Strong, intelligent, and leader are the words I would use to describe this powerful woman in the fashion industry. Zakiyah Caldwell, a Christian photographer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is currently forming a project that spotlights survivors of human trafficking through photography and film.  

Strong, intelligent, and leader are the words I would use to describe this powerful woman in the fashion industry. Zakiyah Caldwell, a Christian photographer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is currently forming a project that spotlights survivors of human trafficking through photography and film. Ms. Caldwell’s generous heart is evident in the work she has done in her community and continues to do. I look forward to seeing what is in store, in the future for this bright young woman.

How has your faith impacted your life in the fashion industry?

I think the way my faith has impacted my work in this industry would be by how I communicate with others. My faith has taught me to treat others how I would like to be treated; therefore I treat my clients with the utmost respect and show my understanding of different situations as well as compassion when needed.

What first motivated you to become a photographer?

I first began to study photography after I received my MBA. I felt the need to still go back to school but I wanted to do something that I thought would be fun and that is how I found Photography. I began a Masters Program in Photography and because it was a masters program, they did not teach me the basics. I had to learn all of that information on my own through various online tutorials and trial and error just keep up with the class. I feel that has taught me lessons that I wouldn’t be able to learn in a classroom. It taught me that anything worth having has to be worked for. If you want something, the only thing stopping you is you. Before I started the program, I did not even own my own camera. I borrowed my sister’s camera to take the images to get into the program and from there I haven’t looked back since.

 Who do you look up to for inspiration?

I find inspiration in all things. Once I opened myself up to this gift of photography, I was able to see life in a different light. I constantly see things on the street that spark an idea for my next photo shoot.

How did you learn about human trafficking?

We live in a world that constantly shows us all of the negativities that happen daily. A few years ago I saw Willow and Jada Pinkett Smith at a summit against Human Trafficking crimes and I thought to myself, WoW, someone as young as willow smith recognized this issue and is making an effort to help. What is wrong with me and why haven’t I done anything. I have been blessed beyond measures in various aspects of my life and now it is time to focus on doing something for others.

As owner of The PhotoSalon 4 U by Zakiyah, what current projects are you currently working on to bring publicity to human trafficking?

 I am current working on a project called “Stopping Traffic”.  Stopping traffic will be a photographic series accompanied by a short documentary spotlighting survivors of human trafficking. My mission is to bring light to this horrendous epidemic by using the voices and images of various survivors.  Their triumph over dire situations will inspire and allow viewers to connect the severity of trafficking with everyday life locally and globally.

Where can we find out more information about “Stopping Traffic”?

I do not have a project site just yet as my project is in its very beginning stages but my photography website is www.photosalon4u.com. Once the project site is up and running, readers will be able to click a link on my photography site that will direct them to the site.

What have you learned, grown, or gained from working with survivors of Human trafficking?  

I have learned through research of human trafficking that my perceptions of who is actually trafficked was completely wrong. It could be you or I in these tragic situations and it could happen in the blink of an eye. Men, Women, children and immigrants are constant victims of these crimes everyday. You have to be careful of your surroundings, things that seem to good to be true, typically are and can sometimes lead you into a very bad situation that is extremely difficult to get out of.

 

As I interviewed Zakiyah I thought about her “ah hah” moment, the realization that human trafficking is a serious issue in this spiritually fractured world. This made me think if she received the message through main stream media, how can we work to bring more awareness on a larger platform to the masses? How can we be warriors for Christ and spread his message throughout the world? Now is the moment to self reflect, are you monopolizing your time wisely to help the victims of human trafficking? We all have unique spiritual gifts which God has blessed us with. Are you using yours to help those in need?

Proverbs 31:8-9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”