Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamri Brown.
Kamri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was younger, I always wanted to be a photographer. I would take my little camera and go shoot anything and everything. As I got older, I decided to purchase a camera and see where my creativity would take me. I found out that I personally felt the most creative while I was in front of the camera, instead of behind it. From there, I had a photographer reach out to me because he was interested in shooting. That was my first “real” photoshoot and I loved it. At this time, I was playing collegiate soccer at Jackson State University so my time and energy were completely focused on soccer. Later on, I found out I needed two separate hip surgeries due to some torn ligaments in my hips. The only thing I knew where to put my energy and time was into soccer because that’s all I grew up doing. I’d put soccer above everything like homecomings, prom, or even family events. So, at this moment, I was lost and didn’t know how to handle my emotions.
As I was sitting in my bed, unable to walk and I made the decision to change the direction of my focus. I started to research different photographers in the Houston area and contact them to see if they’d be interested in shooting. I had created a decent enough portfolio where I got a few numbers of people interested in collaborating. I knew I’d be able to walk in a few months, so I made sure they were free months in advanced. After I’m done with my recovery, I was unstoppable. I had set up so many shots with different people I didn’t know how to handle it. I have come a long way and taught myself a lot. I haven’t signed with an agency mainly because I wanted to learn how to deal with the marketing/networking part on my own. This process has been interesting and fortunately, I’ve had my family to support me every step of the way. I understand I still have a long way to go, but I know it’ll be worth it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had to learn how to deal with everything on my own. I also had to learn how to stay persistent and not allow someone’s “no” to deter me from my goals. I have been told no way more times then yes. However, I just roll with the punches and keep going.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Freelance Model- #cantcallmeuglycampaign – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I feel as though now in 2018, everybody and their mama wants to be a model. I feel as though what separates me from a good amount of the other models is the brand I’m creating for myself. I don’t have to get naked in front of the camera to feel beautiful and creative. Don’t get me wrong It’s beautiful and I applaud women who do it so tastefully and elegantly. However, It’s not my style and I’ve stayed true to myself and not steered from that. I have been asked many times to do more lingerie shoots and such and of course, some women would jump at the opportunity, especially when one naked photo on Instagram sometimes gets viral recognition. Through all of that, I have stayed true to myself and created a beautiful portfolio that I am extremely proud of. I have created this movement called #cantcallmeuglycampaign which basically means to not let someone’s words or insecurities about themselves negatively impact you. When you are confident in yourself and know who is looking back at you in the mirror, then no one else can tell you anything. Their words become insignificant and irrelevant. I have recently hosted a Women’s Empowerment Event at my school where we had phenomenal women from around the state and country come and speak about this issue. Often times, we let society dictate what is beautiful and we try our very best to reach that ideal look. I want men and women to know that they are beautiful and don’t need social recognition to know that.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I do have some big plans ahead, but I like to surprise people. I’ll let everyone know what I’m up to when the time is right.
Contact Info:
- Email: kamribrown2014@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @toyota_kamri
Image Credit:
Tiffany couture @tiffanycouture_, Ryan Colby @c0lby, Nadine Berns @nadineberns, Anissa @anissa.photography, Antonio @fortyacrevisons
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