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

Emmanuel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Throughout my journey as an artist, I’ve come to realize that the most meaningful projects are the ones that challenge you, grow you, and connect you deeply with others. One project that stands out in my heart is FLOWER CHILD—a bold, multi-part creative vision that brought together a team of passionate, talented individuals, including models, stylists, and fellow photographers. At the time, I was still in the early stages of my photography career. I was navigating the uncertainty and self-doubt that often comes with being new to a scene where everything feels bigger than you—but something in me knew I was called to do this.

FLOWER CHILD was more than just a photoshoot—it was an experience. It tested my ability to lead, to collaborate, and to trust both myself and others. I was working with creatives I hadn’t known for long, but I had deep respect for their crafts. That respect turned into mutual trust. Everyone brought their unique gift to the table, and together, we created something magical—something full of emotion, beauty, and authenticity.

The project was a huge success—not just in the final result, but in what it represented. It marked a turning point in my confidence as a creative. It reminded me that while large projects can feel intimidating, especially when you’re still finding your footing, they also have the power to uplift and unite. They show you the strength in community, in shared vision, and in stepping out in faith.

God poured so much into me during that time—giving me the clarity, peace, and assurance I needed to pour into others. I was reminded that my creativity isn’t mine alone. It’s a vessel to bless those around me. The team I worked with during FLOWER CHILD aren’t just collaborators anymore—they’ve become friends, a creative family I hold close.

Projects like these are why I create. Not just for the final image, but for the stories they tell, the people they bring together, and the growth they inspire. I believe that when we honor the stories within ourselves and within others, when we create from a place of love, faith, and purpose, we tap into something truly divine.

And for that, I’ll always keep creating.

Emmanuel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Wassup, family—my name is Emmanuel Chukwuma, and I’m one of the many blessed creatives walking this journey here in Dallas, Texas. I specialize in storytelling through my camera lens—capturing not just images, but emotions, presence, and the essence of a moment. I also have a deep love for fashion and modeling, both of which help me express who I am and what I stand for. But before the lights, cameras, and creative concepts, my story begins in a small village in Nigeria, where my heart for people and the desire to create were born.

From an early age, I became aware of the blessings placed over my life—not for me to keep, but to pour into others. I’ve always had a deep love for people and the stories they carry. Everyone holds a universe of experiences inside them, and I believe it’s a sacred calling to honor those stories through art. That passion was planted in me by God Himself, who has poured so much into my life. His love, grace, and direction are the foundation of everything I do. My blessings aren’t mine alone—they are meant to be shared, to uplift, to inspire, and to create space for others to shine.

When I was five years old, my family and I moved to America. We lived in Houston for a time before relocating to Dallas, which is where most of my creative journey took shape. Growing up, I didn’t always see the creative life reflected in the people around me, but something inside me kept nudging me toward the arts. Whether it was participating in school fashion shows, pushing the boundaries of dress code, or getting lost in creative classes, I was always reaching for something more—even if I didn’t fully understand it yet.

My first experiences with photography came through a family camera we had at home. My mom, who has always loved being in front of the camera, would call me over to take her pictures—whether I wanted to or not. But I started to notice something: I genuinely enjoyed it. I wasn’t just taking pictures—I was capturing something beautiful, something meaningful. I started photographing everything because, as a creative, I see art in all things.

It wasn’t until after high school that I began pursuing photography with serious intent. I launched my own business, Pics Utopia, through a local youth entrepreneurship program that my mom—my biggest supporter—encouraged me to join. Her constant belief in me has always fueled my drive. With her support and God’s guidance, I leaned into my gifts and started crafting not just my art, but my identity.

As I explored photography more deeply, I also began embracing the idea of becoming art myself. College became a playground for self-expression—through fashion, textures, silhouettes, and bold concepts. That creative freedom flowed into my photography, transforming my work from simple images into visual stories that stir emotions and ignite curiosity.

People began to notice—not just my photography, but my look, my energy, my presence. The hours I spent curating my lifestyle and vision started resonating with others. I began receiving more bookings, connecting with talented creatives locally and even beyond Texas. Photographers, stylists, and brands started reaching out to collaborate—whether it was for modeling, creative direction, or even personal styling. I was finally living in the space I had once only dreamed about.

