This guy doesn’t need much of an introduction - it’s his second time on the pod and we’re stoked to have him back. He’s an incredible friend, artist, creative, businessman, photographer and educator- an inspirational figure in our industry. Oli has a really unique way of doing things, not bending to any rules but teaching others to forge their own path.

Get to know Oli

Oli started his creative life in advertising, UX and design - working at product agencies creating graphical elements, flash games and animations. He then moved into photography - assisting other photographers and making a lot of creative work without consequence. Over the years he’s built a business that has continued with this creativity albeit within the guise of weddings and projects. Now, he not only has become an iconic photographer in the space but also shares his knowledge with other photographers through workshops, guest speaking, mentoring and assets to help blow their clients’ minds.

What we spoke about

A Q&A answering your questions on Instagram
The strangest thing Oli’s ever done
Upcoming broadsheet release
His advice project - 100 mixed messages
His favourite film camera
Minimising what you show to increase the power of the shots
Storytelling at a wedding practically
Using scarcity to push your creativity
Accessing your ‘zone of genius’
What inspires him to push his boundaries of creativity
The power of music for Oli
Why the bigger questions can become crippling for some
How contradiction can help communicate a message
How not knowing the rules and not being paid allowed him to be the most creative
Creating opportunities to flex your creativity
How his education platform came to fruition
Mixed mediums of content - bitesize, short-form, long-form etc.
Making content for people with different learning styles
His new spins on workshops
Three things that hold photographers back
The power of connections within the photography community
Where he thinks the wedding industry is going to be in 10 years time
Advancement in technology and how it’s playing into the standards within the industry
Timeless styles and storytelling
Leaning into his own style on Instagram
Making your wedding couples feel ‘safe’ and focusing on your people
Tech solving problems and thinking about where it’s going to go
Why a business is more than just being different
The new educational space he’s created

My biggest takeaway

There’s always so many good nuggets of info from a thought leader like Oli. But my top takeaway was his thoughts on creativity - using scarcity to force your hand into being more thoughtful, using other art mediums to trigger creative thoughts and how storytelling will always be a timeless form of creativity.