Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Dallas
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Getting my first camera in 2019 was when I found my passion for photography. I was residing in Denver, Colorado at the time and doing photography as a hobby. In 2022, I relocated to Charleston, SC. There, my beautiful baby boy, Aayan Alexander Smith, was born. It was then that I set a goal for myself to start my photography business full-time.
It seemed that I spent years searching for the career of my dreams, between teaching, retail, and the hospitality industry. While these were honorable professions, none of them sparked in me a love or passion so strong that I could see myself doing either of them for the rest of my life. The reality sank in during a slow day at work. As a Custom Artwork Framing Manager, it was a slow and counterproductive day of no sales. Towards the end of my shift, a customer walked in as any other customer, focused on making purchases for her business. We began a conversation that had a profound impact on my road to photography. Through her encouragement, I decided at that moment that I would finally pursue my first business venture, Luna Rae Media, a platform designed to accentuate the beauty of others through photography. Although our conversation was brief, it was impactful. I enrolled in school and made a commitment to learn everything I could about photography. I continue to do this and am enjoying every moment learning about something that has intrigued me for years. One thing that she shared that continues to resonate with me was not to spend another moment doing what sustains me but doing what I love. Ironically enough, she is also a full-time photographer. With that encouragement and belief in me by a total stranger, I leaped into something that makes me happy because I was doing something that I love.
Somewhat anxious, I relieved myself of the normal fears of a new business owner. I also had so many questions… Would I be successful or would I be able to support myself and my son with this career change? Despite it all, I decided to leave retail and finally become Olivia, not only a mother, but also a full-time photographer and business owner.
I started my business January of this year, 2025, and after nearly 3 months of consistent work I realized this is what I should have done years ago. While just “out of the gate” as a new entrepreneur, the excitement of being able to inspire through photography, as well as meeting the most wonderful clients, and other entrepreneurs, has been the most beautiful and humbling experience I could have ever imagined. I am grateful every single day not only for the woman who helped encourage me, but also for the simple fact that I did exactly what I set out to do after having that conversation and that was to become the photographer and business owner I always aspired to become.
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?
While I only have 3 months of full-time entrepreneurship experience, it hasn’t been the easiest. Something I found myself struggling with was stepping outside of my comfort zone of just doing this as a hobby, but now having to ask people to see something so incredible in me that they would want to work with me as their photographer. In the Charleston area, there are so many people who work in photography, but what I have found that the is one the best things about this career choice, clients see something in your photos and client experience that wants them to keep working with you. It’s an experience that allows me to be honored that I have a client base that continues to grow where people see my talent and work ethic so much that they continue to choose me as their photography. The gift I get to give to people every session is a professional, memorable, and exciting experience while allowing our creative collaboration to flourish.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Photography is my passion, my gift that I use to give back to any and everyone who wants me to be a special part of their experience when looking to find a photographer for their photo session.
I specialize in portrait, family, event photography, and a new service, film photography.
What sets me apart from other photographers is this just isn’t a photo session, it’s an experience. This is a chance to make beautiful memories and collaborate creatively so that you as my client have the exact session you are hoping for, not only through your images but also through our experience together. I’m not just your photographer, I’m someone who wants to make sure we are building a genuine relationship that will allow us to grow together, you as the client, and me as the photographer.
As a brand, I’m most proud of the client relationships I have built. My clients and I have an incredible time together, as their excited about their photoshoot, I am just as excited. I strive to give you the absolute best, and professional client experience. Photography allows us to be creative together, to grow together as creatives, clients, and people involved in an industry that gives you the chance to have creative freedom and expression. As your photographer I make a special effort at each photoshoot to extenuate your beauty, love as a family, and document the most memorable and exciting moments as your event photographer.
Luna Rae Media is always striving to make sure however you want me to be a part of your life as your photographer, either through portrait, family, or event, it is important for me to give you the absolute best experience each time. Whether that be constant encouragement, poses that enhance your beauty, love, and excitement during the session, or just having a great time with you at your event while documenting the best, fun, and unforgettable moments!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Photography is always progressing. With the incorporation of AI features, the editing process is flourishing! It’s allowing photographers to enhance their creativity.
As a film photographer, in addition to a digital photographer, I have noticed film photography is becoming more popular again. Though it is something that takes extensive practice, and a lot more effort, it’s the photographers that want to expand their knowledge base that are noticing how important film photography is to digital photography. It not only expands your business but really creates such an incredible moment for the photographer and model/client when you have the chance to see your photos.
I think within 5-10 years, as the technical aspect of photography has always had its base, I think people are discovering new methods of photo enhancement. It’s so important to learn different styles, and as the photography industry grows, especially because of social media, we’re going to see many more photographers giving a completely unique perspective to their photos. What I love about photography is it never becomes an oversaturated market, it always is something that everyone has the chance to be successful at as a business and individual. It also allows us as creatives to collaborate, grow from each other, and learn how to expand our photography style, and business! It’s always important we support each other as photographers and as the community continues to grow, photographer relationships continue to be as supportive as it’s always been, in my experience!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lunaraemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunarae_photography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Luna-Rae-Media/61573246014175/#
