Meet Olivia Cruz of Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Cruz.

Hi Olivia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I grew up watching my dad create picture slideshows and take videos on his camcorder. My dad always knew the best angles, and every shot was candid to the moment. I got my eye for photography from him. When he got his first DSLR and showed me his flashy new 35mm lens, I found every excuse to use that camera. I started to take pictures of my sibling’s dance groups and seniors. I remember the first couple of sessions I ever did. I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. But I kept at it and discovered my love for creating art that showed love. Every session I had with a couple, I looked forward to hearing how they met, seeing their inside jokes, and watching how they looked at each other through the viewfinder. I slowly got more traction, and my confidence skyrocketed. I finally dipped my toes in the wedding business 3 years ago and have not looked back! While weddings contain a lot of stress and random problems, the feeling of joy, love, and support surrounding the bride and groom cannot be found anywhere else. It’s one of my favorite things that directs my photography. Photography has given me a new appreciation for Arizona and all it offers. I have found so many unique places and grown to love the desert that once used to bore me. I get excited when a couple wants to book a session by the Superstition Mountains! I have been a photographer for 7 years and am happy with how far I have come and where I am headed. I am excited about all the new places I will travel to this year and all the clients I work with!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Something I need help with is keeping up with everything. I often feel stressed because of the workload from photography, the emotional load of a marriage, and my other job as a respite provider. The constant feeling of missing something I must do or a deadline has sometimes impacted my sleep and bodily function. I work hard to ensure that only a second of my time is spent. I want to give everyone the best; sometimes, it could be more feasible. I am maintaining both photoshoots and client calls, messages, timelines, contracts, content, and everything in between, which sometimes feels overwhelming. Being a photographer comes with bumps in the road and struggles almost daily, but I have such an incredible support system from my husband, family, friends, and even my sweet clients! I feel so blessed to have people cheer me on and pick me back up when I feel defeated. I struggle with more than my fair share, but getting through with the people in my life by my side doesn’t feel impossible!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a local and destination wedding photographer! I specialize in the “now” moments. I love to catch a smile on the groom’s groom-groom’s face as he looks at his bride without her knowing or capture the bridal party’s excitement when their friends walk down the aisle. I love all things candid, giggly, and happy! My art is personal and emotional. While I have poses and angles, I can whip out at a moment’s notice. The best approach is letting my art circle around my couple’s identity. I let the moments be precisely as they are, even if imperfect. Each wedding album might have similar poses or shots, but I only approach some weddings the same. Every shot intends to share better who the couple is and what is unique to them.

Something that sets me apart from others is my charisma and passion. I love that I get to mix photography with connecting. I spend so much time learning and observing my couples and what has made them who they are today. I approach every call, email, text, and wedding day with a full gas tank and massive energy. I am 100% all in. I will do anything to ensure my brides (& grooms) feel they can ask me anything. I want them to know I value their visions and dreams for their wedding, and I try to care for them as if they were family! I take my time setting up a pose or getting down to business. I like to take a good chunk of time getting to know them and finding ways to connect to create that sense of trust and comfort. The sessions I can reflect on and feel proud of are where I have taken my time and been trusted to create! Once I have a general idea or a couple of keywords, I feel like I could shoot forever!

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Some of my favorite apps are CapCut and SCRL. Those help me create my content most quickly and efficiently! I only listen to a few photos, many photography-related, and I get distracted way too easily. As for resources, Adobe products have been a lifesaver. I cannot imagine editing on anything else besides Lightroom Classic!

Pricing:

• Pricing & Packages: bylivslens.com/Investment

Contact Info:

• Website: bylivslens.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by.livs.lens/