The Camera’s Eye was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1977
by owner Gilbert “Gil” Bailey.

Bailey was born in Columbus, Ohio, were he graduated from the public school system. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. While in college, Bailey, completed the ROTC program and upon graduation was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army. He attended the University of Toledo Law School. Those studies were shorten by a call to military duty to complete that obligation to serve.  Bailey recalls, "the conflict in Vietnam was winding down, I was in Officer’s training at Ft. Benning, Ga. when the word spread that the war ended. I can truly say, ‘I dodged a bullet.’” Bailey completed his military obligation in the Army Reserves and was discharged honorably at the rank of Captain.

Even though Bailey was employed in positions that related to his education and experience, his true desire was the creative passion of photography. During college, in the military and while employed as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Ohio, he worked in the evenings and weekend as a photographer for magazines and free-lance assignments in Cincinnati. He attended and completed the prestigious photography program at the Arts Consortium in Cincinnati; many clients both commercial and traditional were among those photographed in Cincinnati. In 1977, Bailey opened a part-time studio. He needed a name. A graphic student at The University of Cincinnati was hired to design a logo. “I recall when I saw that logo my first reaction was: ‘it looks like an eye in a camera”. The Camera’s Eye was born.

An opportunity as a Contract Compliance Officer for TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) brought Bailey to Nashville. Still his love and passion for photography, lead to the purchase and remodeling of a house in East Nashville where in 1980, The Camera’s Eyee was reestablished. "I added an 'e' to the name to signify the second studio." In 1983, Bailey resigned the position at TVA: devoting his life to his love: Professional Photography. Today The Camera’s Eyee is a 2000 square foot digital photography studio that includes a wide selection of backgrounds and props.  Services include photography of Families, Babies, Weddings, Advertising and High School Seniors. The Camera’s Eyee is a full-service photography firm that offers modern technology. Bailey states, "The exciting thing about today is that I have experienced the evolution of photography from film and the old smelly darkrooms to the computer digital age. Continous education has allowed me to keep abreast. I am just delighted now to be able to offer everything from baby pictures, to high resolution images, to web design. I’ve seen them come and go. The key to our longevity is that I insist on the highest quality, excellent service, and affordable prices.  Our motto is still: "It’s a snap”. We still have the same logo."

For a recent article about Bailey, click here.