We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Osceola Dubois a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Osceola, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Most of my business revolves around capturing both video and photography, so having a camera that can keep up with my creative demands is invaluable. When I’m shooting, I need equipment that not only delivers technically but also gives me room to experiment with style and storytelling, whether I’m on a fashion set, documenting an event, or creating cinematic sequences. The Canon EOS R5 has proven to be that perfect investment. It gives me the ability to blend technical excellence with a bit of creative spontaneity, allowing me to capture those unexpected, authentic moments that resonate with people.

With tools like the R5, I’m able to elevate each project, whether it’s working with models, capturing a fashion show, or documenting a behind-the-scenes story. The versatility of this camera means I can seamlessly switch from high-res stills to crisp video, meeting my clients’ needs and pushing my own creative boundaries. In an industry that’s always evolving, the R5 lets me stay ahead and take my work to new levels—something that, as a business owner, is worth every cent of the investment.

Osceola, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

It’s been such an incredible experience getting to connect with you readers over the past year it been life changing for sure! For any of your audience that may not have gotten a chance to read any of our past interviews together I’ll give a bit of back story on myself, my company, what I’m up to and where I see things going her in the near future and beyond. I’ve been working as a media creative for quite some time, exploring different facets of visual storytelling. I started my journey in the nightlife industry, capturing the energy, excitement, and candid moments that come alive when people let loose. But over time, I realized I wanted to explore a broader narrative and delve into the world of fashion photography, where I can capture intentional moments that blend beauty with a story.

Shifting into fashion has opened up new dimensions for my work, allowing me to bring a fresh perspective. In high-end nightlife, my goal was to capture fleeting energy, the immediacy of a moment. In fashion, I get to take that authenticity and add a refined, editorial touch, crafting narratives that are both meaningful and visually striking. It’s a more conceptual space, where I can control the mood, design the story, and align every detail to elevate the subject.

With Ni0 MEDIA, my multimedia company, I’m combining photography and video to offer clients a full visual narrative that resonates. I work closely with clients—whether models, brands, or agencies—to ensure that the final product not only captures their essence but also connects deeply with their audience. From detailed close-ups that showcase the intricacies of fabric to cinematic shots that immerse viewers in a scene, I aim to create imagery that not only looks beautiful but also has depth.

Moving to high fashion allows me to push creative boundaries and build a legacy. Fashion photography is about more than capturing a look—it’s about creating timeless visuals that tell a story and leave an impact. I’m most proud when a client sees something in my work that truly resonates with their vision and identity. When clients work with me, they’re getting more than just a shoot—they’re receiving a crafted visual experience designed to communicate, inspire, and elevate.

Ultimately, my goal is to bring my audience into an authentic, captivating world, whether through a magazine spread, digital campaign, or behind-the-scenes narrative. Each project is crafted with intention, style, and a profound respect for the art of storytelling, ensuring that my work leaves a lasting impression that transcends trends and connects on a personal level.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, being behind the camera is a bit of a dance. Not a rehearsed, choreographed kind, but something spontaneous—and that is always a give and take. I’m not just looking through the lens; I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of something real, something raw, that you can almost reach out and feel.

Some days, I do look at my work and wonder if I’m only creating pretty pictures—capturing what the eye wants but not what the heart needs. But there are these rare, moments when the work seems to speak. When it’s not just an image or a video; it’s more of a feeling, and a moment of connection. It’s incredibly rewarding when someone looks at something I’ve been working on and finds something in it that feels like it was made truly made from the heart. That’s the dance I’m after—finding those beautiful, authentic moments that resonate on a deeper level.

I admire Sebastião Salgado’s work a lot he uses his work behind lens to capture human experiences in ways that open people up, he tries to make you feel something you didn’t expect. He’s documented humanitarian crises, capturing suffering and resilience in ways that seem to connect people who might otherwise never have crossed paths. That’s what I want my work to do: to bridge worlds a bit or just bring something real into the frame.

I recently was reading about a study in visual psychology that found that images with genuine emotion create stronger memories in viewers. That’s f-ing powerful……an image that reaches inside someone’s mind and plant a seed, one that lingers after they’ve looked away. That’s the kind of impact I want my work to have. A photograph that lives on in someone’s thoughts, that becomes a part of them—that’s when it becomes more than a photograph. It’s no longer just a picture; it’s a shared human experience.

And I don’t ever want that journey to stop. The world of photography is changing faster than ever. Every month, new technologies are coming out and they are bringing us closer to capturing what we see in our minds. Canon is pushing resolution beyond what we thought possible. Sony’s new innovations in low-light sensitivity are revealing details we couldn’t see before. Adobe’s AI tools, like Content-Aware Fill, is giving us the freedom to make edits that are just as seamless as they are creative. For someone like me, all of these advancements are invitations to keep growing, to keep refining craft. Each breakthrough is another step in a cycle of growth that keeps the work exciting and full of possibility.

But for all the new tools, it’s about something simpler, too. It’s about impact. When one image can inspire, challenge, or make someone pause—that’s is a real reward. That’s the legacy I want: to bring a fresh perspective to each shot and leave people feeling something real.

I think of iconic images like Steve McCurry’s Afghan Girl that image captured the spirit of a girl in a moment of conflict and changed the way people saw an entire region. There are studies that show how emotionally charged images can imprint themselves on viewers’ minds and leave them with empathy, inspiration, and sometimes even a call to action. Again THAT s the kind of impact I’m after—leaving people with more than just a photograph, but an experience that becomes a part of their own story.

The challenge is incorporating that level of depth into my current daily work output. It may be that I’ll have to branch out in different creative ways so that I am able to create those sparks and make those fires burn. Images flood our senses and pass as quickly as they come, so I’m really trying to slow that down and leave something real in the work.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has really been about making connections that go beyond business. I’d say it’s a combination of personal referrals, showcasing my work across social media, and partnerships that come through collaborative projects. In this industry, especially now, building authentic relationships is key. People don’t just want to see a portfolio; they want to feel a connection, a story that speaks to them. When someone has a positive experience and feels they were understood and valued, they’re much more likely to refer you to others.

Social media has been crucial, too, as it’s the perfect platform to share not only my work but also my creative philosophy. Platforms like Instagram are visual storytelling tools where I can showcase my style, document behind-the-scenes moments, and engage directly with an audience. Instead of simply posting finished projects, I try to give people a peek into the process, the thought, and the craft that goes into each shot. I find this approach helps people feel more connected to the work, which often leads to inquiries from potential clients who appreciate that depth.

Collaborations are another great source for new clients. By working with other creatives—be it models, stylists, or other artists—I’m not only building my portfolio but also expanding my network. Each project becomes an opportunity to learn from others and cross paths with people who might become clients or collaborators in the future. These partnerships create a ripple effect because everyone brings their unique network into the mix, extending reach and impact.

Finally, staying engaged with the latest technology and techniques keeps my work fresh, which draws attention and keeps people interested. When you’re pushing your own creative boundaries, it resonates. In this landscape, people gravitate toward photographers and creatives who are evolving with the times but staying true to their artistic vision. For me, it’s about consistently showing up in the right places and with the right approach, which, over time, brings in clients who are looking for that deeper level of artistry.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osceola.dubois
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/osceola-dubois

Image Credits

All images copyrighted by NI0 MEDIA. Copyright 2024.