Today, I proudly call myself an artist. I thank God daily for the opportunity to wake up and create—to tell stories, to capture beauty, and to inspire others to do the same. Every image, every look, every connection is part of something bigger. My prayer is that my work continues to encourage people to embrace who they are, express their truth, and share their own blessings with the world.

The journey is far from over, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. The future holds more stories, more inspiration, and more lives to impact. Let’s keep creating. Let’s keep telling stories. Let’s keep pouring into one another.

Peace, love, and endless creativity.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

If I’m being honest, one of the most personal challenges I’ve faced has been the disconnect between my creative vision and my family’s expectations. Coming from a Nigerian household, there’s a strong emphasis on financial security—and rightfully so. Our parents sacrificed a lot, so naturally they want to see their children in careers that are “stable” and bring in consistent income. For them, success is measured by how much you’re earning—and anything outside of that is often met with skepticism.

So when I began doing free photoshoots early in my career—and even now, from time to time—it created a lot of tension. It wasn’t always easy trying to explain why I would invest my time, energy, and even money into projects that didn’t bring an immediate return. I’d get questions like, “Why are you doing this for free?” or “How is this helping you get ahead?” And I get it—it’s hard to see the bigger picture when you’re focused on the practical day-to-day. But for me, it’s never just been about a paycheck.

Many of the personal shoots I’ve done—especially the ones I fund out of my own pocket—have been critical to sharpening my skills, experimenting with new techniques, and telling stories that are close to my heart. I spend time researching how to capture certain moments, studying light, angles, and emotion, then applying that knowledge in creative projects that stretch me as an artist. Some of those shoots don’t generate income—but they birth growth, visibility, and the kind of fulfillment money can’t buy. And often, those very shoots are what attract future clients who do pay.

That tension—between honoring my roots and staying true to my creative path—has been one of the defining challenges of my journey. But I’ve learned to hold both with grace. I’ve learned to be patient, to keep creating even when the support isn’t always verbalized, and to trust that the seeds I’m planting will bloom in time. And they have. Slowly but surely, those stories I told “for free” are being seen, shared, and celebrated.

At the end of the day, my resilience comes from knowing that I’m walking in purpose. That even when it doesn’t make sense to others, I’m answering a call that’s bigger than me. And I believe—with every frame I shoot and every story I tell—that all will be well. God’s hand is still guiding me, and I’m exactly where I need to be.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

It’s not about the gear. Heavy on that.

In the early stages of my photography journey, I let the fear of not having the latest, most high-tech equipment keep me from creating. I’d find myself in rooms with seasoned professionals—people pulling massive cameras out of their elite backpacks like it was nothing. Watching them work with top-tier gear, flawless setups and slick workflows had me questioning everything. I started to feel like I wasn’t “qualified” to post my work, much less charge for it. I thought my creativity didn’t measure up because my gear didn’t.

But over time, I had to unlearn that mindset. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—one that continues to guide me today—is that it’s not about the camera in your hands; it’s about the light in your vision.

You could have the most powerful camera ever built, but if your composition and lighting are off, the magic is gone. The story falls flat. The emotion is lost. People disengage. It’s the feeling you create that makes the image memorable—not the price tag on your equipment.

I pour most of my effort into the shoot itself. I focus on the intention behind each image. Every pose, every movement, every angle is carefully crafted to match the vibe I envision. When it comes to lighting, that’s where I fall in love all over again. I’m obsessed with the beauty of light and shadow—the emotions they bring out and the atmosphere they create.

My go-to lighting style is Rembrandt lighting. There’s something about that dramatic contrast—the way it carves out the face, leaving one side bathed in light and the other dipped in shadow—that just speaks to me. It feels honest. Bold. Full of emotion. I also play with butterfly lighting, especially when I want to highlight symmetry and elegance, but Rembrandt is where my heart lives. I’m drawn to rich contrast, dynamic color, and intentional shadows. It’s where storytelling meets soul.

So, if you’re just starting out or feeling stuck because you don’t have the “best” gear—don’t let that stop you. Create with what you have. Create from your heart and soul. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or soak up wisdom from others in the game. Your art matters, even when your tools aren’t fancy.

Of course, invest in yourself and your gear when the time is right—because quality tools can elevate your work. And speaking of which… new camera coming soon y’all! Big smile, big gratitude. But best believe, even before the upgrade, I was already a storyteller.

Because it was never about the gear—it was always about the vision.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @poiseshootinit
• Other: personal Instagram – @ch0sen.n