We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brandon Watts a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Brandon, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose in both B. Watts Photography and Kidz N Cameras has been a journey marked by passion, inspiration, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. In the case of B. Watts Photography, my love for capturing moments and telling stories through images has been a guiding force. I discovered that photography was not just a skill for me but a means of expressing emotions, preserving memories, and connecting with people on a profound level.
As I honed my craft and received positive feedback from clients, it became clear that photography was more than just a business venture—it was a medium through which I could bring joy, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories for individuals and families. This realization fueled my commitment to B. Watts Photography, transforming it from a profession into a purposeful pursuit.
Kidz N Cameras, on the other hand, was born out of a different set of experiences and aspirations. My interactions with young minds and a growing concern for the lack of creative outlets for children in certain communities led to the foundation of Kidz N Cameras. Witnessing the transformative power of introducing kids to the art of photography and visual storytelling ignited a passion for education and community engagement.
The purpose of Kidz N Cameras crystallized as I saw the positive impact it had on the lives of children, not just in terms of artistic expression but also in building confidence, fostering teamwork, and nurturing a sense of curiosity. The joy on their faces when they captured their first photograph or told their own stories through images became the driving force behind Kidz N Cameras.
In essence, my purpose unfolded organically through a combination of personal interests, meaningful experiences, and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the lives of others. B. Watts Photography and Kidz N Cameras are not just businesses or projects—they are manifestations of my purpose to create, inspire, and make a difference in the world through the art of photography and the empowerment of young minds.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Greetings, readers! I’m B. Watts, the creative force behind B. Watts Photography, where I specialize in capturing the essence of commercial events, headshots, and product photography. But my journey doesn’t stop there; my artistic side finds expression in captivating gallery works that delve into the strength and resilience of the black culture.
B. Watts Photography is my professional canvas, where I specialize in curating visual stories through commercial events, professional headshots, and showcasing products in their best light. The excitement lies in the diverse range of projects I undertake, capturing not just moments but the essence of businesses and individuals.
On the artistic front, my passion is reflected in limited series such as “The Black Woman’s Crown” and “The Black Man’s Strength.” These series, focused on the symbolism of hairstyles, transcend mere aesthetics—they are a homage to the rich tapestry of black culture.
“The Black Woman’s Crown” pays tribute to the afro, an emblem of pride and strength. It symbolizes a historical journey—from an era where straightening hair was a means of societal assimilation post-slavery, to the resurgence of the afro during the civil rights movement, signifying resilience and a refusal to conform.
“The Black Man’s Strength” explores the power and symbolism of locs, embodying a sense of identity and defiance against societal norms. Both series aim to dismantle stereotypes, affirming that these hairstyles are not just trends but integral aspects of our culture.
In my eyes, black women are the backbone of the black culture, and “The Black Woman’s Crown” is my tribute to their strength and influence in shaping our identity. The art serves as a poignant reminder of history, resilience, and the unyielding spirit that defines the black community.
On the nonprofit front, Kidz N Cameras is my passion project that stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of art education for children. Through Kidz N Cameras, we empower young minds with the skills of photography, fostering creativity, self-expression, and teamwork. Witnessing the enthusiasm and joy in the eyes of kids as they explore the world through a lens is truly special. It’s a testament to the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to discover and nurture their creative potential.
Mission:
The mission of Kidz N Cameras is to provide access to high-quality photography education and resources to all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are dedicated to empowering children and teenagers from diverse backgrounds, including those from low-income families, children with autism, kids in the juvenile detention center, and every child who has a passion for photography. Our goal is to foster their creative exploration through photography, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to embark on a successful journey in photography. We believe that photography is a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing children to capture and convey their emotions effectively.
Vision:
Our vision is to create a world where every young person has the opportunity to harness the power of photography to tell their own stories and share their perspectives on the world. We believe that photography has the potential to be a tool for personal expression, community building, and entrepreneurship, and we aim to provide young photographers with the education and resources they need to turn their passion into a thriving business.
We are committed to supporting young photographers with autism and working with low-income communities to ensure that every child has access to high-quality photography education, regardless of their background or financial situation. Our programs are designed to help young people develop technical skills, creativity, and self-expression, and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
At Kidz N Cameras, we are dedicated to empowering young photographers to make a positive impact in their communities and in the world, creating a future where every child has the opportunity to unleash their full potential through photography.
Exciting News:
This year, I’ve had the honor of collaborating with Annie Leibovitz as she showcased her exhibit at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I’ve been serving as a mentor for her “Beyond the Lens: Teen Photography Mentorship With Annie Leibovitz” alongside local photographers inspired by her latest exhibition at Crystal Bridges.
