Today we’d like to introduce you to Dianah Nzibo.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I feel like I’ve always been creative. I’ve always loved the concept of turning nothing into something. My fascination with this started as a child. I loved plays, movies, music, most content really, but it wasn’t just surface level. I wanted to be a part of these creations, I wanted to be apart of the team who brought someone’s ideas to life. So I started acting & modeling, classes here and there, auditions, bookings, and trying to memorize lines. I had a lot of fun but there was always something missing. Eventually, it clicked while I was at a photoshoot. The photographer had a big part of the creative control. That was when I realized I would rather be behind the camera instead of in front of it.
I took a break from everything to focus more on school, and by the time I picked up a camera and felt the need to create again, I was in high school. It started small, random compilations of my favorite music videos, movies, and TV shows. Those turned into remakes of movie trailers, and fake music videos. The better I got at editing the more I wanted to create. Eventually, I started to meet more creatives and one of them encouraged me to start a youtube channel. I started to vlog and create short videos with a few friends and really enjoyed doing so but the vlogs started to get shorter and shorter with time. This happened because I fell in love with the cinematics and storytelling. To make that make more sense, I didn’t want to be a character, I would much rather be the narrator.
This led me to filmmaking. During my freshman year of college, I started going to film festivals and meeting directors, producers and actors some of which who worked with the cast of Black Banther and How to Get Away With Murder! I have never seen so many creatively talented people gathered together in one place and it was extremely motivating and inspiring. Filmmaking requires a lot of time and dedication and although I had found something that gave me the ability to have creative control and story tell, I knew that it was something I had to take my time with. So in between producing a short film, how could I stay creatively active?
From there (January 2019) I was introduced to photography. I had always had and interest in taking pictures even though I loved cinematography. My friends always had me take and edit their pictures on my phone whenever I was around and they heavily encouraged me to take it to a professional level. So I did. One of my closest friends Sonia (@soniar7__) has always wanted to do a photoshoot but had difficulty finding a photographer who could bring her vision to life. The literal second after she heard that I wanted to take it seriously we were at this huge park doing both of our first professional shoots in 30-degree weather. The final pictures came out way better than I expected and it pushed me further.
I figured once my photography skills were up to my standard I would bring my videography back in. With every shoot, I learned something new and before I knew it, summer was here. Since I was just building new skills I had been using the cameras my school provided. As the summer went by I found myself really starting to miss taking photographs. After some thought, I decided to invest in my own gear. I told myself that if I was really going to get back into this I needed a new approach in order to include my cinematics and 3d images. I had to be able to do this my way too. I, of course, had to test my new approach on non-other than the same model who started it all.
All in one shoot, she got her pictures, a visual and a 3d picture. Her reaction was everything. A lot of screaming and disbelief that it was actually her. So I continued. With each new client, I got the same reaction, followed by a hug and some more disbelief. At one point a client said her parents kept playing her visual on repeat! These positive impacts mean everything to me and it brings me a lot of joy to see everyone happy with the final product.
The clients/models were seeing themselves in a whole new light, the visuals became a big part of their portfolios and they became their own ads! Which makes a lot of sense since I also work in marketing. I feel really content and grateful for all the people I’ve met through this so far, this interview wouldn’t be possible without them. The amount of support I receive is amazing. It’s crazy to think that I’m doing this interview in my first year!
Currently, I’m working with a lot of small businesses to revamp their online presence. My personal favorites lately have been my collaborations with Davesha Sowell, a fashion model from Dallas. (daveshatamia)
Dejah Nicole (dejahdoll)
and the first-ever couple I’ve worked with, Treylin & Desiree (treylinlusk, d.eraye).
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I feel like it has been pretty smooth for me. I am constantly working on expanding my comfort zone instead of stepping out of it, as long as I continue to follow through on all my ideas and concepts, I’ll be fine.
Please tell us more about your work.
I take portraits and specialize in visuals and advertisement. At the moment I’m mostly known for my visuals and 3d pictures. I’m most proud of all the growth in the past year. As for what sets me apart from others? I refuse to settle for less. I will do literally everything in my power to create the vision the client or I want.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would definitely be more patient with myself, other than that I wouldn’t change a thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dianahnzibo.wixsite.com/dpixelated
- Email: dpixelatedd@gmail.com
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