We recently connected with Kambua Chema and have shared our conversation below.

Kambua, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My hero is my father, the best man I have ever known. His unwavering presence and wisdom shaped me into the person I am today. He guided me through the challenges of growing up, teaching me to find joy in the simple things and to approach life with eternal happiness. One of the greatest lessons he imparted was to always give my best because, as he often reminded me, “You can never do better than your best.” He also taught me the value of giving freely to the world without expecting anything in return, a philosophy that has shielded me from many disappointments.
When I came to America as an international student from Kenya, it was my father who helped me navigate this unfamiliar world. He had walked a similar path, attending veterinary school at Ohio State, and his insights became my compass. He encouraged me to follow my dreams and choose a field of study based on my own interests, even when societal pressures pushed me toward a pre-med path. His support gave me the courage to pivot, embrace creativity, and eventually find my true calling.
As I embarked on my career in retail management, my father remained my anchor. I spoke to him almost daily before heading to work, and his encouragement helped me face the challenges of an often difficult environment with a positive mindset. After about 15 years in retail, it was his belief in me that inspired me to take a leap of faith and pursue photography full-time—my true passion.
My father passed away on December 1, 2023, just thirty minutes shy of his 88th birthday. I still don’t know how to put into words the loss I feel, but I do know this: he was with me through my worst and best moments in life, always walking beside me with unwavering love and guidance. For that, and so much more, he will forever be my hero.

Kambua, 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 have been a photographer for more than half my life. My journey into photography began during my college years as an international student in the United States. As I navigated a new environment far from home, my camera became my connection to the world—a bridge between myself and the unfamiliar. I carried it everywhere, documenting life as I saw it, and it became a constant source of happiness. I realized early on that as long as I had my camera and the opportunity to create, I could thrive anywhere. Capturing people’s moments—whether in their smiles or their quiet presence in front of my lens—brought me immense joy.

The path to where I am today wasn’t without its challenges. After being let go from a retail management job, I found myself at a crossroads. As an overachiever, the experience was humbling and difficult to process. However, it became a turning point. During the six months I spent reflecting, I decided to embrace my passion and enrolled in a photography school. It was a transformative decision that not only reignited my love for the craft but also set me on the path I was meant to follow. Years later, I’ve come full circle—I now teach at the very school that gave me a fresh start, and I couldn’t be prouder of the journey.

Photography is more than just a profession for me; it’s a way of connecting with people and sharing stories. Teaching photography has brought me immense joy, as it allows me to give back and share the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. It’s always surprising how much more you know when you teach, and it fuels my creativity and passion in ways I never anticipated. Through teaching, I’ve built connections with some of my favourite people, and the partnerships I’ve formed have enriched both my work and my life.

Finding my niche in photography has been an exciting journey because everything in life feels worthy of capturing. Today, my bread and butter is portrait photography. I love telling people’s stories through my lens and, more importantly, making them feel seen. Whether it’s a LinkedIn headshot or a creative portrait, everyone deserves to have their best self represented, and that is the heart of my brand.

In recent years, travel has become an essential part of my work. With so many misconceptions about Africa, I’ve felt compelled to lead photography tours to places I deeply understand, like Morocco and Kenya. These trips allow me to share the beauty of the continent while bridging cultural gaps and providing nuanced perspectives. There’s something truly magical about shared experiences—whether it’s exploring the Sahara Desert or witnessing the great migration in Kenya.
Above all, I want my clients and followers to know that my work is rooted in connection and authenticity. Whether I’m teaching, capturing portraits, or leading a tour, my goal is to create meaningful experiences and help others see the beauty in themselves and the world around them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

The truth of where you need to be in life is always within you, even if it takes time to recognize it. When I first came to America, I arrived with just two suitcases. One was filled with teddy bears and photo albums. Among those albums were pictures my father had taken of me on my first birthday. At the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of those images, but years later, as I decided to pursue photography full-time, one images specifically took on a new meaning. Those photographs were more than memories—they were a reminder of the power of capturing life’s fleeting moments.

My life took a major turn three years ago when I made the decision to leave my full-time retail management job and follow my passion. With modest savings, I took the leap to start my photography business. At the time, I had no idea what the future would hold, but I had a deep sense of optimism and a belief that life would be better if I pursued what I truly loved. It was a risk, but as a single person, it felt like the right moment to take it. I knew it would have been harder to make such a bold move if I had a family depending on me.

Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It allowed me to align my life with my passion and purpose. That leap of faith was a pivotal moment that redefined my career and gave me the freedom to create, connect, and live authentically. It wasn’t just about leaving a job; it was about trusting myself and the path I was meant to walk.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There’s a saying that the way you see yourself is often different from how the world sees you. I’ve always held myself to a high standard, striving to excel in everything I do. But over time, I’ve learned that it’s impossible to be great at everything. Accepting this truth wasn’t easy—it came with hard lessons—but it also taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of leaning on others for support.

When I started my photography business, I quickly realized how much there was to learn—not just about the craft itself but also about running a successful business. Instead of feeling defeated, I embraced the challenge. I sought out partnerships with those who had the skills and knowledge I lacked. Whether it was learning marketing strategies, refining my techniques, or managing the logistics of a growing business, I wasn’t afraid to ask for help.

Resilience, for me, isn’t about doing it all alone. It’s about being resourceful, humble, and willing to learn from others. My business is still young, and I remain determined to grow by seeking out mentorship, building connections, and learning from those who excel in areas I aspire to master. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to the resilience it takes to thrive in an ever-evolving field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kambuachemaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kambuaphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kambuaphoto/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kambuachemaphotography/
• Twitter: https://x.com/KambuaPhoto
• Other: https://headshotcrew.com/u/kambua.chema.photography

Image Credits

The image of me in the red dress with the mirror reflection was taken by one of my students: LaTosha Pointer. The others were all created by me.