Siren Obscura grew up in Arizona, surrounded by rugged beauty and desert landscapes that she describes as having a quiet power to them. That environment strongly shaped her appreciation for contrasts and natural light, which plays a significant role in her work today.
From a young age, she explored different artistic pursuits and mediums, from drawing and painting to performing. Obscura found that each of those experiences taught her something crucial about storytelling and expression, which also deeply inform her work as a photographer and director. She came to understand the power of imagery and learned how to convey emotion in a single frame or scene.
My style is bold, glamorous and unapologetically confident.
Her journey into photography began when she was working as a model. Being in front of the camera gave her an intimate understanding of what it feels like to be captured, but over time, she became more fascinated with the process behind the lens. Obscura wanted to have more control over the storytelling and the visual world being created.
Two artists who strongly inspired her in making that transition are David LaChapelle and Ellen von Unwerth. She describes LaChapelle’s vibrant, larger-than-life imagery and Von Unwerth’s playful, provocative style as being pivotal in showing her how photography could push boundaries and tell bold stories. This resonated with her as she started to develop her own voice as a photographer.
Now, as WIA’s Woman of the Month, Obscura reveals her creative processes and approach to lensing talent with her signature flair.
XBIZ: What initially drew you to this industry, and what made it right for you?
OBSCURA: My journey into the adult space actually happened by chance. I met Riley Reid during a mainstream collaboration shoot, and we really hit it off. Later, she reached out to me to shoot her personal scenes, and from there, things just clicked. Riley was incredibly kind and welcoming, showing me the process of creating adult content, and I realized there was this whole world of creativity that I hadn’t explored before.
The adult industry felt like a space where I could really push boundaries, especially when it came to capturing intimacy, sexuality and identity in an authentic way. That experience opened the door to creating raw, artistic narratives that might not fit into mainstream photography.
XBIZ: What’s your typical gear setup like, as far as hardware, software, lighting, etc.?
OBSCURA: I shoot with a Sony A7V, and being a dual shooter, it’s important for me to be able to capture both photo and video seamlessly within the same shoot. My lighting setup tends to be bold, often using a high-contrast flash whether indoors or outside, even in competition with the sun. This approach helps me create the kind of striking, glamorous images I’m known for. Capturing beauty and glamour are always top priorities in my work. When it comes to editing, I rely on Adobe software, which allows me to polish the final product while staying true to the vision.
XBIZ: Describe your signature style and how you balance that with client requests.
OBSCURA: My style is bold, glamorous and unapologetically confident. I love working with vibrant colors and striking compositions that bring out both the beauty and the strength of my subjects. There’s a sense of editorial luxury with a modern twist. Capturing someone’s allure and power in the same frame is important to me, and I aim to create images that feel larger-than-life yet grounded in authenticity.
When it comes to balancing client requests, communication is key. I take their vision seriously while making sure my signature style is woven into it. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where their goals and my aesthetic meet in a way that elevates the final result.
XBIZ: How do you ensure a comfortable and consensual photography environment?
OBSCURA: Consent and comfort are nonnegotiable for me. From the very beginning, I make sure there’s clear communication about what the shoot will entail, and I check in throughout the process to ensure my subjects feel comfortable and respected. I create a relaxed environment — music often helps, as does making sure the entire team on set is respectful and supportive.
It’s all about trust, and I work hard to ensure that everyone in front of my lens feels empowered and safe. I always aim for my talent to leave the shoot feeling not just comfortable but also excited about the work they’ve created, confident and eager to share it.
XBIZ: What projects are you most proud of from the past year or so?
OBSCURA: I’m really proud of shooting the trailer for X3 for the second year in a row. It’s always such a rewarding experience working with some of the best talent in the industry to create something that feels truly magical and like a celebration of our industry.
Another project that stands out is my work with Seth Gamble for LucidFlix, especially the cinemacore project “Obscura.” It was my first time co-directing, and I was responsible for shooting, conceptualizing and editing the whole thing. It was such an exciting opportunity because the project felt like a true reflection of my style and aesthetic.
I’m incredibly grateful to Seth for trusting me with this and for giving me the space to show what I’m capable of. We’ve developed a great creative dynamic, and it’s been amazing to collaborate and create work that feels so in tune with my vision.
XBIZ: Who are some other stars with whom you have an especially creative and productive dynamic?
OBSCURA: I’ve worked with so many amazing people, and each person brings something different to the table. But I definitely click with those who are open to collaboration and love to experiment. Kazumi is someone I’ve got to mention — she’s a total icon in the space. We both entered the studio side of the industry around the same time, and she’s been a part of a lot of projects I’m really proud of. We’ve become close friends too.
Another person I love working with is Queenie Sateen. Not only is she a dynamic talent, but she’s an artist through and through. We resonate deeply on that level, and we’ve worked together both inside and outside of the adult space. We’re currently creating visuals for her music career, which has been an incredible experience.
XBIZ: Tell us about your approach to staying organized and on top of your game.
OBSCURA: For me, that comes down to my passion for the work. I’m always fully invested in every project, and that focus helps me stay on top of things. It’s less about strict rules and more about being fully present and giving each job my all.
I’m constantly thinking about how to elevate what I’m doing, which keeps my creative energy flowing. I thrive on the hustle and love what I do, so staying organized is about being immersed in the process and ensuring each project gets the attention it deserves.
XBIZ: What are you most looking forward to next, in terms of your professional and/or personal ambitions?
OBSCURA: I’m really focused on creating a lasting visual impact within the adult space, especially by producing films that push the boundaries of what adult entertainment can look and feel like. I want to challenge the norms and create something that’s both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. I’m also excited to be working on campaigns for brands like Hustler and expanding my reach into different areas of the industry.
In the next few years, I’d love to see my work recognized on a professional level — winning awards and continuing to elevate the industry with my style and vision. Personally, I’ll always be pushing my own creative boundaries, working on passion projects that keep me excited and inspired.
Each month, XBIZ spotlights the career accomplishments and outstanding contributions of Women in Adult. WIA profiles offer an intimate look at the professional lives of the industry’s most influential female executives.
