Today we’d like to introduce you to Monty Milburn.
Hi Monty , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
OMS Photography started back in 1989 with a pretty simple belief: when you take care of artists, they create better work — and everyone wins. As the founder, a photographer myself, I saw gaps in the commercial photography world and wanted to build something different. A place where photographers could really thrive, and where clients could trust they were getting great, consistent creative without all the usual headaches.
We planted our roots in Cincinnati and grew by staying true to what mattered — supporting talent, building community, and delivering work that helps brands truly shine. What started as a small, scrappy studio has grown into a nationally recognized production company, but at our core, we’re still a close-knit team of photographers, directors, retouchers, and producers who care deeply about what we do.
Today, OMS is proudly owned and run by creatives who understand both the artistry and the business side of production. Our team brings passion, technical skill, and a real spirit of collaboration to every project — helping clients turn big ideas into visuals that make a real impact.
With studios in Cincinnati and Golden, Colorado, we’re proud to still lead with heart, creativity, and the same client-first mindset that’s been with us from the very beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any business that’s been around for over 30 years, it hasn’t always been a smooth ride — but honestly, every challenge has shaped who we are today. In the early days, building awareness and trust was everything. We had to show people that a smaller, artist-run studio could deliver the same — if not better — quality than the big agencies. And it was a different world back then… we were still shooting on film and working in darkrooms!
As we grew, we hit all the bumps that come with it — finding and keeping amazing creative talent, keeping up with new technology, and staying competitive without losing what made us special. The shift to digital changed everything almost overnight, and we had to be quick on our feet to meet new client needs and expectations.
Through it all, what’s kept us grounded is simple: supporting our artists, building real relationships with our clients, and never losing sight of the work. Every obstacle made us stronger, more collaborative, and more creative — lessons we carry with us every day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At OMS Photography, we create high-end commercial photography, video, and retouching — all in-house, all with a team that genuinely loves what we do.
From big advertising campaigns to detailed eCommerce and lifestyle shoots, we help brands tell their stories in a way that feels real and stands out.
What really sets us apart is our people. We’re artists first, but we also get what brands needs for their marketing and content needs — and we know how to bring the two together. Every project we take on is backed by decades of experience, a lot of collaboration, and a real drive to make something unforgettable.
We’re proud to work with some of the biggest names out there, but honestly, we’re even prouder of the culture we’ve built.
There are no egos here — we believe all boats rise together. We show up for each other, push each other to be better, and always keep the focus on doing great work that we’re excited to stand behind.
What are your plans for the future?
We’re really excited about the future. Our plan is to keep building on what’s always made OMS special — supporting our artists, delivering incredible work for our clients, and staying true to our roots while continuing to grow.
We’re investing even more in video and motion work, expanding our creative capabilities, and exploring new technologies that help us tell stories in fresh, exciting ways. We’re also focused on deepening our relationships with brands we love, taking on bigger, more integrated campaigns, and continuing to be a creative partner that clients can count on.
At the same time, we’re committed to keeping OMS a place where artists want to be — where collaboration, creativity, and community come first. Growth is important, but doing it the right way, with the right people, matters even more to us.
Big things are ahead, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.omsphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oms.photo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmsPhoto/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/120508/admin/dashboard/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/omsphotocincinnati
