Shepherds of Healing highlights Charles Brakes for the “Dudes with Depth” series.
Written by: Arian Augustus
Charles Brakes III, also known as CB3, is a self-taught photographer and clothing designer based out of Dallas, TX.
Read on to learn how this Dude with Depth focuses on his vision for the future!
Has it been a smooth journey getting into your industry? If not, what obstacles did you face and how did you overcome them?
It definitely took a lot of lumps and bumps to be in this industry. I had to mess up A LOT, before I really got comfortable in my abilities. My biggest obstacle as a photographer was that I started without a camera. I used to borrow a family member’s camera until I could save up enough money to buy my own.
What is the biggest misconception about your line of work?
That you need a degree to do it.
How old were you when you discovered your gift? When did you get comfortable sharing that gift with other people and how did they react?
At a very young age I knew that I wanted to create, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to create. When I was about 20, I started working with the camera and I enjoyed it. When I first started telling people, they were excited for me, but I knew they did not know what that would entail.
What was your childhood like? Describe your environment from your house to your neighborhood to your school. How did these experiences shape you and your future success?
My childhood was great because of my attitude towards what I could control. I had things going on in my house that I did not agree with just like we all do. But, I continued to focus on what I could, and how I wanted my life to be, and that helped me big time.
Describe the moment when you knew you were on the right path. How did that affirmation encourage you to keep pursuing your dreams?
I knew I was on the right path when my work would make people cry or when I would get consistently booked. Affirmation is everything because it affects your actions. The more you believe in a thing, the more you act towards it.
What have you had to do - mentally, physically, emotionally - to prepare yourself to pursue your career?
When doing photo or video shoots, you're working with a lot of people. Unless it’s a smaller shoot, a lot of things are happening at once. You definitely need to be great at creating on the spot and problem solving.
Tell us about your big break! What was it like? How did it feel? Did you see it coming?
I’ve yet to get the big break I'm looking for, but I know it's close.
Tell us about your inner circle (close friends, family, mentors, relationship). How does their support impact your success?
I get a lot of support from my close circle. From my family to my friends, we all push each other towards our goals and want to see each other reach the top.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself and others?
People are fickle. I also learned that I am constantly growing and evolving.
What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next 3 years? What are you currently doing to prepare for this outcome?
I'll be living in LA with a successful media company, clothing brand, and acting career. To prepare, I remind myself of my true desired state of living every day, and I stay focused on my goals.
Can you share a secret with us that you haven’t shared anywhere else?
Honestly, I'm a pretty open book, but I guess one secret is that I love reading more than the average person, I think.
If you had a chance to talk to your 15-year-old self, what would you say?
I would tell him that the opinions of others, including family members, do not matter. I would tell him that your happiness is more important than caring what another person has to say or making someone else happy at the cost of you not being your true self.
What message do you have for young men hoping to pursue a similar career?
Give it all you have a hold nothing back. Pursue your dreams fearlessly.
Charles Brakes is a Dude with Depth!
Wanna keep up with Charles? Details below!
Instagram: @c_bthree @shopcb3 @shotsbycb3
Website: shopcb3.com/collections/all