Additionally, I’m thrilled to share that we are actively working on creating the Kidz N Cameras Headquarters—a space where kids will have access to high-end camera equipment and a professional studio. This hub will host after-school programs and workshops, providing a safe space for children to be creative and express their emotions through photography. To support this initiative, you can visit www.kidzncameras.com and click on the “Donate to Match Program” tab. We are working hard to raise $30,000 by December 31, 2023, to launch the Kidz N Cameras Headquarters by January 2024.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and I’m excited about the positive impact we can create together!
To support our mission and make a positive impact, please consider making a donation to the Kidz N Cameras headquarters. You can contribute through our donation page at https://ioby.org/project/kidz-
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Passion and Authenticity: Impact: Being deeply passionate about photography and the mission of Kidz N Cameras has been a driving force. It’s the authenticity of my connection to the craft and the cause that resonates with clients, collaborators, and the community.
2. Advice: Follow what genuinely excites you. Authenticity is magnetic, and your passion will sustain you through challenges. Stay true to your vision, and let your enthusiasm shine through in everything you do. People are drawn to authenticity, and it fosters trust and connection.
3. Continuous Learning and Adaptability:
Impact: The field of photography is dynamic, with evolving technologies and trends. Staying abreast of the latest techniques, equipment, and industry trends has been crucial. Being adaptable and open to learning has allowed me to stay relevant.
Advice: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Attend workshops, explore new techniques, and stay informed about industry developments. Be open to adapting to changes in your field. This not only enhances your skills but also positions you as a forward-thinking professional.
Community Engagement and Networking:
Impact: Actively engaging with the community through B. Watts Photography events and Kidz N Cameras programs has been transformative. Building a network of like-minded individuals, clients, and collaborators has expanded opportunities and created a supportive ecosystem.
Advice: Invest in building relationships. Attend industry events, join online communities, and participate in local initiatives. Networking isn’t just about business; it’s about creating a community. Genuine connections often lead to collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and a sense of belonging.
For those early in their journey:
Discover Your Passion: Spend time exploring what truly excites you. Your journey will be more fulfilling if you’re passionate about your work.
Be Curious and Open to Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Seek out resources, mentors, and experiences that contribute to your growth.
Build Genuine Connections: Engage with your community. Networking isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Authentic connections can lead to collaborations and support.
Don’t Fear Failure; Embrace It: Challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Learn from them and use them as stepping stones for growth.
Stay True to Your Values: Define your values and let them guide your decisions. Authenticity and integrity are crucial for building trust with clients and collaborators.
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Enjoy the process, celebrate small victories, and keep evolving. Success often comes from a combination of passion, continuous learning, and building meaningful connections.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, we are actively seeking partners and collaborators who share our passion for empowering young minds through photography. We believe that collaboration is key to expanding our impact and reaching more children who can benefit from our programs.
Who We’re Looking to Collaborate With:
We are interested in partnering with individuals, businesses, and organizations that are aligned with our mission of providing high-quality photography education to children, regardless of their background or circumstances. Specifically, we are looking for collaborators who:
1. Share Our Values: Individuals or entities who align with our values of inclusivity, creativity, and empowerment.
2. Support Education and Creativity: Businesses or organizations with a focus on education, creativity, and youth development.
3. Believe in the Power of Photography: Those who recognize the transformative power of photography as a tool for self-expression, skill development, and personal growth.
How to Connect With Us:
If you are reading this and share our vision, we would love to hear from you! You can connect with us through the following channels:
Email: Reach out to us at [email protected] with your collaboration ideas, and we’ll be delighted to discuss potential partnerships.
Website: Visit our website www.kidzncameras.com to learn more about our programs and initiatives. You can use the contact form on our website to express your interest in collaboration.
Social Media:
Instagram/Facebook: Follow us on @KidzNCameras for updates and direct messaging. Feel free to share your collaboration proposals or express your interest in supporting our cause.
We are excited about the possibility of collaborating with individuals and organizations who are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children through the art of photography. Together, we can create meaningful experiences and empower the next generation of storytellers.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kidzncameras.com and www.bwatts.photographyv
- Instagram: @bwattsphotography and @kidzncameras.com
Image Credits
All Photos are by Brandon Watts Photo 1: Work featured in Crystal Bridges Photo 2: Callie Mae Ford (Grandma) Photo 3: Isaiah Joe, Professional Athlete, OKC Thunder Photo 4: LaGrea Kay, Fashion Model Photo 5: Latanika Photo 6: Under Croft, Product Photography Photo 7: Brandon Watts and Annie Lebovitz
