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

Oliver, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Crazy stuff happening is almost as certain as death and taxes – it’s technically “unexpected” but something unexpected happening is to be expected and so can you share a crazy story with our readers

The Breakthrough in the Desert: My Leap into Fashion Photography

My craziest story, and perhaps my biggest break in the editorial world, began with a call from Karl Ibrahim, the creative director of The Rake Magazine – Middle East Edition. Karl, an extraordinary creative force, had designed this edition of the internationally acclaimed magazine from scratch, staying true to its brand identity. The owner of The Rake, interestingly enough, is named Bruce Lee – a name you don’t easily forget!

Karl informed me that they had planned an epic fashion shoot in the desert, and their usual photographer had missed his flight. He asked if I could step in. The shoot was scheduled to start at 4 am to catch the sunrise in the desert, and I was both excited and apprehensive. The excitement was palpable, but there was a catch – I had already committed to a wedding shoot that would go on until 2 am. Dubai weddings are intense, often stretching over 14 hours. Accepting Karl’s offer meant no sleep and a quick transition from one demanding shoot to another. But the opportunity was too significant to pass up, so I agreed, albeit with a fair bit of trepidation.

My team at PhotoSolutions Dubai was quickly briefed, and we all accepted this ludicrous yet thrilling challenge. We hired equipment from Hot Cold Studios, ready for what felt like a photographic battle. Despite my internal turmoil, I knew I had to exude confidence and decisiveness.

Esther Quek, a renowned stylist from Singapore, was producing the shoot. Her meticulous selection of fashion and coordination with the crew, including the model Paul, the makeup artist, and the racing camels, was impeccable. The pressure was immense, but I reminded myself that in such situations, one needs to remain cool and confident.

Our first task was to capture the most crucial shot: the sunrise across the desert, featuring three camels and our model, Paul Frangie. I envisioned the shot and chose to use a 200mm lens with neutral density filters to reduce the depth of field. My assistant, Nash, and my then-colleague David, who later ventured out on his own, were instrumental in this shoot. David even held the 1200-watt flash in front of the camels, which ultimately became the cover shot. It was an epic moment, underscoring a vital lesson: your strength lies in your team. Or, more precisely, you’re only as good as the least experienced member of your team.

Despite the early morning chill, the desert’s heat soon picked up, reaching around 35 degrees Celsius by noon. Fortunately, it was a winter shoot. This experience taught me another lesson: the power of teamwork. When you assemble a team of the best – from the makeup artist to the creative director, the fashion stylist, the producers, and the photographer – you create magic.

This shoot marked the beginning of five years of shooting fashion for various magazines in Dubai, including GQ, Cosmopolitan, The Rake, Debonair, and Esquire. We truly had a dream team.

For a behind-the-scenes look at this adventure, check out the BTS video of the shoot for The Rake at [https://vimeo.com/300032721]. You can also find the photos from this shoot on my website.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those new to my story, I’m a commercial and portrait photographer with a rich history in the Middle East, where I ran PhotoSolutions for over a decade. During Covid, I returned to my hometown, Jersey, and established Oliver Doran Studios. