Meet Daniel Jae Oliva

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Jae Oliva.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in the Philippines so growing up, I was never really passionate about anything. I just didn’t know what to do, so I ended up just going with the flow. Then my family and I moved to Los Angeles in 2005, I was 17. I started working right away and have worked in so many different places including fast-food chains, cafes, retail stores, clinics, and warehouses. Went to community college for a few years but did not finish due to eldest kid responsibilities, and parents needed financial support so I stepped up to the plate and decided to continue working and leave school.

I didn’t pick up photography til 2011, quite a funny story on how I ended up having a camera in my hands. A good friend of mine was getting married and have spent a good amount of money on their engagement photos and they have decided not to book a photographer for their wedding. She approached me three months before the wedding day and asked if I would be interested in taking photos on her wedding day. I said yes, and she handed me her Canon DSLR to play with it and learn how to use it. Yes, I was self-taught. I googled and studied what a camera does, what’s an aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and also, what is photoshop? I honestly do not know anything about it. After the wedding, I decided to keep it as a hobby. I was doing a lot of nature and landscape photography and that helped me learn a lot more about it.

The fashion part of it didn’t come in till 2013, I used my retail background to put outfits together and used Instagram as my fashion/outfit blog. Really thankful and blessed that it went really well. A lot of my followers have supported my page and have shown lots of love. I used this following to land a social media coordinating role at a retail company and have decided to ditch being in front of the camera, and focus more behind it.

Has it been a smooth road?
It wasn’t easy at all. To be honest, a month ago, I was already considering leaving photography and go back to the food business. I thought it would be the best decision for me because I need a steady income. When you have a family that depends on you big time, you have to do what you gotta do. But I was lucky enough to be offered a Creative Marketing Specialist role at 7 Diamonds in Tustin, CA and I am glad I took the role and I have been enjoying it. Along with it, I have started doing test shoots with modeling agencies, and it was one of my life goals and have been fulfilling it.

It involved lots of drive, dedication, perseverance, hard work, passion, and love for what you do. No matter how hard it is, you have to push through. If I had given up, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Since I found passion in menswear/styling, I took the route of photographing male models. What sets me apart from others is that I have always styled my own test shoots usually have four outfits put together. I do everything from location scouting, creative directing, planning, and post-production. A one-man team. Though I ask a few friends for hairstyling, and other things, if needed.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Los Angeles is great for locations! Almost everything is accessible and within the 2-hour drive. Living in Chino, I am almost like an hour away from everything. The desert, mountains, beach, and DTLA. Like least about our city? Bad traffic.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.danieljae.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: itsdanieljae

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