Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Klein.
Hi Olivia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was fortunate to grow up in a home where the arts were very important. My grandfather was a painter, my mother and sister were musicians, and they always encouraged me to nurture my artistic abilities. My father inspired me to take any chance I had to connect with people and spread love and joy–something he did so effortlessly. I always hoped to find a way to interweave art and connection with others. As a child, I felt empowered to do anything.
I had many hobbies and interests, such as singing, gymnastics, and yoga. I was a very passionate gymnast and competed quite a bit, but at a certain point, something in me switched, and the confidence I had as a child was swallowed by insecurity and anxiety. I suffered from severe scoliosis and was subjected to harsh bullying as a teen. As part of my scoliosis treatment, I began practicing intense yoga, which sparked an interest in becoming a yoga teacher. Later I had spinal fusion surgery, had a great experience with a physical therapist, and briefly considered that as a career option.
Singer, yoga teacher, PT––none of these developed into anything more than an idea because of the fear that I wouldn’t be good enough, wasn’t smart enough, etc. Then randomly, one day, my brother-in-law asked me to take a quick headshot of him using his camera. He showed me how to focus the lens and frame the shot. I didn’t think much of it, but to our pleasant surprise, the photos turned out well. It was the first time in a while that I felt really proud of myself. My brother-in-law recognized my natural talent and gave me his camera. He encouraged me to play around with it, get more familiar with it, study other photographers, and start small to build my confidence. I dabbled in it a bit, but that fear kept holding me back, and for a while, that camera sat on a shelf.
Then, in 2020, when I had reached a point of frustration with my restaurant job (which was affected by the shutdowns), I decided it was time to pick the camera back up and give it a fair shot. Around this time, I got an entry-level job in video production for a small startup in my town. My boss was kind enough to give me full access to the studio’s equipment and encouraged me to borrow any gear any time I wanted in order to practice photography. I started small, taking photos of friends and family for free to practice developing my skills and build confidence.
Starting a photography business began as a challenge to myself, to see if I could push past my fears of failure and social anxiety and create a magical experience for my clients through the intersection of art and personal connection.
I still consider myself to be in the blooming stages of my career, growing a little more as a business owner and artist every day. I am so grateful to my family, friends, and clients, who have supported me endlessly and helped me along this journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the initial phases of learning to be a photographer/business owner, I had a challenging time accepting that I was moving into an authoritative position (something I’d always avoided) and that it came with a lot of unpredictability. I knew I would be forced to face my triggers, and while it was terrifying, I also knew it was the only path for growth on a personal and professional level.
Once I began taking clients and sharing my work publicly, I struggled with self-criticism and self-consciousness like many artists. I was fixated on making my clients happy or getting a certain number of “likes” on my social posts instead of using each project as a learning opportunity.
My biggest challenge has been focusing on what I am capable of and forgetting the rest. By surrendering to the process of stepping outside my comfort zone, accepting that things won’t go perfectly, and realizing I’m wiser for it, I’ve slowly been able to reset my relationship with “failure.” Easier said than done, but I promise you, this mindset changes everything!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a portrait and event photographer and am also getting a feel for the wedding photography world thanks to my amazing mentor, Brandi Crockett (Wedding Photographer based in Ojai, CA). I love exploring different niches of the field, but for now, I specialize in individual portraits. Individual portrait sessions allow me to connect with people on a deeper level, creating a safe space for them to be vulnerable and come away feeling empowered.
I believe anything in its most untouched state will produce its truest beauty. For this reason, I prefer to photograph my subjects out in nature, surrounded by trees and mountains and lit by the sun. My mission is to find ways to help my subjects lose themselves in the moment so that we can capture toothy smiles, eye-winkling laughter, and the flush of fresh love. I hope my photographs evoke feelings of joy, awe, and inspiration. I take a very tailored approach to editing with the goal of restoring the depth and vibrancy that may not translate from the real-life experience to an image.
I am most proud of what I believe I am most known for, which is my ability to make the people I photograph feel comfortable and validated. Sharing about my physical and mental health journeys both in person and online allows for a really beautiful dynamic of mutual vulnerability between photographer and subject. Honoring my most authentic self has brought me here, and I want the same victories for others.
Being a photographer means more to me than being a creative, technical expert with excellent composition skills. The personal struggles I have faced have led me on a journey of self-love, and I hope that the experience and images I provide help my clients see themselves through a new lens (pun intended).
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and raised in Ojai, California. My days as a young girl were spent homeschooling, singing, drawing, doing gymnastics, playing piano, spending time with family, and soaking in the nature around me. I loved exploring and always came back into the house with my feet sticky from pine tree sap or covered in mulberry stains.
My parents called me their “sunshine girl” because I always had a big smile on my face. My four siblings describe me as funny, a “jokester,” and a bit rebellious, but also sincere and kind, always doing whatever I could to make everyone happy. My most cherished parts of the day were the moments spent with family, whether in the early morning sipping tea with my dad before he left for work, playing with my sisters, or having family dinners––usually chaotic but definitely entertaining.
Being the youngest of five children, it was easy to lean on others––I would make my older siblings talk or do things on my behalf when I felt too shy. When I began dating, I’d rely on my boyfriends to do things I didn’t feel confident enough to do. This behavior, compounded by negative body issues and bullying, resulted in shattered self-worth and debilitating social anxiety. I went through a period of being very lost and angry at the world, sometimes believing there wasn’t a place here for me anymore.
Although my personality and interests changed during the most painful and challenging years of my life, my love for my family, art, and the outdoors remained the same. All of these things are, slowly but surely, what has resurrected that “sunshine girl.” As cliche as it is, everything I have been through thus far has led me here, and I feel beyond grateful and proud to be where I am today and have the opportunity to share my story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oliviakleinphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaklein_photography/
Image Credits
Wise Photography by Nicole (Captured the portrait of me holding a camera)
