Conversations with Tony Olivas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Olivas.

Tony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My photography journey began when I enrolled in a photography class back in high school during my junior year. We learned the basics and familiarized ourselves with our cameras. After a while of experimenting, I knew I had enjoyed taking photos, so I began to teach myself more and more outside of class to not only be ahead but because I knew there was more I could learn before calling myself intermediate.

When the pandemic hit, I was three years into my journey, and like everyone else, I had nothing to do, so I picked up my camera and would go out to take photos or come up with self-portrait concepts and later execute them. This became the norm until places started opening up again, restrictions started to lift, and I felt comfortable enough to start with people again. As of today, I started my business back in April of 2022, shooting networking events, and concerts, along with portraits, which are typically my go-to.

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?
Yes and no, just like everything else, there are highs and lows, but it’s always important to remember that these are passing moments. We can’t just dwell on what’s not going right, just have to keep pushing. Some of the struggles along the way have been more internal, like not believing in myself enough or imposter syndrome hitting me with a two-piece combo, then I remember if I can make it this far, then there’s truly nothing that can stop me but myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a photographer, I specialize in a lot of areas of photography, such as Portraits, concerts, food, and events. Portraits and concerts are my main focus and what I’m mainly known for. I am proud that I driven to keep going and to keep exploring how I can improve my craft. I stay in my lane and consider myself my only competition, but I am not averse to criticism I believe that sets me apart from everyone else because I feel as though others are quick to compare and put themselves down when their work doesn’t live up to someone else’s work (in regards to photography and photographers but can also be applied to everything else) leaving out that there are levels to this and it’s not an overnight thing.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
When it comes to me and my work, it’s not always peaches and cream. Some days I question if I should continue, or I question what’s the point, sometimes I don’t celebrate my small achievements or wins, but then I have people tell me that they want to work with me and that they’re inspired by my work, and I remember it’s not for nothing, that there’s a reason to all of this. And I have to give a special thank you to the people who believe in me and are inspired by my work!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://aps-t.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/syn.tony/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-o-4b8128183/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lltoekneell