Conversations with Olya Helga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olya Helga.

Hi Olya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Olya originally I am from Ukraine, but I moved to the US seven years ago and now based in LA. I have been successfully shooting for various brands and magazines. My previous work spans many prestigious publications from Forbes US, Forbes Ukraine, Numero, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Vogue Ukraine, L’Officiel, Harper’s Bazaar, and beyond. My expertise in capturing stunning visuals and understanding the essence of fashion has made me a sought-after professional in the industry. My dedication and passion for my craft have allowed me to create captivating images that resonate with my clients and audience. When I moved to LA I met my business partner here and we had founded a production agency called The Sol Agency. Our agency has become a hub for creative collaborations, where we bring together talented individuals to create visually compelling and impactful fashion campaigns for brands.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a photographer from another country, the road to establishing my agency and building a successful career in a new environment has been bumpy. Some of the struggles in the beginning it was cultural and language barriers.

Adapting to a new culture and language, I experienced extra effort to bridge these gaps and establish effective working relationships. The next thing and the most important is building a network of clients, collaborators, and industry contacts. I worked hard to build my portfolio so it will attract a lot of people and bring me more opportunities.

Despite these challenges, my dedication, talent, and perseverance have allowed me to overcome obstacles and achieve success in my photography career. But I still pay a lot of attention to upgrading my portfolio. So it is transformation after transformation; that’s how we grow all the time.

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?
I am obsessed with outdoor shooting and natural light; I have a unique ability to connect with people quickly and direct them in the best way possible. My work is characterized by capturing the beauty of natural environments and incorporating the human element into my compositions.

I think what sets me apart from others is that my superpower is seamlessly blending the natural surroundings with the individuals I photograph. My keen eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling enables me to create captivating images that stand out in the industry.

One aspect I can be proud of is my personal ability to establish a comfortable and trusting atmosphere during photoshoots. This allows all teams to feel at ease, resulting in genuine and impactful photographs. My clients appreciate my professionalism and creativity.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I had a creative and artistic personality. I had a keen interest in drawing and expressing myself through art and handmade. Also, I had a passion for dance, which allowed me to explore movement and express myself physically. Later on, my father gifted me a camera, which became a turning point in my life. This gift ignited my passion for photography, and I began capturing everything around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: olyahelga.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olyahelga.photography/
• Other: thesolagency.com

Image Credits
Yulia Saparniiazova, Tatiana Glotova, Daria Matkova, Daria Pershina, Elina Fedorova, Elen Dali, Nancy Schneider, The Sol Agency