Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dmitrii Raposo-Oleinik. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dmitrii, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
Being in the service business, I come across many clients that come to me wanting a simple photoshoot. They come with ideas of the place, time, and environment they would like, and I try my best to cater to those needs. However, throughout my conversations with clients, I always look for clues for what they are looking for since sometimes it’s hard to communicate those needs clearly when they are not experienced in photography. This is where I come and ask them if they are open to suggestions that I believe not only meet their needs but exceed their expectations. These are suggestions such as the time of the day (e.g. sunrise or sunset photoshoot), the place (e.g., green surroundings or the beach), or simply the time of the photoshoot package they are looking for. One recent example is a proposal photoshoot at El Matador Beach, Malibu, CA. As you may already know, El Matador Beach has very limited parking. A few weekends ago, perhaps one of the best weather-pleasing days, the beach had a lot of visitors that there was no parking within a 3-mile distance from El Matador. I did explain to the customer that this is a very popular place (year-round) and that parking was challenging, but the customer was excited to propose to their now fiance at El Matador. Upon arriving early on the day of the photoshoot, I noticed I could not park on-site (no parking available), and the customer coming within a few minutes would face the same challenge. Thus, I had the customer park at a nearby plaza and had my husband drive them from the Plaza to El Matador beach to ensure that the customer would arrive on time and would propose secretly to their now fiance according to plan. The customer was beyond happy with the resulting photos, but more about the resourcefulness to ensure that such a magical day went as smoothly as possible.
Dmitrii, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hey there, I am Dmitrii Raposo-Oleinik, your friendly neighborhood photographer based in Long Beach, CA. With 9 years of experience under my belt, I’m here to capture all the special moments in your life. From engagements and proposals to weddings, families, portraits, and everything in between, I’ve got you covered.
While my main stomping grounds are Los Angeles and Orange County, I’m always up for an adventure. I absolutely love to travel and explore new places, so I’m more than happy to serve any other areas in the United States! No location is too far for me to capture those precious memories.
A bit about myself: When I first arrived in the US from Vladivostok, Russia, I went through a transformative experience. I started off as a hesitant and humble boy, but over time, I grew into an individual with a clear vision of achieving the “impossible.” Back in Russia, my involvement in wedding and lifestyle photoshoots allowed me to join the local club of photo enthusiasts in Dalnegorsk and gain admission to the lyceum of VGUES. Not only did my work receive recognition from many people in Russia, but it also fueled my passion for specializing in photography.
Moving to the vibrant city of New York in late 2019 opened up a world of opportunities for me. As someone who arrived with just a suitcase from a small city and had to learn a foreign language, I gained a deep appreciation for new cultures and diversity. Embracing this diversity, I always strive to bring uniqueness and inclusivity to my photography. You can see this reflected in my portfolio, where I’ve captured beautiful people, moments, and breathtaking views while exploring nature-oriented places and immersing myself in various world cultures across the US.
One aspect that makes me incredibly proud and endears me to my clients is my ability to bring out the best in them during each photoshoot session. I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to feel comfortable in front of a camera and truly enjoy the moment. When you choose me as your photographer, you can expect a relaxed and enjoyable experience. I believe in creating a comfortable atmosphere where you can truly be yourselves. I’ll be there to guide you through poses and capture the genuine emotions that make your moments truly special. My passion lies in freezing those fleeting moments in time, preserving them for you to cherish forever. So whether it’s a romantic engagement, a heartfelt wedding, or a fun-filled family gathering, I’m here to capture the essence of your story and bring it to life through my lens.
What truly brings me joy is creating memorable photos for everyone. Whether it’s capturing a couple’s journey towards a lifelong marriage, telling a family’s unique story, or conducting a fun lifestyle photo session at the beach, I am genuinely happy to be a part of your next photo session. Together, we can capture the most beautiful moments in your life and create lasting memories that you will treasure forever.
Let’s embark on this photography journey together and create some incredible memories. Get in touch with me, and let’s start planning your next amazing photo session!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artistic photographer is the immense joy I bring to people who trust and love my work. It is an incredibly fulfilling experience to witness the happiness and satisfaction on my clients’ faces when they see their photos, and how they go above and beyond to make sure others know about my work. Every photoshoot is an opportunity for me to not only meet my client’s needs but also surpass their expectations. To have the privilege of capturing precious moments and creating visual memories that evoke emotions and touch their hearts is truly gratifying. The trust placed in me by my clients is something I hold dear, and being able to deliver photographs that bring them immense joy is a constant reminder of why I chose to pursue photography. Seeing their faces light up and knowing that I have played a part in creating beautiful memories is the ultimate reward for me as a photographer.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Being relatively new to Southern California and establishing my business in a different location, acquiring new customers has presented its share of challenges. Photography, being a location-based industry, often relies on a steady stream of clients through word of mouth and referrals, which can take time to develop in a new area. However, prior to my relocation to the United States, I dedicated myself to growing a strong social media following that appreciates and admires my work. As a result, my Instagram account (@yes.dmitrii) has become a vital source for attracting new clients. Prospective customers discover me through local searches, such as “Long Beach Photographer,” or relevant hashtags like “#OrangeCountyPhotographer,” and then reach out via DM to inquire about pricing and availability.
After two years of living in Southern California, I have acquired new clients through referrals from satisfied customers and organic searches on popular search engines, leading them to my website at https://brightdayphotography.com/.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brightdayphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yes.dmitrii/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oleynikdmitry95
Image Credits
Dmitrii Raposo-Oleinik at Bright Day Photography