Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamia Mcwilliams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started photography at the age of 14 shooting with a Kodak Camera. At the age of 17, my camera ended up breaking so I stopped photography because my parents couldn’t afford a new one. Once I turned 18, I ended up buying a used camera from a pawn shop and I started back shooting. After a year of shooting with a used camera I finally saved up enough money for a new one, I ended up purchasing my Nikon D3300 and started photographing my family and friends. It was almost my sophomore year in college when I decided that I wanted to turn my photography into a business. I started my business “Kamia Portraits” in 2016 originally based out of Ashburn, Georgia.
In 2017, I decided to move back to my hometown and I changed the location of my business to Fitzgerald, Georgia. I started traveling to different clients in the Valdosta, Atlanta & Tifton area to get my name out there. In 2019, after two years of being in business, I was given the opportunity to host my first photography exhibit in Fitzgerald, Georgia at the Fitzgerald Art Council where I displayed African Themed photography. The same year, I also released by first self-published poetry book through Amazon named “Aisha: She Who Lives”.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a photographer has been an experience. I’ve experienced the good and the bad. My biggest struggle has been learning. I’m a self-taught photographer so I don’t know all there is to know, sometimes my sessions are great and sometimes they’re not and I believe this is because I don’t know all there is to know. Another struggle I’ve dealt with is backlash from other photographers. I try not to let negativity influence my love for photography but sometimes the negativity and harassment can be a little discouraging. These have been my two biggest struggles, learning and backlash.
Please tell us about Kamia Portraits.
Kamia Portraits is a photography business named after me. I photograph and I’ve just recently started getting into videography. I specialize in Maternity, Wildlife/ Nature and Portraits photography. I’m primarily known for my Portraits on social media. I’m most proud of my business growth. I started out working out of my hometown and now going into my third year I’m traveling more in north Georgia! What sets me apart from other photographers is my purpose, my style and my passion for it. I do photography because I love it but I also do photography because I love making my clients feel good, during the shoot and after.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child would have to be climbing the trees in my families front yard with my cat (Sadie) and just sitting up there. I think that’s why I love nature and wildlife photography so much.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kamiaportraits.com
- Email: kamiaportraits@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kamiaportraits
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kamiaportraits
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/kamiaportraits1
Image Credit:
Maternity Portraits Model: Tyizanna Floyd , Burgundy Dress Model: Brittany Jones, Grey sweater Model: Whitney Rawls , Couple: Qua & Timareion, Family Portraits: The Mclaury Family
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