Photographer and Filmmaker Bred Hampton encourages all to find their own passion

Written by Gloria Peebles

There are not many people who are fortunate enough to have a great career land in their lap, but that is exactly what happened to Bred Hampton, a Boston native. Bred purchased his first camera in 2017 to do photography as a hobby with no intentions of becoming a professional filmmaker or photographer. Bred previously was a rapper and even did some standup comedy. His first video shoot was with the singing group 112.  

“I really got serious with it in 2018 which was my breakout year taking my brand to the next level which has been a crazy journey and ride,” said Bred. Bred is really amazed at how far he has come with something that started out as a hobby. Bred has worked with Jayson Tatum who is a NBA player and through Tatum he was able shoot Beats by Dre commercial. “There was nothing planned in my life saying I wanted to be a filmmaker. It was a real big deal to see my commercial on television,” said Bred.

Bred found his passion in filmmaking and photography; he’s aware of the tremendous responsibility that comes with it. “The main challenge is staying relevant, never getting complacent, always learning. You never want to get to the place where you feel like you’re good enough because there’s always something more to learn,” stated Bred. He also realizes that a lot of naysayers come with success, but he’s determined to stay focused and keep his eyes on the prize.

Bred received an offer in 2021 to work with the Boston Celtics as a Video Producer full-time. In his new position, he will be traveling and documenting the brand and the team. “2022 is going to be big. I definitely see the Bred Hampton name spreading out” said Bred. The year 2022 is starting out great for Bred even though his life didn’t start out good for him as a youth.

Bred was a very difficult teenager. “From third grade all the way up until my senior year, I was treacherous,” said Bred. He was getting suspended from school all the time in the sixth grade. In the sixth grade, he went to an all-boy school because he got kicked out of middle school for being a class clown, not doing his schoolwork, and being disobedient. His behavior made his youthful years very hard for him. “If you saw the movie Lean on Me, I was exactly like that; I was one of those kids they had on the stage and they said all of you can go,” said Bred.

Bred had an epiphany when he realized how important it was to graduate from high school. He got himself together and graduated. Bred wants to be a mentor for at-risk youths to share his story and let them know that even if your future doesn’t look too bright, he’s living proof you can make it. “I would tell the kids you don’t have to go to college, you don’t have to like school either, but at least finish high school. Then you can do anything you pretty much want to do,” stated Bred. College is not for everyone and you don’t have to go to become successful, but you do need a plan to find your passion and go for it. That’s what Bred has done.