We had the good fortune of connecting with Xzavier Bonds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xzavier, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m from Memphis Tennessee. It’s not known for being a friendly place. I think the city taught me how to stay dedicated how to really grind for the things that I want. My mom worked a lot so I didn’t really get to do the things other kids did, I was more of an insider, I had to find things that peaked my interest luckily for me I picked up photography and haven’t put it down since.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My work tells an amazing story of someone who found photography as a way to escape them shifted it into a passion for capturing the interesting yet fleeting moments of life. It’s truly the way I envision things through the viewfinder.

To me things were easy but the only reason I say that is because I went into photography with the mindset that if I grid and try to perfect my craft that I could make something of it. I didn’t let anything distract me from what I wanted.

The most important thing I learned along the way was patience. I think it’s the most important aspect of my story. I didn’t rush this process.

I would love for the world to look at my story and hopefully become inspired to chase their dreams, I did it in the worst neighborhoods in one of the worst cities in the country so if I can do it anyone can.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first spot I’d go would be Kami Ramen bar, I’m deeply in love with ramen. Next I’d go downtown to shoot some street/architecture photography. Then I’d end it driving through downtown looking at the lights of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wanna shout out my mom, aunt, grandma, and my lovely wife, they have been the biggest pillars in my success. Without them pushing me to strive for better I don’t know where I’d be right now.

Instagram: instagram.com/xzavier.envisions

Youtube: youtube.com/@xzavier.envisions

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