Ossiesse Ngouabi, fashion and fine art photographer based in Libreville, Gabon

I am Davis Ossiesse, a passionate photographer from Gabon based in Senegal. I specialize in fashion photography and I create stories and concepts to make my shots stand out. This art has made me vibrate and allowed me to express myself for the past 25 years.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

I’m quite a reserved person, but also deeply passionate. I love making those around me laugh because life has taught me the importance of spreading joy to bring smiles to others — you never know what people are going through. So, I try to be funny every day.

How did you first get into photography?

It all started back in high school. I used to photograph friends and manage their Instagram accounts. After completing my higher education, I challenged myself to make a career out of photography. I also believe this passion was passed down from my father, who loved filming me and my siblings when we were younger.

What type(s) of photography do you specialize in, and why did you choose this niche?

I focus on portrait, fashion, and fine art photography—particularly work that involves imagination and storytelling. I’m a big dreamer and I love expressing what I feel, so the images I capture are really stories I’m telling. I also love pop culture, which is why I enjoy working with magazines.

Can you share the underlying themes or ideas that drive your photography?

Sensitivity, emotion, humanism, acceptance, and identity—these are the words that define me. I don’t always appreciate myself fully, but through photography, I learn and do everything I can so that my subjects reflect those themes, creating results that also represent me.

What’s the one achievement or moment in your photography career that you’re most proud of?

To be honest, I do have achievements I’m proud of, but I’m at a point in my career where I feel none of them are truly worth celebrating yet. I believe I still need to work even harder.

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a photographer, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge as a photographer has been creating my own identity, gaining respect, and being recognized. It’s not easy to figure out who you are in this field—and even when you do, everything can change in an instant. Photography is a tough world, but I overcome it all with God. I’d sum it up like this: “Be underestimated, but work so hard that you end up being valued.” That’s the lesson I’ve learned.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

Ibrahim Kamara, Campbell Addy, and Maximilian Davis. These men inspire me so much because they’re the definition of working hard in silence.

What are your thoughts on the 54Ruum platform?

I’ll say it’s a platform that gives African photographers the opportunity to raise their voices and promote their art—something that’s still rare. Thanks for that.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting their photography journey, what would it be?

Go for it. Create concepts. Dive into every opportunity or space where you can express yourself—whether it’s through events or working with brands. Don’t worry about what others think. Stay motivated, ask God to guide you, and you’ll receive the light you deserve.