer: A Closer Look at Bees in Bloom

There’s something magical about stepping outside on a warm summer day and hearing the soft, steady hum of bees at work. Their presence is both calming and powerful—a reminder that even the smallest creatures play a vital role in the world around us.

I recently captured this image of a bumblebee nestled among tiny white blossoms, and I couldn’t help but pause to appreciate the quiet diligence of this pollinator. The scene was peaceful, yet vibrant with life. The sunlight danced gently through the leaves, and the bee moved from flower to flower with purpose.

Bees are the true heroes of summer. They work tirelessly to pollinate flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables—ensuring the cycle of growth continues. Without them, our gardens wouldn’t bloom the same way, and our harvests would be sparse. They may be small, but their impact is immeasurable.

As a photographer, moments like this are what I live for: nature in its most authentic form. There’s no posing, no planning—just a split second of harmony between life and lens.

If you’re out in the garden or on a nature walk, take a moment to slow down and watch the bees. You’ll be amazed at what you see when you look closely. And if you’re lucky, you might just capture a fleeting moment of beauty—one that tells a story far bigger than itself.

📸 Captured by Erica Cameron Photography

Preserving the quiet poetry of nature, one frame at a time.

He Wanted to Pay Upfront — But Refused a Phone Call. Red Flag? Absolutely.

 

⚠️ Scam Awareness for Photographers: A Real Email Thread Breakdown ⚠️

Running a photography business requires creativity, professionalism, and occasionally, a bit of detective work. I want to share a recent experience that began as a typical inquiry but quickly raised several red flags. I hope this helps other photographers and creatives recognize the signs before it’s too late.

The Initial Inquiry

It began with a simple email:

"Hello, this is Raymond. I would like to know if you offer family reunion photography?"

I responded in a professional manner, asking for details about the event and how he found me. After some back-and-forth communication, he confirmed that August 16th worked for him, provided an address, and requested five hours of candid and posed shots.

I quoted my rate of $1,750 for the five-hour session, which includes digital delivery. I also outlined my usual process, which includes:

• A signed photography agreement

• A 50% non-refundable retainer to hold the date

• A quick phone call to confirm the event details

That phone call isn’t optional. It helps ensure I’m the right fit, prevents miscommunication, and protects both parties.

The Pushback Begins

Raymond replied:

"Ok sounds good, I’m comfortable with the price and I’d like to make full payment upfront to lock the date. Time: 2pm. What's the turnaround time?"

That raised my first red flag. Most legitimate clients don't offer to pay in full before confirming the agreement or having a conversation. Nevertheless, I responded politely and reminded him that a brief phone call was necessary before I could accept any payment or send booking documents.

What came next confirmed my instincts:

"Sorry I’m just recuperating from hearing surgery, please let’s email or text instead."

Medical issues are sensitive, and I empathize with real health concerns. However, when someone refuses a basic business safeguard that I clearly explained multiple times, it raises a red flag that I cannot ignore.

Why This Matters

There’s a common scam tactic in creative industries:
Rush the process. Skip communication. Offer payment fast.

Scammers hope you’ll be flattered or distracted by money and move too quickly to think clearly. But any real client should understand why you have boundaries in place.

It doesn’t matter how eager someone is, or how legitimate their story sounds — if they can't respect your process, they are not someone you want to work with.

My Takeaway (And Yours)

This interaction reinforced why my client intake system exists. That phone call requirement isn’t just a box to check. It’s a key part of protecting myself from fraud, miscommunication, or worse.

Fellow creatives: stick to your process. Don’t feel pressured to make exceptions — especially for vague explanations or fast money offers. It’s OK to say no. In fact, it’s sometimes the smartest thing you can do.

You deserve respectful, communicative, and transparent clients.

Stay smart. Stay safe.
— Erica Cameron, Photographer 

From Arizona to the Front Range: Our Colorado Relocation Story

 From the Desert to the Rockies: Our Colorado Chapter

I’ve never considered myself much of a “blogger,” but I do believe in sharing stories—especially the kind that shape who we are. So here’s a little glimpse into mine.

Back in 2018, life took a major turn when my husband's company relocated us from Glendale, Arizona to Superior, Colorado. We packed up our lives, our memories, and our two very active kids, and traded the desert sun for life along Colorado’s Front Range—where wide open skies meet the edge of the Rockies.

