Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38hlzM2iTQo&list=PLOQvdw7d0cd9RZZkd2lZy2hmrnJv-cfLI&index=77
Evan: So we are back here on the Choose 954 podcast with local photographer, videographer, TV producer, and all that sort of stuff.
Khami: Yeah.
Evan: Okay, and you want to go by Cami?
Khami: Yeah, camera Cami.
Evan: Okay, so if you didn't know what Choose 954 was, we started a social movement to cultivate culture and community here in Broward County, where we're both from, in an effort to keep people in the know with all the great things that are going on within the arts and culture and make this a better place to live, and not just a better place to vacation. The goal of the podcast is to connect you in the community with amazing people like her that are doing incredible things out in the community, so you can get a little bit better engaged and get to know some of the great things that are going on. As we get through this podcast, we'll let you know about a little collaboration we just did here and fill you in on that. But for those who don't know, why don't you tell us a little about yourself, Cami?
Khami: Okay, hi, I'm Cami. I've been doing media for quite a long time. I guess I started out around elementary school, but more just for fun. I mean, I still do it for fun, but I originally started out not really knowing what I was doing. I started really getting into broadcast journalism, photography, and videography around middle school, early high school. High school has really helped me grow as a media journalist. So I've been doing that, I've been doing photography on my free time and with classes and programs, so yeah.
Evan: And why don’t you tell them, for those that don’t know, a little bit about who helped you get started?
Khami: Oh yeah, so my mother, Kyla Connie, she's a photographer as well as a lawyer. She does photography on the side, and she is, I guess, one of my biggest inspirations for doing what I do because she was essentially the person who put the camera in my hands to begin with.
Evan: And if you weren't sure who she is, you can find her on Instagram at "I Take Great Pics" with the number eight. She was in Art Fort Lauderdale this year and was also recently at the Hollywood Cultural Center's Exposed RAW annual fundraiser, where she donated a piece to be auctioned off as part of their annual event, which is great. So that was a little head start. Since you have a mother who is very well-versed in photography and media, when did you start shooting, and what are you shooting with now?
Khami: So, I mean, when I was really little, I had one of those... I don't even remember what kind of camera I had. It was one of those little slide cameras.
Evan: Right, right.
Khami: Yeah, it was pretty interesting. So I started off with really small stuff, and then I got my first DSLR, which was a Canon T5i, when I was around, I think, 12 or 13 years old for Hanukkah. At first, I kind of just liked it for the time, and I think YouTube was at its peak. So I used to make YouTube videos of myself making sketches with my friends or by myself, and all that sort of stuff. Then I started taking pictures a little bit and realized I really loved photography. When I joined high school and my broadcast program, WHS News, I started to develop a love for film and broadcast journalism, and that's where I am now. I had the T5i up until this Hanukkah because this Hanukkah, I got a Sony A7II.
Evan: Oh wow!
Khami: Yeah, so I’ve been with Canon for most of my life, but I just upgraded to something amazing.
Evan: And you've fortunately been able to work on some great projects. Why don’t you tell us some of the things that you've done previously up until this point?
Khami: Okay, so before high school, I didn’t do a lot of broadcast journalism, but once I started in high school, I started doing more projects, especially in the last two years. For example, I’ve done videos on MSD after the whole event, a recap on one of the March for Our Lives movements, a video on a protest we had at my school, and recently, I did a feature on the one-year anniversary commemoration. That’s one project I’m really proud of, but I’ve also covered a lot of art events because I love art. I’ve covered a lot of things at school that interest me. I also just recently made a short film with some people from my broadcast team for the first time, so that was a cool experience.
Evan: And if they weren't sure, where do you go to school?
Khami: I go to American Heritage Plantation.
Evan: Awesome! And you’ve also covered some events. I’ve seen you with your camera from a photographer's perspective. I believe you covered the Chocolate Festival?
Khami: Oh yeah, I also did a video on that.
Evan: What other things have you done from a photo side, or other things that come to mind now?
Khami: Well, I mean, I’ve taken pictures everywhere I go. I try my best to bring my camera along with me, especially outside of school. I’m always taking pictures during the weekend, no matter where I am—whether it’s with friends or at events I’m covering. I make sure to get some photos in that help tell the story.
Evan: And you also just covered a really cool event—Art Fort Lauderdale. Tell them a little bit about what we just did.
Khami: Yeah, I just interviewed you for the next feature we’re doing, which is on Art Fort Lauderdale. We were there a few weeks ago following the event, and it was amazing. I’m really excited for everyone to see it, and it will be available on YouTube or somewhere.
Evan: You have a YouTube channel?
Khami: Yeah, I have a YouTube channel, but I also have a website with all my media and social media stuff connected. So that’s KamiOrbach.com, or KamiNet.com.
Evan: We’ll make sure to share it. If you weren’t sure, Choose 954 is the social movement behind Art Fort Lauderdale, the Art Fair on the Water, and Fort Lauderdale Design Week, among other projects. We’re working to elevate the arts culture in Broward and make this a better place to live. With that being said, as a Broward native, what are your thoughts about growing up as a creative in Broward and the opportunities you’ve had?
Khami: One thing I really love about living here is that there are so many artists. I’m not a huge fan of Florida because of the heat, but I appreciate living in South Florida because I know so many creative people and have access to so many creative events. It’s great to meet people in music, visual arts, and performing arts.
Evan: It’s great when you grow up in a creative hub where there are tons of creatives to learn from, collaborate with, and experience. So, what’s next for you?
Khami: Well, it’s my last year in high school, so I’ll be going to college soon and looking for jobs. I hope to do a lot of projects that I’m passionate about because that’s where my best work comes from.
Evan: And who might be lucky enough to have you attend their school? Who’s on your list?
Khami: Right now, I’m waiting on a few schools, but so far I’ve heard from Drexel, Emerson, Ithaca, and I’m waiting on USC and Syracuse.
Evan: Well, I hope you don’t have to deal with lake-effect snow! Where else can they find you? Website, social media?
Khami: Yeah, so my website is KamiOrbach.com. I post everything there, from photos to videos, and my social media is also connected there.
Evan: If you didn’t catch it before, we’re forever grateful for your mom’s support. Please follow her at "I Take Great Pics" with the number eight. We’re forever grateful for your collaboration. A couple things to look forward to: we’re still doing the Choose 954 Local Artist Discovery Series live art pop-up every Wednesday night at Yolo. Last week, we celebrated our two-year anniversary. If you know a local artist who would like to participate, please reach out. There’s no skill requirement, we don’t charge, and we provide a canvas, food tab, and marketing.
We’re also hosting Creative Zen, our monthly breakfast lecture series, on Friday, March 8th, at the Design Center of the Americas. Free event, coffee, networking—come join us! We also have SoFar Sounds on March 21st in Pompano and TEDxNSU on March 16th with Guy Harvey as a speaker. For more details, check out Choose 954 on Facebook. Thanks for tuning in, and we’ll catch you on the next episode.
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