After getting her first camera, a BYUH student turns a long-time admiration for photography into a passion for storytelling and cultural preservation of her Samoan heritage
What began as a teenage admiration of photographers became a personal passion when Vioanna Obley, a junior from Samoa majoring in health and human science, said she bought her first camera. Obley said her first camera brought her deeper interest and love for photography in a way that meant more than just taking pictures. It’s a way to tell stories and preserve culture, she said. “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 broughther cherished moments with others, as her journey behind the lens included great growth, creativity and dedication.
Admiration to action
As a teen, she said she was drawn to the way photographers were able to 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 was an exciting moment because, for the first time, she said she had the proper tools to explore photography the way she had always wanted.
“It felt like it was 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 a photoshoot with Moana Nayusan, a senior from Samoa majoring in information technology, who was wearing Samoan traditional attire. Obley said the experience 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.”
After the shoot, Obley said she couldn’t wait to start editing. “I wanted to bring out the colors and details in the best way possible,” Obley said. At that moment, she said, she realized photography wasn’t just a hobby, but 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 also dressed in traditional Samoan attire. “It made the experience even more meaningful,” she said.
She recalled the emotions she felt as she took photos of her friends for the first time as an actual photographer. “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 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 only images but also emotions. “Everyone loved her work,” she said. Obley 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, but 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.” She continued,” Seeing how my work resonates with people makes me 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. “Photography is about preserving history and emotions that can be felt for generations,” she said.
Growth and dedication behind the lens
As Obley’s understanding of photography deepened, those around her also took notice of her passion and progress. Nayusan recalled Obley’s interest in photography became evident when she purchased her first camera. Nayusan said. “I could tell she was excited to do it, and I was happy to see her willing to try.” Over time, she added Obley’s dedication and experience have helped her refine her skills. “Now with the experience she’s gained, she’s become skilled, and it’s truly beautiful to see her growth.”
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 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.