Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Obi.
Christian, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My interest in photography is starting when I was young. I remember getting my first camera from my uncle. It was a Sony MVC-CD500 that used Mini CDs to store images. I would take all my friends MySpace/black planet photos back in the high school days. I lost interest in photography after graduation. I can’t really remember why I stopped, but the passion was reignited while I was in the US Navy. Travel around the world and seeing new sites made me feel alive again. Every port that we pulled into, I made it point to go out and explore. When I came back home from the Navy, a few people have seen my work and asked if I can take photos and their events. I was hesitant at first, but after many events and photoshoots, I ended up with Obi photography.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For sure!!! Being in a creative field, there is always something that can take you out of your game. The biggest thing for me was not knowing my worth. I would take appointments from anybody to everybody. Doing that made me feel worn out and falling out of love with photography. The money was good but I didn’t make me happy. I had to take a step back and remind my self why I wanted to be in this field in the first place. That was to create art by stopping time with one frame at a time. Also, having camera gear stolen was a setback but you take the gear but not the skill. lol
Please tell us about your business.
So Obi Photography is a Houston based company that specializes in fashion. Now when I say that, most people think just models, but it not that. Fashion is just the approach I take when on photo assignments. No matter if it a wedding, graduation, or a birthday party I’m going to make it print-worthy. With “Obi Photography” I have been most proud of being able to help my people of color navigate the industry. Many men and women of color, especially the darker shade, gets overlooked when it comes to fashion. When we get a chance to be on a panel, we make sure they are not overlooked.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
It was getting the Sony MVC camera from my uncle Charles. Grown-up my uncle made sure I was aware of new technology and how it was affecting the world around us. I would forever be grateful for that. Not sure where I will be today if he didn’t give me that camera.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.obiphotography.com
- Phone: (832) 856-0938
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guy_named_obi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Obi-Photography-178399188992514/
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
