Gabriella Schwab is a model in Kamloops who loves showcasing thrift store pieces in various outdoor locations around the community.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chioma Darah-Ani
May 08, 2021 - 6:00 PM
A model and photographer from Nigeria, Chioma Darah-Ani is showing how diverse and eclectic Kamloops really is.
She has been busy capturing the energy and cultural variety in the city through street photography. With her camera, she is celebrating all colours of models in unique fashion styles.
"I came here in 2015 to attend TRU and saw there is so much cultural diversity here,” she said. “We have many different looks, talents and fashion styles. Connecting with local talents and models shows me we have got what it takes to be like Vancouver or Kelowna minus the fast life, which for me is a big plus. My photography style is basically bringing creatives together and making a name for Kamloops.”
Chioma began doing street photography a few years after arriving in Kamloops. She was taking pictures of models for her online thrift store call Thrift Love Clothing. The store carries brand name fashion items at low prices with the idea that everyone can be fashionable even when on a budget. Chioma uses models of all shapes, sizes and colours to showcase diversity.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Chioma Darah-Ani
“My photography has become a visual celebration of our multicultural society,” she said. “Initially I was shooting for business reasons, but the photos have a bigger purpose now. When I first arrived in Kamloops I quickly realized that among the esthetic of a western Canadian town there were these pockets of brilliant diversity: The authentic African restaurant tucked into a corner shop, the Indigenous cultural celebrations that enfolded my Nigerian children into their celebration of tradition and family.
"When I started doing the street photography I became entranced with the faces of Kamloops I saw, that maybe were invisible to many others. I saw beauty in the faces and was inspired to celebrate them.”
Chioma is a mother of two, model and photographer living in Kamloops. She intends to live in Kamloops for a long time. She says people in Kamloops, Nigeria and online are supportive of her street photography.
“I have had nothing but positive messages with regards to my photography and this makes me feel like my message is being understood,” she said. “So many community members continue to let me know that recognizing the different groups here is needed and appreciated. My Nigerian people are very happy that I’m going on to make a difference in the world.”
Chioma plans to continue with her project and expand her team of models. She is hoping with her photography project that she is able to "show there is beauty in all of our cultures."
You can follow the project on Instagram @sheshootstreet.
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