By Sorayda Díaz
Cam found in the camera a tool for understanding herself and the world around her. Her love of photography didn't begin with a conscious decision, but rather as an almost instinctive urge to capture what fascinated her: light, details, fleeting moments.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the way light plays on things; I can’t help but look at it,” he confesses.
That passion took hold in 2017, when her husband gave her a DSLR camera, marking a turning point in her creative life. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, this act of observing and documenting was a way for her to connect with her surroundings and, eventually, with her own identity.
As the daughter of a Moroccan immigrant in Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States, Cam grew up in a melting pot of cultures that shaped her perspective.
“I grew up in a place where you could hear languages from all over the world and take part in cultural traditions that made you feel like you were part of something bigger,” he recalls.
This diverse environment not only broadened his worldview but also inspired his personal and creative search for meaning. Houston’s diversity was reflected in his own family. His father, who came to the United States after working on merchant ships, faced countless challenges, but he also left a legacy of resilience and generosity.
These family values and experiences instilled in her a deep admiration for people who, like her father, bravely venture into uncharted territory.
Through photography and collage, Kim has created a space to explore her identity and the stories of others.
“I want people to be seen the way they want to be seen, not through the lens of stereotypes,” she explains.
This approach led her to question how art can serve as a tool to give a voice to those who have been rendered invisible.
Cam's journey of self-discovery reached a new level in May 2024, when, at the age of 36, she was diagnosed with autism. This diagnosis transformed her perception of herself and her work.
“I went from thinking there was something wrong with me to realizing that I simply see the world differently,” she says. This realization freed her to create from a place of authenticity and explore new dimensions of her art, in which her camera is more than just a tool; it is an extension of the way she processes and connects with the world.
Cam's creative process is as intuitive as it is meticulous. She describes her workspace as a place in constant flux, reflecting her mental and emotional states.
“If my studio is tidy, it means I’m in a good place; if it’s chaotic, I’m probably processing something,” she explains. In her creative process, photography intertwines with collage and experimentation with unconventional materials, such as felt and soft textures, which evoke memories of her childhood. Touch and color help her translate what she feels into something tangible. This multisensory approach not only allows her to create visually striking art, but also pieces that convey deep emotions.
The artist also finds inspiration in the everyday and the unexpected. From a ray of light streaming through a window to a meaningful conversation, every experience can become the starting point for a new work.
“I never know exactly what I’m going to create until I’m in the moment. My art is a direct response to what I’m experiencing or processing at that very moment,” she shares. This organic approach allows her to stay true to herself and to the stories she seeks to tell.
Through her work, she honors both her father and the communities around her. “Every piece I create is a tribute to the stories that inspire me and to the resilience of those who struggle to find their place in this world,” she says. Her work, deeply rooted in Houston’s cultural diversity, invites dialogue about identity, belonging, and representation.
Camille continues to explore new ways of telling stories, driven by her passion for amplifying the voices of others. “Houston taught me that every person has a story worth hearing,” she reflects.
Her art is a testament to power, empathy, and how, by embracing our authenticity, we can build bridges between communities and cultures.
The artist's Instagram: instagram.com/cam.shot.first
Photos: Courtesy of