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

Hi Kamaria, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My work-life balance began to change when I had stopped making excuses for my passion. Putting off and furthering myself from learning and growing in my craft became my regular regime until I decided to push myself to go the extra mile for myself. Balance to me is having organization; structure keeps me balanced. Otherwise, I would be all over the place, and nothing would get done, so I definitely strive to be more organized.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been shooting photography for a while, but I’m in the stages of finally taking my work seriously and professionally. For so long, I have doubted myself and my work. It took friends and family to help me realize that I had potential and should further myself in my craft. It makes me so excited when I get those crisp shots that I want, the colors in my photos are vibrant, and I’m able to edit my photos and get the outcome I want. I used to get discouraged with learning photography, it’s such an expensive hobby, and I wasn’t exactly ready to pour so much money into it. The market is so saturated with great photographers; I felt I would never equate to their potential. The challenge was realizing that nothing easy comes overnight; I had to work and become more persistent. If there is one thing I want the world to know, it would be that I put myself out there, got out of my comfort zone, and made things happen, regardless of what others thought.

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.
If my best friend were visiting for a trip to ATL, definitely the first spot we would be hitting for food would be Rosie’s Cafe because no one can compete with their french toast and the aesthetic vibe. For the sights, I would take my friend to Edgewood or Peters street, where the bars are top-notch. After the long night, the next day would be filled with sights of the High Museum and Pounce City Market for Shopping. We would have to have some of my vegan favs, Grass VBQ Joint and Planted Express, for more food.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For so long, I wondered what my purpose was or what I wanted to make my purpose. I pushed myself in school to be “successful,” not noticing when I got there I would be moving on to become what I thought was “more successful” I was unhappy and empty. I had prayed for insight and understanding. It had taken God putting those people in my life to show me life wasn’t about moving on to the next task but enjoying the now, doing what made me happy, and spending time with my loved ones for those necessary memories. If it wasn’t for my college advisor, Dr. Zhou, my boyfriend Zebulin Monroe, and my family guiding me through my journey and showing me that love, encouragement, and mentorship, I wouldn’t have realized or have known how to be happy with where I am in life.

Instagram: @kamography_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamaria-winfield-811453182/

Image Credits
@i_am_nikkimichelle Nicole Gordan, @trvll.pook Nadia, @_boythatsmari Omari, @housofsunni Shari-Jeneé, @tayloralexis_ Taylor

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