Today we’d like to introduce you to James Whawhen.
James, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Story begins from a small country in west Africa called Liberia. I was raised in Liberia for half my life and I moved to Minnesota as the city slowly cultivated my teenage years through school and art. I first found out about photography in high school taking an elective class and from that day I fell in love with it. I have always been an artistic person drawing singing and writing as a child. Photography was just a great outlet to let out my creativity.
My story begins in a small country in West Africa called Liberia. I spent half of my life there before moving to Minnesota. The city nurtured my teenage years through school and art. In high school, I took an elective class in photography, and from that day on, I was hooked. As a child, I had always been an artistic person, drawing, singing, and writing. Photography became my perfect outlet to express my creativity.
I slowly learned and became self taught. Starting photography on my phone. In the summer of 2018, I was able to purchase my first professional camera. At that time, I had no idea what I was doing, but like always, it was an exciting journey to be on because for me, art is art no matter what art I always strive for the best. I started an Instagram account, and with the help of my friends, I slowly started to master the art of photography.
Due to life and school, I have not had the opportunity to fully pursue photography as much as I want, but it has always been a form of expression that I haven’t let go of. I plan on doing photography for the rest of my life, and I have more to prove.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road but such is life. One of my biggest road block is time and my ability to fully express my creativity ability requires more time that I could afford. But slowly and surely we’re still In it
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a photographer first. Most people know me for my creative expression through photography. I’m proud of my self-taught skills and my ability to still do photography through all the personal roadblocks. I’m proud of my creative expression that usually sets me apart and my longevity. What sets me apart is my ability to make something out of nothing and how I love to turn photography into an interesting storytelling art.
My photography is more of a way to express myself that I someday hope to turn into a professional business. But until then, I’m a professional truck driver and I work for the state, and I own my own trucking company. Time is limited, so I need to trade for my passion.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God, my Heavenly Father. He is the one who knows my past and my future. My parents, my backbone and everything to me, come next.
Now, let’s talk about the people in my life who have made everything possible for me to become the person I am. They are my friends, my family, and more. They are always there for me, supporting me in any way they can, even when they don’t fully understand my art. They guide me through my journey, no matter how challenging it may be.
My first model is Jesica Koka. I called her my first model, but she’s more than that. She’s a true motivator. When I was hesitant to take pictures and wanted to make excuses, she was there to encourage me. She was there before the camera, before the clients, and she did it all for free. First credit goes to her.
Then there’s Ali Donzo, my brother. He was the guy who helped me set up my first studio equipment in the basement. Every little detail matters to me. Meshach, Peter, Theo, Emman, and everyone else plays a role that will require me to write a book about. I am forever grateful to all of them.
And there are so many other people I love who I may have forgotten to mention. I love you all forever, even if I don’t remember you at the moment.
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