Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa.
Hi Olivia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a creative person who loves projects and is constantly looking for beauty. My first camera was placed in my hands when I was six, and it’s been with me ever since. However, it wasn’t until I was recruited to work for the college newspaper that I discovered my passion could become my career. As I refined my photography skills and honed my artistic eye as a photojournalist for newspapers and magazines, I also began a healthy side business doing personal photography. And finally, in 2019, I officially formed Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa Photography, LLC. I’ve always wanted to work with families and small businesses, and starting my own business was the perfect opportunity to focus on those groups. The personal connections I make with each family and business owner are as rewarding as the timeless portraits and art pieces I deliver after our session together. And I love that I’m able to customize every session to the client’s needs – never rushing and always take my time to create an experience that feels calm, peaceful, and memorable. Photography is a life-long passion that’s become a decades-long career, and I am honored to capture treasured memories and timeless portraits for my clients. My gift is helping others remember and celebrate their own legacy for generations to come.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
No journey has a straight path, and mine is no exception. While I have always been fortunate to incorporate photography into each step of my career, there have been detours along the way. My initial vision of working as an in-depth photojournalist clashed with the responsibilities of real life. Losing oneself to work is not conducive to a healthy relationship with a partner, and newspaper salaries do not cover the cost of living. Finding media positions within the corporate world gave me the security and hours I needed to start my post-college life. I deeply valued the experiences, knowledge, and friendships I made in those positions. However, I walked away from that safety net once I became a mother. Leaving my job and having a child changed my identity, which was terrifying. I was no longer the photography editor for a national magazine. My new titles were now “mother” and “freelance photographer.” And neither of these positions had clear boundaries.
The latest bend in my career path, as was the same for many, was due to Covid. The LLC I founded in the fall of 2019 to serve North Texas families and businesses unexpectedly became my main focus and source of income in 2020. My long-term working relationship with the media department at the Boy Scouts of America was frozen by the pandemic. I was now starting from the beginning. While I had decades of photography experience, I had never run my own business. During the shutdown, I dove into learning how to operate a customer-focused company. Establishing a process, selecting products, receiving payments, learning to talk to potential clients, and exploring marketing were overwhelming and exciting. I wore more hats than I ever expected – more than needed when working as a contractor. I am proud of my growth and have a better understanding of and admiration for small business owners. But working directly with my clients in such a personal way has been the best part of this new venture.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a compulsive creator and a passionate photographer. I am happiest when dreaming up and executing projects, especially when I can collaborate with other people on a vision. You will see me beaming when hanging my work for an art show or creating a shot list for my next client. I am known for strategically planning my portrait sessions for my clients. I put my journalist training to work by interviewing each client to understand what they need and value. The more I learn about them, the more my vision for their session becomes clear. My clients sincerely appreciate the time I spend with them and how I simplify the process. My goals are to make their photography experience easy, enjoyable, and invaluable. Everyone is relieved when I select their wardrobe for them, but the actual moment happens when they interact with their artwork for the first time. I am different from other family photographers because I want my clients to have tangible memories. I specialize in printed products, including custom albums and wall artwork. It is important to give my clients the ability to hold and regularly see their families. It creates deeper connections with their family members, making their portraits more valuable over time. Helping families develop their legacy is a gift I am honored to give.
What matters most to you?
“If you’re going to do something, do it right.” My parents taught me these words, which are embedded in my being. I want to do the right thing when I set out on any project. Not just what is right for aesthetics, but what is right for my client. My core values of intention, responsibility, and positivity are woven through my business practices and identity. Not everyone gets to have the experience of working with a professional photographer. I understand that this is a special and meaningful experience for my clients. My job is to make them feel valued, create amazing artwork, and guide them to the best fit for their needs. My goal is to create a positive impact in the world. Sometimes it comes from the empowerment and joy a client feels after a branding session. Or it may be the family portrait hanging in a home that has become more valuable over time. I want to know my presence was a blessing.
Pricing:
- Headshot portraits start at $250.
- Branding packages start at $600.
- Session fees start at $300. Images are not included.
- All finished products are sold a la carte.
- My clients typically invest north of $1,800 per session.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oliviaogrenhrejsa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaogrenhrejsa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaPhoto
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@oohphotography
Image Credits
Olivia Ogren-Hrejsa Photography
