Lensed: Olivia

Olivia has a lightness about her — happy, bright, and effortlessly beautiful. She may not have always felt confident in front of the camera, but she has every reason to be. Her presence is magnetic, and it was always a joy to photograph her.

Olivia was a student in one of my photography classes, where we did a collaborative shoot ↑ with her classmates. Everyone jumped in to assist with hair, makeup, and wardrobe. It was one of those fun moments that blended education, creativity, and collaboration. Everyone learned something that day, myself included.

Over time, Olivia continued to step in front of my lens, and I watched her grow in subtle ways. She brought a graceful sense of play to each shoot. Whether we were going for a playful look with floral, or something bold and stylized taking queues from fashion photography, Olivia always showed up with a positive spirit.

I spent a week building this ↑ faux floral prop. A floral and decorative wholesaler in Chicago was going out of business, so I bought $500 of silk flowers and built a flower wall for this shoot, and Olivia took home all the flowers after the session.

I was able to get Olivia a casting call at a top modeling agency in Chicago immediately following this session. She was hair and makeup ready — and had 60 minutes to get there. She declined. Olivia didn't want to get wrapped up in the modeling scene (which I can appreciate).

If I had to sum up Olivia, she is warm, elegant, and beautifully unassuming. (And those piercing blue eyes!) Photographing Olivia always felt like discovering something quietly brilliant — and that’s exactly what she is.