OUR APPROACH
We value the creative process, embracing the art of storytelling through powerful visuals. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional services, ensuring every client feels appreciated and experiences the freedom of self expression. At Oji Studio, we don't just capture moments – we strive to embrace ojichaagwan-
the spirit within.
DRUCILLA
FOUNDER
My friends call me Dru. I was raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Brimley, Sault Ste. Marie and Lansing, Michigan. After high school I signed with Elite Model Management NY and traveled the world working for numerous magazines, campaigns, and designers as a professional model. Phoenix, Arizona is the place I had the greatest adventure of all, creating my 4 children. We later settled in NYC where I had a second career in public safety. I've been shooting photography for over 30 years documenting the ups and downs of life for my clients. Many of them are now great friends. Instead of going on about me, I ask you take a moment and read about the man who inspired us to open our studio.
MEADOW MILANA
CO FOUNDER
I was born in the desert foothills of Phoenix, Arizona and raised in the heart of NYC. A true city kid in the cultural kaleidoscope of New York City, I cultivated a curiosity for the world beyond my doorstep. This creative spark took flight through my professional dance training at the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where I honed storytelling abilities through movement and self-expression.
My appreciation for fashion and capturing life's special moments only deepened during my time volunteering at New York Fashion Week throughout college. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology where I learned to harness the power of color and translate artistic visions into meaningful creative direction. Since then, Ive had the privilege to work for major brands like Adidas, Apple, Steve Madden, Glamour Magazine, and the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Some of my most cherished memories are of summers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, listening to ancestral tales and stories of troll hunting. I can still feel my laughter mingling with the forest’s songs. My love for storytelling took root then. The quirky snapshots captured by my grandpa Ron - a disposable camera and pack of cigarettes never leaving his side - of every laugh, smile, and memory, remind me that the greatest inspirations arise from celebrating the humblest of moments. Now, here I am in The Mitten State after relocating to lay the ground work for Oji Studio. An insatiable reader and traveler, I find true joy in connecting with others, inspired by the cadences of art imitating life and the kinship that gives each new day purpose. With storytelling roots dug deep in childhood summers, my experiences continue to frame the lens for my art.
OUR APPROACH
We value the creative process, embracing the art of storytelling through powerful visuals. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional photography services, ensuring every client feels appreciated and experiences the freedom of self expression. At Oji Studio, we don't just take photographs – we strive to capture ojichaagwan-
the spirit within.
OUR APPROACH
We value the creative process, embracing the art of storytelling through powerful visuals. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional photography services, ensuring every client feels appreciated and experiences the freedom of self expression. At Oji Studio, we don't just take photographs – we strive to capture ojichaagwan-
the spirit within.
MEADOW MILANA
FOUNDER
I was born in the desert foothills of Phoenix, Arizona and raised in the heart of NYC. A true city kid in the cultural kaleidoscope of New York City, I cultivated a curiosity for the world beyond my doorstep. This creative spark took flight through my professional dance training at the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, where I honed storytelling abilities through movement and self-expression.
My appreciation for fashion and capturing life's special moments only deepened during my time volunteering at New York Fashion Week throughout college. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology where I learned to harness the power of color and translate artistic visions into meaningful creative direction. Since then, Ive had the privilege to work for major brands like Adidas, Apple, Steve Madden, Glamour Magazine, and the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Some of my most cherished memories are of summers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, listening to ancestral tales and stories of troll hunting. I can still feel my laughter mingling with the forest’s songs. My love for storytelling took root then. The quirky snapshots captured by my grandpa Ron - a disposable camera and pack of cigarettes never leaving his side - of every laugh, smile, and memory, remind me that the greatest inspirations arise from celebrating the humblest of moments. Now, here I am in The Mitten State after relocating to lay the ground work for Oji Studio. An insatiable reader and traveler, I find true joy in connecting with others, inspired by the cadences of art imitating life and the kinship that gives each new day purpose. With storytelling roots dug deep in childhood summers, my experiences continue to frame the lens for my art.
DRUCILLA
FOUNDER
My friends call me Dru. I was raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Brimley, Sault Ste. Marie and Lansing, Michigan. After high school I signed with Elite Model Management NY and traveled the world working for numerous magazines, campaigns, and designers as a professional model. Phoenix, Arizona is the place I had the greatest adventure of all, creating my 4 children. We later settled in NYC where I had a second career in public safety. I've been shooting photography for over 30 years documenting the ups and downs of life for my clients. Many of them are now great friends. Instead of going on about me, I ask you take a moment and read about the man who inspired us to open our studio.
DEDICATION
His friends call him Muck. He is the 4th generation grandson of Chief Little Pine of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He is a Marine and a disabled Vietnam Veteran who came home after the war with a pocket full of Purple Hearts, missing body parts, PTSD, and Agent Orange poisoning. He never complained. He attributed his positive, funny, self deprecating attitude to being a Michigander. He is the shining light to everyone who loved him. Muck died unexpectedly in 2013 one month before his 64th birthday. We made a promise to him many years ago to one day return home and open a studio to share our talents with our community and family. I kept my promise dad.
"Butterflies have wings of gold,
Wasps have wings of flames,
Earthworms have no wings at all,
but they get there just the same."
-Muck
