We were lucky to catch up with Camille Wheeler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Camille, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Looking back on my newspaper career as a writer and editor, I realize that the seeds of my current photojournalism work were planted by observing and working with photographers in the newsroom. I had not yet discovered my interest in photography — I loved being around photographers and teaming to work together on stories and story projects, but I never thought about becoming one myself. I had no idea of the passion yet to be discovered.

I don’t know that I could have sped up the process. It unfolded in time, in its own way, catching me off guard during a period of working outside of journalism and trying to find myself, as cliched as that sounds. But it was true. Photography came to me during a very dark period. I needed to see things differently, and I continued picking up a camera, first borrowing one from a friend and then buying my own in 2014. I began exploring downtown Austin, connecting with the unhoused community and drawing on my interviewing and reporting skills to make connections with people. I discovered my love of portraiture. It became essential for me to improve as a photographer. I began shooting with a 50mm prime lens. Not being able to zoom from a distance forced me to get close to people. My initial lack of confidence stood in the way of me learning more. But eventually, I took an intermediate photography class. The instructor liked my work and encouraged me to set new goals for myself.

Camille, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ll start with what sets me apart. I have come to photography later in life, and I bring to my craft the joy and pain of living — the shared experiences that connect me to others. What I think is different about my work are the relationships I create with people, primarily in the unhoused community, per the focus of my work. I return to the same people time and again, sitting and talking, taking portraits, taking notes, recording interviews, and reflecting on every conversation I have. I also meet new people virtually every time I’m out street shooting.

Sometimes, I feel compelled to honor classic street photography — to take candid shots in the tradition of such greats as Vivian Maier, Helen Levitt, and Garry Winogrand. But I almost always fail! I’ll see a fascinating character on the other side of the street, and there I go in pursuit of conversation and photos.

I was born in Lubbock, on the South Plains of Texas, where I grew up in a farming and ranching family. My mother was my high school English and journalism teacher at the tiny country school I attended, and she set me on my path toward a rewarding journalism career. I worked for more than two decades in the newspaper industry, and a job with the Austin American-Statesman brought me to Texas’ capital city. From there, I went on to work for Texas Co-op Power magazine, and had the great pleasure of traveling the state as a feature writer and an editor. I rarely picked up a camera, though. I hadn’t yet discovered my passion for photography. That came later on, interestingly enough when I wasn’t working at a full-time journalism job.

At present,I work full time in a separate capacity, but I am establishing my own business and am thinking through the process of building my brand as a portrait and event photographer. I am the most proud of my authenticity, my eye for photos, and my ability to connect with a wide range of people, from myriad walks of life. I am a hard worker, and when I’m engrossed in a project, that’s what I’m doing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

People keep telling me that I should write a book about my photographic journeys, and I am exploring that in earnest. What I envision is a book driven by portraits, with people’s stories, presented in-depth.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

This is a tough question. I’ll start by saying that through the decades, I have struggled to embrace my own creativity for a variety of reasons. Self-doubt and a lack of confidence dogged me for years. What always works, time and again as a writer and photographer, is to put pen to paper, get my butt in the chair at the computer, and load up my camera gear and get in the car. I liken the process to a kid learning to ride a bicycle. Just start pedaling, and see what happens,

I actually think there’s no such thing as a non-creative. Just watch children on a playground. They’re inventing games and pretending to fly. I think so many of us are shut down by the fear of not being good enough. I always ask myself, good enough for what? I believe that children can paint, sing, dance, draw, etc. As we age, we become self-conscious and lose track of our spirit.

So maybe that’s my answer. That someone might not understand my creative journey because that person is afraid to try something new. My advice is this: If you’re harboring a secret dream, just go for it. The sky’s the limit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://camillejwheeler.com
• Instagram: @camillewheels

Image Credits
Photo of Camille J. Wheeler by Lisa Brown
All other photos by Camille J. Wheeler