Today we’d like to introduce you to Obi Does.
Hi Obi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started with photography professionally in January 2021. The pandemic was at its worst, and I was in a creative slump. I had felt like life had lost most of its meaning- and was desperately searching for something to fill the void. I always knew I loved photography, but this was the first time I gave it a real chance. I put my all into it. I was networking on Instagram every day. Sometimes I would wake up and say, “okay, I need to contact at least 30 people about shooting.” I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I knew that I had to get out there and make my name known. At the peak of this, I was shooting maybe 4 or 5 times a week- constantly editing and working on ways to improve my craft. I would always be promoting my work on Twitter or Instagram, and devising ways to get people’s attention. From Twitter, I was able to be put in the position to shoot celebrities like Future! Naturally, as a fashion photographer, I was also very focused on trying to get into fashion spaces. I networked with models like Rahquise Bowen & Ahmad Kanu, who helped me understand the social sphere around fashion in New York. Rappers like Le Kid and producers like Xone put me in front of celebrity clientele such as Tokyo Styles, Simone Tisci & Future. Before I knew it, PR professionals like Ahniyah Gold got me into TheOphilio’s NYFW show, and I was shooting runway looks as well. I had the honor of attending the first couture show by Pyer Moss right before. My journey has been moving at such an intense speed, and I am very grateful. I was constantly in a room with people who had decades of experience, dating back to before I could walk. Through expanding my network and staying dedicated, I found myself at both the 2021 Met Gala and 2022 Met Gala.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No! A lot of the time- models will ghost you. You’ll spend hours working on a shoot just for it to ultimately be work that can’t go into your portfolio. You spend a lot of time wondering if anyone truly cares. Wondering if you’re authentically displaying yourself and sense of creativity. Wondering if you’re truly talented. Throwing yourself into your craft unapologetically comes with a ton of introspection that you then bare to the public.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a fashion photographer based in NYC and LA. I’m most known for my celebrity work and I’m most proud of capturing Teyana Taylor’s 2022 Met Gala look. Also- getting the chance to shoot Rihanna was a dream come true. What sets me apart from others is my dedication to the hustle. I’ve had an amazing trajectory for someone who is barely 2 years into their craft.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I feel like passion is most important to my success. At times, my only motivation would come from how deeply passionate I am about my art form and its niche. My true love for fashion and photography have driven me to do what I once thought was impossible.
Contact Info:
- Website: obidoes.com
- Instagram: @obidoesproduction
Image Credits
Photographer: Obi Does
