What began as a teenage admiration for photographers became a personal passion when Vioanna Obley, a junior from Samoa majoring in health and human science, bought her first camera. She said her first camera brought her closer interest and love for photography as a way in more than taking pictures; it’s a way to tell stories and preserve culture. “Now, I use photography with my first camera to capture emotions, history and the beauty of my Samoan heritage,” she added. From her first photoshoot using her first camera, Obley said it cherished moments for others, as her journey behind the lens became great growth, creativity and dedication.
Admiration to action
As a teenage girl, she said she admired photographers and the way they capture moments so beautifully, however, owning a camera always seemed out of reach for her. “I had always wanted a camera as a teenager, but I never got one,” Obley said. That changed when she came across a camera for sale on Facebook Marketplace. “I knew I had to get it,” she said. Purchasing the camera, she said, was an exciting moment because, for the first time, she had the proper tools to explore photography the way she had always wanted.
"It felt like the perfect opportunity to start something I had been dreaming of for years,” she added.
Obley said the first photo she took with her camera was during Moana Nayusan, a senior from Samoa majoring in information technology’s photoshoot, in a Samoan traditional wear, an experience that felt both exciting and surreal. “I tagged along to practice, and I remember feeling so excited to use my camera in a real setting,” she said. “The sunset, the cultural attire and the whole atmosphere made it such a magical moment.”
“I wanted to bring out the colors and details in the best way possible,” Obley said. That moment, she said, made her realize photography wasn’t just a hobby, it was something she truly loved.
Capturing cherished moments
Obley said her first official photoshoot was at Kawela Bay during sunset, featuring her friends Tautaisau Segi and Grace Mata’itusi dressed in traditional Samoan attire. “It made the experience even more meaningful,” she said. “I felt a mix of excitement and pressure. I wanted to do justice to the beauty of the culture and the moment,” she added.
She recalled the emotions she felt as she took her first real shots. “I felt excited because it was my first real shoot, and I finally had the chance to capture something meaningful,” Obley said. “But I also felt pressure because I wanted to represent our Samoan culture in the best way possible,” she said.
Once she started shooting, she said everything fell into place. “The way the sunset lit up the ocean, the details of the traditional clothing and the expressions in the photos made it such a special experience,” Obley said. She added the shoot deepened her love for photography, particularly as a way to celebrate her heritage.
“I love capturing my Samoan culture because it’s a way of preserving our traditions and showcasing the beauty of our people,” she said. “That shoot solidified my passion for cultural photography.”
Nayusan was the first person Obley photographed with her new camera. Nayusan recalled a defining moment at her wedding, where Obley captured not just images but emotions. “Everyone loved her work,” she said. She turned moments into lasting memories, she added. The experience, she added, affirmed Obley’s gift for storytelling through photography. “She truly outdid herself, and I’m so proud of her growth,” Nayusan said.
Scherryan Paia, a senior from Samoa majoring in Pacific Island Studies, recalled her first professional photo shoot with Obley. “It was exciting,” she said. She had great pose ideas that fit the pictures perfectly, Paia said. Obley’s creativity stood out, especially in the way she worked with angles, lighting and backgrounds, she added. “She has the talent,” Paia said. “Although there were times she struggled to adjust to good lighting under the trees with the sunset, Paia said she was able to pull off good photos.
From capturing images to telling stories
Obley said her view of photography has evolved from simply taking nice pictures to telling meaningful stories. She noted every photo carries emotion, history and meaning. Over time, she said she has learned photography isn’t just about the camera, it’s about perspective, framing moments and bringing emotions to life.
“Photography has given me a deeper sense of purpose,” Obley explained. “Capturinging moments that reflect our Samoan identity allows me to share the beauty, strength, and traditions of our people with others..” Seeing how my work resonates with people makes me keep growing in my craft. “I’m excited to keep growing in my craft and see where this journey takes me,” she shared.
Reflecting on her experience, she said she would tell her younger self to start sooner and trust her passion for photography. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best camera or the most experience, what matters is how you see the world and the stories you want to tell,” she said. She said she wishes she had taken more photos of her culture and her people, recognizing the lasting impact of those images.
Tautaisau Segi and Grace Mata’itusi holding hands at Kawela beach. Photo by Obley.
“Photography is about preserving history and emotions that can be felt for generations,” she said.
Tautaisau Segi and Grace Mata’itusi eye to eye in sunset. Photo by Obley.
Reflecting on her experience, she said she would tell her younger self to start sooner and trust her passion for photography. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best camera or the most experience, what matters is how you see the world and the stories you want to tell,” she said. She said she wishes she had taken more photos of her culture and her people, recognizing the lasting impact of those images.
“Photography is about preserving history and emotions that can be felt for generations,” she said.
Paia recalled Obley initially having challenges with editing. “I remember her saying, ‘This photo is nice, but I can’t adjust the edits to it because of bad lighting,’” Paia said. However, she added that Obley worked hard to improve her editing skills, experimenting with different features and textures. “After Paia’s first photoshoot, people started messaging Obley because they saw how beautiful her work is,” Paia said. “She was nervous at first, but I told her her artistic skills speak volumes.”
Paia said she is proud of Obley’s growth and dedication. “Today, I am very impressed and proud of her for coming out of her shell and continuing to develop the incredible talent she has,” she said. “Everyone loves her work, and her passion and dedication bring out the best in her.”
Obley shared one of the most rewarding aspects of photography is its ability to connect people. “Whether it’s capturing a special moment for someone or sharing cultural beauty through images, photography has the power to tell stories that words can’t always express,” she said.
Credits:
Credits to Ke Alaka'i News, Vioanna Obley, Linda Laulu!