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

Hi Olivia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I’ve always been a creative person, but I never really set out thinking, “I’m going to become a photographer.” Looking back, it feels like photography found me. Years ago, I won my first camera through an Instagram giveaway, and it almost felt like the universe was giving me a little nudge toward something I hadn’t discovered yet.

Once I picked up that camera, I fell in love with it. I realized photography wasn’t just about taking pictures—it was about preserving stories, emotions, and moments that would never happen again. I loved that I could help people remember not just what a day looked like, but how it felt.

Photography gives me the chance to tell those stories without saying a word. Every person has a life, a history, and relationships that are uniquely theirs, and I feel incredibly blessed whenever someone trusts me to document a small piece of it.

I don’t chase trends or perfection. I’m much more interested in creating images with a sense of atmosphere and emotion—photographs that feel warm, cinematic, and genuine. The greatest compliment I can receive is when someone says, “That feels exactly like us.”

That’s why I chose this path. Not because I wanted to own a camera or run a business, but because I wanted to create something that lasts. Long after flowers have wilted, children have grown, or places have changed, a photograph can still bring someone home to that moment.

That’s still what drives me today. Every person and every couple has a story that’s uniquely theirs, and it deserves to be captured true to them.

A couple sitting on a white sofa holding two small dogs, with a plain white wall background.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography has become so much more than taking beautiful images. It’s a way of preserving stories. I’ve always been drawn to creativity, but after winning my first camera through an Instagram giveaway years ago, it felt like the universe was gently nudging me toward something I was meant to do. I picked up that camera, fell in love with photography, and haven’t looked back.

What sets my work apart is that I’m always chasing feeling over perfection. I want my images to feel warm, timeless, and genuine. Some of my favorite photographs aren’t the perfectly posed ones, they’re the quiet in-between moments that people often don’t realize are happening.

Like any creative journey, it hasn’t always been easy. Building a business takes patience, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, embrace my own style instead of chasing trends, and focus on creating work that feels authentic to me.

At the heart of Olivia Behind the Camera is a simple goal: I want people to feel seen. If someone looks back at their gallery years from now and can remember not just what the day looked like, but how it felt, then I’ve done my job.

Castle with blue spires and parade with dancers in red dresses, decorated with wreaths and flowers, under cloudy sky.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to show them both sides of Atlanta- the energy of the city and the slower moments that make it special. We’d spend a morning exploring Midtown and Piedmont Park before grabbing coffee at one of my favorite local cafés. We’d visit Ponce City Market, walk the BeltLine, and chase the sunset over a bridge or parking deck with great views!

We’d definitely make time for the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, and the High Museum. If we want to get really fancy we can attend a musical at the Fox Theatre. If they’re a fellow Disney fan like me, we’d probably have to make a side quest to Walt Disney World for a day or two!

I also think some of the best memories come from the unplanned moments, finding a cute store, discovering a new restaurant, or catching a beautiful sunset. Those are the experiences that tend to stay with you long after the trip is over.

Sunset over the ocean with colorful clouds and a sandy beach foreground.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d first like to thank my husband. Building a business comes with a lot of uncertainty, and he’s been there through all of it. His support and encouragement means more than he knows.

I’d also like to thank every client who’s trusted me with their memories. Every wedding, portrait session, and milestone has been an honor, and I’m so grateful that people choose me to tell their stories.

Finally, thank you to everyone who’s supported my journey. Building a business is never something you do alone, and I truly appreciate my mentors who have encouraged me and helped me grow along the way.

Website: https://Bio.site/itsolivia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviabehindthecamera?igsh=MWV4eDN1ZnY5ZDdyaw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

City skyline with tall buildings seen through a window with a grid pattern, reflecting the sky and cityscape.

Three people holding hands and dancing in a grassy field with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

A couple stands close on the beach, facing each other, with the ocean and sky in the background.

Image Credits
Image of my and my family by Taylor Ann Photography

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