Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Ballenger
Hi Olivia , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My love for photography started in high school, in a darkroom. Shooting film taught me patience—it was a slow, intentional process in a world that craved instant gratification. I fell in love with the art of capturing a single moment, knowing I wouldn’t see the final image until much later.
But when it came time for college, I put my camera down and pursued a marketing degree, convinced that creativity alone couldn’t build a career. I still picked it up for friends—shooting grads, engagements—but it always felt like a side hobby, never a viable path. After graduation, I spent a year in ministry, where I found myself behind the lens again, documenting moments that felt meaningful. Still, I told myself photography wasn’t my future.
When I got married and moved to Charleston, I took a corporate job—the kind I thought I was supposed to have. I lasted exactly one week and two days. I was miserable. My husband, seeing my frustration, encouraged me to pick up my camera again—not just as a creative outlet, but as a business. I launched my LLC but continued applying for jobs, still unsure if this dream could truly sustain me. But within a year, photography didn’t just take off—it became my full-time career.
Now, I shoot digitally, but the lessons I learned from film still shape the way I see light, movement, and storytelling. Photography has become more than a job—it’s how I document connection, emotion, and love in its most genuine form. It’s not what I expected to do, but I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were definitely challenges in convincing myself that I could succeed as a business owner. It took a lot of self-doubt and uncertainty before I fully committed, but once I did, things started falling into place faster than I could have ever imagined. With hard work and dedication, my business grew quickly, and that part was incredibly rewarding.
Of course, there are still struggles. Having a schedule that’s different from the 9-to-5 world can be isolating at times. I also found myself navigating a highly competitive industry where community is often preached, but not always practiced in reality. On top of that, I’m constantly my own harshest critic, always pushing myself to create better work, which can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle.
But even with those challenges, I’ve learned to embrace the growth and progress. It’s not always easy, but it’s all part of the process, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a wedding and couples photographer, and I specialize in documenting love in a way that feels authentic to each of my couples. I call my style a blend of guided documentary and editorial, which is just a fancy way of saying I focus on capturing lots of movement and real moments, while also creating more artistic, styled portraits. Photography has its share of buzzwords, and for me, it’s all about blending organic, candid moments with intentional, elevated images.
What I’m most proud of is how my couples feel seen in their photos. It’s not just about capturing a beautiful image; it’s about showing their connection and who they truly are in that moment. I give intentional direction to make sure they feel confident and comfortable in front of the lens, ensuring their true personalities shine through. It’s important to me that they can look back at their photos and not just see how beautiful they looked, but also how they felt—genuine, joyful, and loved.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend natural, raw moments with an editorial touch. I create an experience where couples feel at ease and supported every step of the way. It’s this balance of movement and artistry that creates timeless photos that tell a real, heartfelt story.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking has definitely been a part of my journey as a photographer, but I wouldn’t always describe myself as a natural risk-taker. I tend to lean more toward calculated risks—those that feel aligned with my values and long-term vision. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was choosing to fully commit to my photography business, especially when I wasn’t sure it would work out. At the time, it felt like a huge leap to turn something I loved into a full-time career, and there were so many unknowns. But looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
For me, risk isn’t always about making huge, dramatic moves. It’s about taking consistent steps, even when things feel uncertain, and trusting that they’ll lead to growth. Taking risks has meant embracing the unknown and knowing that with each risk, I’m shaping my path both as an artist and as a business owner.
Pricing:
- Weddings starting at 3800
- couples sessions starting at 400-500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oliviaballengerphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaballenger.photo/
