A camera can be more than a tool; it can be a life raft. Brandan Watts opens up about the early years where confidence looked solid on the outside but felt shaky underneath, the college stretch marked by GPA pressure and repeated no’s, and the unexpected relief found when a viewfinder became a way to breathe. That personal journey sparked a simple, radical idea: put cameras in young people’s hands and listen to what they have to say.

We walk through how Kidz N Cameras grew from that spark into a nonprofit built on intention over equipment. Brendan explains why this isn’t just a photography class; it’s a structured space where composition and framing unlock a deeper skill set: emotional expression, communication, and self-belief. From juvenile detention workshops to museum partnerships and library programs, the work centers kids who are too often labeled before they’re heard. The stories are concrete: quiet students presenting their images with newfound confidence, teens translating heavy emotions into landscapes and portraits, and a photo contest that paired images with artist statements to stunning effect.

Along the way, we talk real-world milestones and lessons learned: the year-long grind to meet a fundraising match, building a curriculum, investing in cameras, and designing programs that balance craft with care. We explore why creativity is protective, how photography slows time and offers control, and what can change when a community chooses to ask who a kid is rather than tell them. If you’re curious about youth empowerment, arts education, or the healing power of storytelling, this conversation offers a clear path to get involved and a reminder that images can outlast doubt.

If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. Join us on socials at Kidz N Cameras and visit kidzncameras.org to support workshops, camps, and contests that help young people find their voice.