Our daughter was halfway through her freshman year of high school, and our son was in the middle of 6th grade. Uprooting them mid-year wasn’t easy, but they adjusted with the kind of resilience that continues to inspire me. They dove into everything from soccer, cross-country, and track to learning how to ski and snowboard—taking full advantage of everything Colorado had to offer.

Just a few months before the move, I had finished my paralegal studies at Phoenix College in November 2017. By January, we were settling into our new home, and I was jumping into a new career in the legal field. I was lucky to land a position at a highly respected real estate law firm in Boulder, and it felt like things were aligning—new place, new job, new opportunities.

But like so many others, our world shifted in 2020. In October, I was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By February 2021, I found myself working for a personal injury law firm in Westminster that, let’s just say, wasn’t the right fit. That job ended in August 2021, right after we bought our first home in Broomfield. The timing wasn’t ideal—but funny how life works.

That twist led me to my current firm, where I’ve been working full-time since October 2021. It’s been a steady and fulfilling role, and I'm grateful for the growth and stability it’s brought into my life.

Outside of work, I still make time for my passion—photography. Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip or a quiet hike, Colorado continues to take my breath away. There's always something new to discover, and I love capturing those little moments of beauty through my lens.

Now, several years later, it’s incredible to look back and see how far we’ve come. Our daughter is about to begin her final year studying Environmental Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines—an accomplishment that makes us so proud. Our son is currently working full-time and thoughtfully figuring out his next steps. Like most of us at that age, he’s on a journey of discovery, and I have no doubt he’ll find his path in his own time.

We’ve faced changes, challenges, and a whole lot of growth since that big move in 2018. And even if blogging doesn’t come naturally to me, taking the time to reflect reminds me just how much we’ve built—and how much we’ve yet to explore.

Below are some photographs I've taken along the way. 

Crystal Mill, CO

Maroon Bells, Aspen, CO

Flowers at Anderson Farms, Erie, CO

Lake Irene, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Elk in Estes, CO

Snowy Street in Broomfield, CO

Western Stockshow Parade, Denver, CO

Frozen Bubbles, Broomfield, CO

Umi Statue, Aurora, CO

Georgia

South Carolina

About Me

Hello and welcome!

My name is Erica Cameron, and I wear many hats in life—wife, mother, former banker, legal assistant, and professional photographer.

Photography has been a lifelong passion of mine. I enjoy capturing everything from portraits and weddings to nature and product photography. My journey began in high school, where I took my first formal classes. From there, I had the incredible opportunity to shadow two seasoned photographers with over 30 years of experience. They mentored me in both studio and event photography, and I spent more than a year learning hands-on before launching my own business.

Now, with nearly 20 years of professional experience, I pride myself on being reliable, punctual, and fully committed to every shoot. Rain or shine—I show up. On your wedding day, I can blend right in as part of your crew or remain quietly behind the scenes, capturing every moment without disruption.

Originally from Phoenix, I made Colorado my home in 2018. I’d love for you to visit my website and take a look at my work.

Thank you for stopping by! Please visit my website here. 

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A Castle, a Road Trip, and a Whole Lot of Nerves

 

Bishop Castle Adventure with my daughter, Emily

This summer, my daughter Emily (who turns 22 this September!) and I took a spontaneous little road trip to one of Colorado’s most eccentric landmarks—Bishop Castle. Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this towering stone fortress is a true one-man masterpiece, built by hand over decades by Jim Bishop.

With no admission fee and very few guardrails (literally and figuratively), Bishop Castle is a must-see if you love unique roadside attractions—but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. The wrought iron staircases and sky-high walkways are beautiful, but terrifying. My legs definitely trembled a bit climbing those narrow stairs, and I may have gripped the railing like my life depended on it (because it kind of did!).

Inside, the castle has a gothic fairytale vibe—stone walls, arched windows, winding ironwork, and a dragon head perched boldly off the rooftop. Emily, of course, made the most of the trip—making faces, striking poses, and being her usual fun, spirited self. Whether peeking out of the tower or pretending to be grabbed by a sculpture, she brought the fun to every moment.

Bishop Castle isn’t just a quirky detour—it’s an inspiring story of one man’s vision and sheer determination. Jim Bishop began construction in 1969 and continued building nearly every stone and beam by hand. There are no official tours, and it’s open year-round, but caution is strongly advised—it’s very DIY in both style and safety.

I’m so glad we made the trip. It’s one of those places that reminds you how much adventure and weird wonder the world has to offer—especially with someone you love to share it with.