Capturing stories through art, fashion, and photography, Nadia Dias is a multi-disciplinary creator pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling
Nadia Dias is a distinguished photographer, fashion, and lifestyle influencer whose creative journey reflects a
deep passion for both art and storytelling. With a degree in Fine Arts from the Goa College of Art, Nadia initially embarked on her career as a wedding stylist, a role that honed her innate sense of aesthetics and design. However, her desire to capture the world through a lens led her to transition into professional photography, a move she describes as a natural evolution of her artistic pursuits.
Having studied photography at Goa College of Art, Nadia’s journey took a pivotal turn when, at the age of 27, she decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Digital Photography at Speos Photographic Institute in Paris. This decision marked a transformative chapter in her career, allowing her to refine her technical skills and immerse herself in the vibrant Parisian culture. “At my core, I have always been a photographer,” she reflects. “Attending Speos not only deepened my understanding of photography but also exposed me to diverse cultural influences, which enriched my artistic vision.” The experience of living in Paris and interacting with fellow photographers and artists from around the world was pivotal in shaping Nadia’s unique style. “The diversity I encountered in Paris broadened my perspective,” she shares.
“The historic architecture, the vibrant art scene, and the opportunity to learn from renowned photographers in masterclasses allowed me to develop an artistic photojournalistic style.” These formative experiences shaped her approach to photography, with a growing interest in capturing raw, human moments in a manner that blends artistry with storytelling.
Upon her return to Goa in 2015, Nadia’s dedication to photography quickly earned her recognition. Soon after, she received an international award, solidifying her place in the competitive world of professional photography. Her commitment to her craft is evident in her work, and she considers her camera her first love, grateful for the journey that has allowed her to follow her passion.
One of Nadia’s most celebrated projects, ‘Colours of the Slums’, exemplifies her ability to find beauty in the overlooked and the everyday. The project, which won the Sony World Photography Award, was born during a visit to the slums in Vasco, Goa. “I was captivated by the vibrant colours of the area, and I spent several days interacting with the residents, photographing their lives and surroundings,” she recalls. While some were initially hesitant about being photographed, trust developed over time, and the experience proved to be both transformative and rewarding. “What struck me most was how content the people were despite having so little,” she says. This became a passion project for Nadia, one that not only garnered international recognition but also deepened her commitment to documentary and social photography.
Beyond her work as a photographer, Nadia is also an accomplished mixed-media artist. Drawing on her background in Fine Arts, she experiments with colour and various artistic forms, a pursuit that grew more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. “With travel restrictions in place, I turned to painting as an outlet for my creativity,” she explains. This shift allowed her to explore new dimensions of self-expression, which she now plans to showcase in an upcoming exhibition. Nadia envisions merging her photography and painting skills on a single canvas, creating a unique body of work that fuses two artistic mediums. “My art reflects the whimsical fantasy of my mind, and I look forward to exploring how mixed media can enhance my photography.”
As a lifestyle and travel influencer, Nadia’s creative pursuits extend beyond photography and art. Through her Instagram accounts, she shares a wide range of content, including fashion, lifestyle, and travel. “Instagram has allowed me to express my personality in a fresh context,” she says. “I conceptualise, film, and edit all my content myself, which resonates with brands looking for originality.” This hands-on approach has led to collaborations with brands that align with her creative vision, and it is this versatility that has allowed her to carve a niche for
herself in both commercial and artistic spaces.
Fashion, in particular, plays an integral role in Nadia’s work. The intersection of fashion and photography is where she finds an exciting space for creative exploration. “Both fashion and photography is about storytelling and self expression,” she says.
“When I photograph outfits, it’s not just about the clothing; it’s about the emotions and stories behind them.” Her ability to blend fashion with narrative allows her to create visually captivating images that transcend mere documentation of style. “The way an outfit interacts with its environment can tell a powerful story,” she
adds.
Additionally, Nadia’s experience selling brand labels online has strengthened her understanding of branding and aesthetics. This experience, she says, has given her the insight needed to capture clothing in a way
that aligns with a brand’s identity, making her work even more relevant in the commercial space. “Fashion enhances my photography by adding depth to the visual storytelling process,” she explains.
One of Nadia’s most innovative ventures is the creation of a Flying Dress concept in India. Inspired by atrip to Turkey in 2019, Nadia was struck by the magic of fairytale-style photoshoots featuring flowing dresses. Upon returning to Goa, she saw an opportunity to bring this concept to life in India, and thus Flying Dress Goa was
born. “I quickly reserved the Instagram handles and created my first dresses in pink and yellow,” she says. What started as a passion project quickly grew into a business, with Nadia renting custom-designed dresses for photoshoots across India. These dresses are popular for pre-wedding shoots, maternity sessions, and fun group photoshoots. Nadia’s goal is to establish a fashion and photography hub in Goa, where women can come together
to experience the magic of custom-designed clothing and photography.
To manage her diverse online presence, Nadia utilises a structured approach to content creation. She maintains separate Instagram accounts for her photography, painting, flying dresses, and personal lifestyle content. This
approach enables her to connect with different audiences while staying true to her multifaceted creative vision. “I use AI tools to streamline my content calendar and ensure that I engage with my audience regularly,” she says. Despite the demands of content creation, Nadia remains committed to her craft, ensuring that her work remains fresh, relevant, and engaging.
Looking to the future, Nadia envisions significant growth in both her artistic and professional endeavors. In the next five years, she hopes to expand her technical and creative capabilities, experiment with new photography techniques, and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. One of her primary goals is to showcase her work through exhibitions, allowing her to connect with other artists and art enthusiasts. “I also aspire to publish a coffee table book that chronicles my photography journey,” she says. “Ultimately, I want to create a platform that not only showcases my work but also inspires and educates aspiring photographers and artists.”
Nadia’s vision includes fostering a supportive community around photography and art, where creative artists can share, collaborate, and grow together.
Nadia is a multifaceted artist whose work spans photography, fashion, mixed media art, and digital influence. Through her projects, she continues to push the boundaries of creativity, blending different mediums and styles to tell compelling visual stories. As her journey unfolds, Nadia is determined to leave a lasting impact on the photography and art communities, continually evolving her craft while inspiring others along the way.
