Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olesia Abbakumova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Olesia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Honestly, I left a regular office job to pursue freelancing as a photographer. I had a successful career in marketing and worked at one of the top marketing agencies in Russia, where I was part of a talented team and helped implement remarkable projects. However, I reached a point where I realized I wanted a change. I grew tired of being confined by the constraints of office life and fixed working hours. I craved more freedom and flexibility in my work.

When I moved to Los Angeles, it felt like the perfect time to start a new chapter in my life. Photography had always been my passion. I’ve been holding a camera since I was 15, bringing it along on all my travels and capturing countless moments at my friends’ events. In LA, I worked for a marketing agency that primarily collaborated with wedding vendors. This experience gave me an insider’s view of the wedding industry, where I witnessed many beautiful ceremonies and love stories. I was deeply moved by how photography could capture the raw emotions of such a special day, which inspired me to become a wedding photographer.

Although I have fond memories of my corporate past and learned a great deal from it, I am incredibly grateful that I took the risk to work for myself and pursue a career doing what I truly love.

Olesia , 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?

I’m a photographer based in Los Angeles. I started my journey two years ago, and now I am proud to call myself a full-time photographer. While my primary focus is on weddings, I also specialize in family sessions and capturing love stories. My passion lies in capturing your unique moments and the genuine emotions shared with your loved ones, revealing the beauty of both the world around us and the inner world of human connections.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I began my journey as a photographer, two main struggles that I’ve experienced were building a portfolio and finding clients. At the very begging you just don’t know what to start with, so I tried to connect with other fellow photographers and wedding vendors. I asked a lot of questions, took some work for free, educated myself, spent a lot of time to look for my style and of course practiced photography a lot. There were times when I didn’t have enough gigs, but I kept pushing. I realized that at the very beginning you need just to start doing something and keep the ball rolling.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Aside from delivering a high-quality product, which is essential, I believe that building strong relationships with my clients has been key to my success. A wedding day is an incredibly intimate and emotional moment for the couple, and they are often stressed about many details. My goal, beyond capturing their day perfectly, is to provide comfort and support. I aim to be a calming presence and a dependable partner throughout the entire process.

I typically begin with a preparation call where I discuss with the couple what they hope to achieve with their photos and why they chose to work with me. We go over the timeline together to ensure that we have ample time to capture all the important moments they want documented. On the wedding day itself, I am always punctual, maintain a positive attitude no matter how stressful the situation might get, and prioritize clear and consistent communication. By the end of the wedding, it often feels like we’ve shared a special journey together, becoming a close-knit team.

Another important aspect of building a good reputation is how you interact with fellow professionals—other photographers, videographers, planners, and various wedding vendors. I see us as part of a community and strive to be supportive, offer help when needed, and collaborate effectively with everyone involved. This spirit of cooperation and mutual respect not only enhances the experience for our clients but also helps build a strong network within the industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lalaphoto.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbakumova_l/