About the Project
The Objective
Our Approach
Creative Direction
NEW BLOOM is an editorial exploration of identity, growth, and emergence, centered on sisters Zahra and Miriam Traore.
For Céleste's founder, Mallard Creek is not a reference, it is where she is from. NEW BLOOM was, in every sense, the creative going home.
The project marked Miriam Traore’s debut, with the intention of transforming something deeply homegrown into something elevated and aspirational.
Our goal was to position a Charlotte-native story as both personal and cinematic, proving that origin can be a source of magic.
We assembled a team of Charlotte creatives and developed a three-part editorial series shot at Mallard Creek High School.
By returning to the spaces that shaped us, we translated lived experience, memory, and attachment into a visual language grounded in authenticity.
The gym, stadium, and auditorium became editorial backdrops, each representing a different chapter of growth within the same story.
In collaboration with Maison Mark Saber, we created distinct looks that responded to each environment, allowing wardrobe, space, and narrative to work together as layered storytelling.
Our Approach
Creative Direction
We assembled a team of Charlotte creatives and developed a three-part editorial series shot at Mallard Creek High School.
By returning to the spaces that shaped us, we translated lived experience, memory, and attachment into a visual language grounded in authenticity.
The gym, stadium, and auditorium became editorial backdrops, each representing a different chapter of growth within the same story.
In collaboration with Maison Mark Saber, we created distinct looks that responded to each environment, allowing wardrobe, space, and narrative to work together as layered storytelling.
Direction, Lead Photography, and Co-Production by Cameron Elyse for Céleste Studios.
The film exists as a contemplation of the story, blending editorial-style behind-the-scenes moments with intentional, composed scenes. This interplay mirrors the natural dynamic between sisters Zahra and Miriam, capturing both the unspoken intimacy and the fluid tension that exists within their relationship.
Through movement, proximity, and quiet observation, the film allows their bond to unfold organically, revealing moments of softness, strength, and shared understanding as they move through the frame together.
Direction, Lead Photography, and Co-Production by Cameron Elyse for Céleste Studios.
Direction, Lead Photography, and Co-Production by Cameron Elyse for Céleste Studios.
Results
NEW BLOOM captured the launch of Miriam Traore's modeling debut and became a defining cultural moment for the Traore sisters. The series was picked up as a press feature by Adolescent Creators and Prime Lens Fx, generating over 40K+ organic impressions across platforms.
Beyond the metrics, the project served its deeper purpose: proving that origin can be a source of magic, and demonstrating Céleste's ability to build editorial worlds that carry emotional and cultural weight, not just visual impact.
Impact
40K+ organic impressions
01
Featured by Adolescent Creator and Prime Lens Fx
02
03
Captured the launch of Miriam Traore's modeling career with Hero Models
04
Established Céleste's capability in editorial direction and lead photography for fashion narrative
Gowns constructed and styled by Maison Mark Saber
2nd Shooter Malik "Squid"
Shot at Mallard Creek high School, Charlotte, NC
Credits
Director: @cameronnelyse
Executive Producers: @zahratraore_ @cameronnelyse
Producer: @cameronnelyse @zahratraore_
Lead Photographer: @cameronnelyse
2nd Shooter: @squidlik
Talent: @zahratraore_ @mariamtraoree
Director of Photography: @divinedop
Gaffer: @keilanarmon
Photo Editor: @zahratraore_
PAs: @nnasirw @moneyforwater @thecamillejule @zionackee
Zahra & Mariam wearing @maisonmarksaber
Designer: @marksaber_ @maisonmarksaber
Stylist: @whoskpja
Hair: @kadysafricanhair
Makup: @zahratraore_ @mariamtraoree
Production Company: @celestestudiosglobal
Reflections
NEW BLOOM challenged us to move beyond reference-driven creation and trust our own perspective.
Every decision was intentional, built from lived inspiration rather than replication, resulting in a body of work that feels original, rooted, and difficult to duplicate.
