We had the good fortune of connecting with Kamia Jackson-McWilliams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kamia, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
The most important thing I’ve done as a parent to impact my children in a positive way is simply showing them how I believe in myself and by doing the opposite of what society expects me to do. I want both of my children to grow up and be comfortable with who they are and what they want to be in their life. That’s something that I lacked as a child and I don’t want them to.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There are so many amazing photographers out there but what separates me from other photographers is that I’m emotionally invested into the craft. It’s more than making money and starting a business but I strongly believe that this is my calling and my passion so the time that I invest and the stress, tears it’s so much deeper. At the moment I’m most proud of how much exposure my photography business has received within these last few years! I’m extremely excited to be teaching photography to other creators also and it has been a great turn out. I got to where I am professionally by the grace of God and prayer but most of all experiences. I’ve had a lot of corporate jobs and each of them taught me something and left some sort of professional impact on my outlook on life and my business. I’ve dealt with the struggle of being an entrepreneur and simply taking it as a lesson. I’ve learned over time that everyone is happy for you and it’s okay if some people don’t support you. The main lesson that I’ve learned a long the way, especially with the struggles that I dealt with on a day job is: Stop investing TO MUCH time into someone’s business when you can invest that into your own. Every job I had, I was one of the hardest working ones, easy to catch on, learn, followed instructions, just an over all over achiever because that’s what is always strive to be. And I realized how my hard work was over looked when I could be doing this with my own business. I want people to see my brand and to know that there’s beauty in everything. Struggle, Art, Life, Photography, being a entrepreneur in anything and everything that we do, there’s beauty.

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.
This is a hard one because I’m so simple and basic but I’d definitely go to a garden or the mountains, just peace and quit. That’s it. That’s all.

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’d love to shoutout my great uncle, Fred Peavy the biggest influencer on my photography career, then my family and friends out of Fitzgerald, Georgia. The Fitzgerald Georgia Art Council. And especially my Clients, Husband and my Mom! They are my biggest supporters!

Website: Kamiaportraits.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/kamiaportraits
Twitter: Twitter.com/kamiaportraits1
Facebook: Facebook.com/kamiaportraits
Other: Kamiamcwilliams.com

Image Credits
All Photographs Copyrighted and owned by Kamia Portraits, LLC 2020

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.