Meet Adrian Olivera | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adrian Olivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adrian, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I think my work life balance has changed a lot in recent years. From working for someone 40+ hours a week to now working for myself, I had to really learn how to not work all day because I felt like I was missing out if I wasn’t. Something I do now is set a schedule. It’s funny because I thought working for yourself would mean you don’t have that typical 9-5 schedule but in reality most businesses/companies that I work with still operate within that schedule so I still have to answer emails or go to meetings during those times. I have to say it does feel better when doing it for yourself. But that schedule allowed me to get most of everything I need to do business wise done in those hours and after that I try not to think about work just like everyone else. I also try to stay away from my phone, go outside, take walks and take trips to places. What’s the point of working all the time and not enjoying life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I got to this point in my professional career by taking risks. It definitely wasn’t easy and I think most of it was because of me. I’ve always been a bit of an anxious person so taking risks was always hard for me. I think I ultimately made the risks because I have a motto for life and it’s “am I going to regret not doing this when I’m older”. I live by that phrase and that’s helped me mentally a ton. I’ve learned a lot of lessons creatively as well by trying it all. I think that’s the point you have to try it out and see how you feel afterwards. Most of the time when I take a creative risk I feel so accomplished afterwards even if it wasn’t my best work. I want the world to know that as a photographer I like challenges and being able to tell a story through photos. Wether that’s commercial work or my own personal work I always try to tell a story with a sense of adventure.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is a beautiful place with so much diversity, here’s where I would take someone if they were visiting and down for some adventure. The first day I would take them to is the beach. I think that’s what most people want to see when they get here but I would take them to Leo Carillo State Beach. If you haven’t been there it’s so nice and not crowded at all. Next we would take a trip up the 2 highway and head up to the mountains. My favorite spots are closed right now from damage to the roads but you can head up to Mt. Wilson for an amazing sunset view of the San Gabriel Valley and DTLA. Another beach spot I would take them, because it is SoCal, is Rat Beach in the South Bay. You get such a different experience of the beach here because Palos Verdes right next to it. Then I would explore trails/beaches in Palos Verdes. Another spot I would take someone is up into the San Bernardino mountains to get some cool lake/hiking experiences. There’s a lot of lakes to visit here but my favorite one is Lake Gregory. And last but not least we would head to Joshua Tree for some desert experience if it’s not too hot. There you can drive through Joshua Tree, go on some day hikes or even camp for the night and experience the stars out there. This is definitely a list of places to go for the adventurer lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One person I would like to shoutout is my wife. From growing as kids, 17 year olds, to now 28 year old adults I think she deserves all the credit and recognition. She inspired me to pick up her camera and take photos. Now it’s my career and I can’t thank her enough. She pushed me when I wasn’t sure what I was doing in school or working for someone else. She encouraged me to take these huge leaps of faith and trust that it’ll be ok. She also supported me both emotionally and financially when things were just getting started. Without her I don’t know if I would have taken this path but thanks to her I’m living the dream.

Website: adrianoliveraphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adriansuniverse/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adriannolivera