We recently connected with David Watkins and have shared our conversation below.

David, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

So the year is 2017 in Roanoke, Virginia and I had just purchased my first DLSR. The camera was originally bought to film a short film but I decided to practice some photography with one of my best friends. I posted the finished product on Facebook and one of my favorite co-workers of all time, Quiana Fields, asked me how much I charged. I was confused because I didn’t think that my work was that great to be charging. Mothers Day was coming up and she wanted pictures with her and her daughter. I didn’t know what to charge so I just told her $40. I did the shoot and didn’t really know what I was doing, edited them on my phone just adding one of the iPhone filters and I think I gave them to her on a flash drive. OMG how times have changed!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Film and photography has always been something that I’ve fascinated with. I was around 12 years old when I got my first camera, that I still have til this day, it was a point and shoot camera from Toys R Us. I carried it everywhere with me and still have most of the footage that I filmed back in 2007.

I’ve always had a keen eye for beauty, I’d be a great modeling scout haha. Most of the models that I’ve worked with are people that I randomly saw out and about, asked if they’d be interested in modeling for me. Almost all of them tell me that this would be their first shoot and they don’t think they’d do well. After a session with me they’ve all left with boost of confidence and always look forward to their next shoot. I love that I see things in my models that they don’t necessarily see in themselves, unlocking a new level of confidence. It makes me very proud of the work that I’m doing and fills me with a purpose of making people love themselves a little more.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I don’t have the biggest online presence but I have connected with a ton of models, photographers and other creatives. Most of my following coming from TikTok, Facebook groups and paying for advertisements on Instagram, Bumble: Networking.

I’m not a full-time photographer just yet, so I still work a 9-5. However, if anyone ever ask what I do for work I simply tell them that I’m a photographer that always draws people in to want to see my work, follow my journey and possibly book with me.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My overall goal on this creative journey is to own a production company specializing in photography, music videos and documentaries. I want to show others that art can pay the bills and take you very far in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://foxtownfotos.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxtownfotos/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-watkins95/

Image Credits
David Watkins – Photographer