Meet Brandon Watts | Photographer and Founder of Kidz N Cameras

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Watts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, how does your business help the community?
As the owner of B. Watts Photography and the founder of Kidz N Cameras, my business has a significant social impact on the community and the world in multiple ways.

First and foremost, through my photography services, I help build confidence in my clients with each click of the camera. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their stage in life, deserves to have their photo taken and captured beautifully. By providing this service, I empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate themselves. Seeing the joy and self-assurance that my clients gain from their photos is incredibly rewarding.

Furthermore, I utilize my photography skills to document important matters in the community. Whether it’s capturing powerful images from protests, showcasing the work of local nonprofits, or shedding light on forgotten issues, my photos serve as a medium for social change. By raising awareness and highlighting these critical matters, I contribute to discussions and inspire action towards addressing them.

The core of my social impact lies in my nonprofit organization, Kidz N Cameras. Through this initiative, I provide access to high-quality photography education and resources to young people from diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to empower young individuals under 18 to explore and express their creativity through photography, regardless of their socioeconomic status or circumstances. We specifically reach out to those from low-income families, children with autism, and kids in the juvenile detention center, giving them a platform to develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become successful photographers.

Moreover, my photography business serves as the primary sponsor for funding this nonprofit. By investing my time, resources, and expertise into Kidz N Cameras, I ensure that these valuable programs continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community.

In addition to my current endeavors, I am in the process of transforming my studio into a community center for kids. This center will serve as a safe and inclusive space where children can engage in various activities, including photography education. By creating this accessible community hub, I aim to foster creativity, provide a positive outlet for growth, and strengthen the sense of belonging among young individuals.

Overall, my photography business and nonprofit work have a profound social impact. Through building confidence, documenting important matters, empowering young photographers, and creating a community center, I strive to make a difference in the lives of individuals and contribute to positive change in the world.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others in the photography industry is the strong relationship I am able to create with my clients. While there are many talented photographers out there, my clients choose to work with me because of the genuine connection we share. I strive to develop not only a professional partnership but also a true friendship with each client. This approach allows me to understand their unique personalities, preferences, and vision, resulting in a more personalized and meaningful photography experience.

The majority of my business comes through word-of-mouth referrals and personal connections. Whether it’s networking events, introductions, or simply striking up conversations with people in coffee shops, I believe in the power of genuine interactions. By making personal connections and building trust, I have been able to expand my client base and establish a solid reputation in the industry.

One aspect that I take immense pride in is my dynamic portfolio and my understanding of light. I constantly strive to make my photos stand out by capturing the perfect play of light and shadows. With a unique eye for detail and composition, I bring a fresh perspective to my work, ensuring that each photograph tells a compelling story.

To reach where I am today, I faced numerous challenges along the way. Building a successful business in a competitive industry is never easy. However, I overcame these challenges through perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence. I invested time and effort in honing my skills, staying updated with the latest techniques and trends, and seeking out opportunities to learn from experienced professionals. Additionally, I embraced the power of networking and personal connections, seizing every chance to put myself in front of potential clients and industry influencers.

Throughout my journey, I have learned valuable lessons. One key lesson is the importance of adaptability. The photography industry is ever-evolving, and being open to new ideas and embracing change is essential for growth. Another lesson is the significance of giving back to the community. I believe in being a positive role model and contributing to the betterment of society. Whether it’s volunteering my services for charitable events, documenting clients’ adventures across the United States and internationally, or using my photography to shed light on important social issues, giving back has been an integral part of my brand and story.

In summary, I want the world to know that my photography business is not just about capturing beautiful images. It’s about building genuine relationships with clients, providing a personalized and exceptional experience, and continuously striving for artistic excellence. I am proud of the milestones I have achieved, such as photographing notable figures, capturing moments at high-profile events, and being commissioned by esteemed institutions. However, my true passion lies in making a positive impact in the community, documenting clients’ adventures both within the country and around the world, and being a source of inspiration and creativity for others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I visit Phoenix, Arizona, these are the things I like to do, so I would recommend the same to my best friend. I would take my best friend to explore downtown Phoenix, visit the Phoenix Art Museum, and experience the vibrant nightlife at CityScape. We would also embark on outdoor adventures by hiking in Camelback Mountain and exploring the Phoenix Mountain Preserve. A day trip to Sedona to witness the stunning red rock formations would be a must-do. We would immerse ourselves in the local culture by visiting the Heard Museum and wandering through the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Sports fans, we would catch a game at Chase Field or State Farm Stadium and enjoy live performances at the Orpheum Theatre. To relax, we would spend time at a luxurious resort, indulging in spa treatments, and savoring the desert landscape at the Desert Botanical Garden. A memorable farewell dinner would be enjoyed at a rooftop restaurant or patio with panoramic views.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to dedicate my shoutout to several individuals who have played a significant role in my journey as a self-taught photographer. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to my parents, Lonnie and Emma Watts. Their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in me have been instrumental in my success. They have always been there for me, teaching me the importance of professionalism and inspiring me to excel in whatever I set my mind to.

I also want to acknowledge the constant motivation and inspiration that comes from my beautiful daughter, Tatiana. Knowing that I am responsible for providing her with the life she deserves has driven me to work tirelessly and be successful in my photography endeavors. Her presence in my life reminds me of the importance of my craft and the impact it can have on the future generation.

Additionally, I want to give credit and recognition to my lovely fiancée. Her prayers for the success of my business and her uplifting encouragement have been a source of strength during challenging times. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has pushed me to reach for the stars and never give up on my dreams.

To all of these incredible individuals, I am eternally grateful for their love, support, and mentorship. They have played an integral role in shaping my journey as a photographer, and without them, I would not be where I am today.

Website: www.bwatts.photography

Instagram: @bwattsphotography

Other: Kidz N Cameras, Non-Profit www.kidzncameras.com

Image Credits
All images are by Brandon Watts