We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kai Bouhmad a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kai, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I created Black Girls Shoot Too, a community for Black women photographers in Los Angeles. It has become my most rewarding and meaningful creation. In the past, I often felt my work as a creator was overlooked and lacked visibility simply because it did not fit a certain mold.

Black Girls Shoot Too was born from a simple question I kept asking myself: where are all the Black women photographers in LA? I often felt isolated with my camera, and I envisioned a space to connect with other women who looked like me and shared a passion for learning more about photography. We host monthly photo walks and workshops led by professional photographers, and we have exciting opportunities coming up as we progress.

To my surprise, the turnout for our first event, which I posted somewhat spontaneously, was incredible. The women who showed up were just like me – eager to advance their skills, learn more about photography, and connect with others. We even had professional photographers among us, representing a diverse range of experience levels.

Kai, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kai, and while I’m known for my travels and storytelling, photography also holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, my father, a musician who sang and played piano (much like myself, as I’m classically trained in piano and voice and have performed with many LA bands), was never without his camera. He would often capture his bandmates in striking black and white photos, creating a large collage in our garage that I always admired. He had so many cameras that he gave to me throughout the years, which I used for classes in high school and college.

Following in his footsteps, my camera is a constant companion on my travels. I tend to document everything, often waiting for a story to unfold as I explore new places. In fact, back in 2015, a photograph I took in Jerusalem, one I am most proud of, unexpectedly ended up in the LA Times. Despite that success, I often second-guessed my photography. This self-doubt is precisely why I created Black Girls Shoot Too – to establish a safe and supportive space where Black women can find the encouragement they need to thrive in their photography journeys.

My professional career is with the County of Los Angeles, where I have served the needs of parents and caregivers by providing child support services for over 20 years. I hold a BA in Sociology from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. In addition to traveling, advocating for human rights has been a lifelong passion of mine. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with respected organizations like Amnesty International and Murder Victims Families for Reconciliation in researching crime and capital punishment in Portage, Indiana.

I feel proud to have partnered with Fundacion Koinonia (located in Cartagena, Colombia), Islamic Relief USA, The Los Angeles County African American Employees Association, and to have interned with The American Friends Service Committee. Since 2021, I have been a member of NATJA, the North American Travel Journalists Association. I previously contributed to Travel Pulse, a website that provides the most recent information on the travel sector, from 2021 to 2023.

Lastly, I am the driving force behind Afia Travel. At Afia Travel, I inspire women to embark on unforgettable adventures. This spirit of discovery is a tribute to the memory of my sister, Malika Afia. The name “Afia” is of Ghanaian origin, signifying “born on Friday” – a day traditionally associated with good fortune, new beginnings, and the promise of exciting journeys. Through these varied experiences and passions, I strive to connect with the world and empower others to do the same, whether through the lens of a camera, the power of a story, or the inspiration to explore.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative, for me, is the power it gives me to express myself authentically. But it’s the smiles I see on the faces of the women who attend our meetups and workshops that truly resonate. In their enthusiasm and growth, I often see a reflection of my own journey and aspirations.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Okay, so for Black Girls Shoot Too, I think what makes it work is being super clear about what it is: a supportive crew for Black women photographers right here in LA. That focus totally helps bring in the right people. Plus, it actually solves a problem, you know? It fills that need for connection, support, and just being seen within the photography world for this specific group. And the last thing, which I think is a biggie, is actually giving people something worthwhile. Like, it’s not just about throwing up random posts, haha! It’s about sharing tips, showing what goes on behind the scenes, and giving the lowdown on upcoming events. That’s what keeps people interested and coming back for more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wearebgst.com
• Instagram: @blackgirlsshoottoo

Image Credits

Image credits @butteephotography @blackgirlsshoottoo