Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuel Chukwuma.
Hi Emmanuel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
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 and I go by POISE. 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.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This creative journey has come with its fair share of bumps, bruises, and hard-learned lessons. I’ve lost valuable equipment, had strobes destroyed by unpredictable weather, and faced tough situations with unhappy clients early on in my business journey. Each of those moments was frustrating in the moment, no doubt—but looking back, I’m grateful for them. Every setback sharpened me, stretched me, and helped shape me into the resilient photographer and person I am today.
Art, for me, is deeply intertwined with life. The rough patches aren’t separate from the story—they are the story. The kinks in the road are like different textures on the canvas of my life. They don’t take away from the beauty—they add to it. The different strokes, the imperfect lines, the unexpected splashes of color and emotion—they all blend together to make a painting that’s uniquely mine.
Of course, there have been smoother moments too—times when it felt like the doors were opening right in front of me. I’ve been blessed to naturally connect with other creatives in my area, and I’ve always had the kind of charisma and love for people that makes collaboration feel effortless. Those qualities, along with God’s hand so clearly on my life, have made parts of this journey feel divinely orchestrated.
I truly believe that none of my blessings are for me alone. Every obstacle I’ve overcome, every win I’ve celebrated, is a testimony I get to share. And through it all—every mountaintop and valley—I know I’ve been called to keep creating, to keep telling stories, and to keep pouring into others just as God continues to pour into me.
So no, it hasn’t been easy—but it’s been worth it. Every single step.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to say—I’m an artist first, and a man second. Everything I do is rooted in storytelling. I specialize in creating images that don’t just look good, but feel like something. Whether I’m working on a personal piece or a commissioned shoot, I aim to produce work that resonates—art that could live in someone’s home, in their sacred space, and still stir emotion every time it’s seen.
I’m drawn to projects that push me, that challenge my creativity within real limitations. One of my favorite recent shoots was done in my model’s bedroom—with nothing but two lamps she already had in the room. No fancy lighting gear, no studio setup—just vision, light, and trust. And what we captured? Alluring, intimate, cinematic. Proof that artistry doesn’t come from having more, it comes from seeing more in what’s already there.
That’s something I’m known for: making masterpieces out of minimal setups. I thrive in spaces where others might see lack. I see potential, I see mood, I see story.
But what I’m most proud of isn’t the visuals—it’s the way I communicate and connect with my models and creative team. Directing is more than telling people where to stand; it’s about creating a space where everyone feels seen, safe, and inspired to bring their best selves forward. I pour love, intentionality, and care into every interaction because I genuinely care about people—their stories, their energy, their presence.
That’s what sets me apart. My lens doesn’t just capture moments—it honors them. I don’t just work with clients and models—I collaborate with muses. Not everyone may understand my vision at first, but when a story is placed in my hands, I hold it with reverence and give it everything I’ve got to bring it to life.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just photography to me—it’s ministry. It’s purpose. It’s love made visible.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
You’ve got to put yourself out there. Talent alone is not enough—you also have to learn how to show people who you are and what you bring to the table. Your work might speak volumes, but people book with you because of how you make them feel. That’s where personal branding and intentional communication come into play.
Learning how to connect with others—how to speak your vision, ask good questions, and leave a lasting impression—has been one of the most valuable tools in my journey. Communication is key. Not just for working with clients and collaborators, but for planting your name in spaces where opportunities live.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t let pride keep you from reaching out or inquiring when you don’t know something. Be teachable. That’s the secret sauce. Seek guidance from people you admire, from those who are already walking the path you see for yourself. I always tell people—find mentors whose energy and integrity match the destination you’re headed toward.
When it comes to feedback, embrace it. Not all critique is comfortable, but a lot of it is necessary. Take what serves your growth and leave what doesn’t—but never let it make you shrink. Let it sharpen you instead.
And above all—show up. Consistently, authentically, and with intention. You never know who’s watching, or what doors your presence alone might open.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poiseshootinit/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ch0sen.n/
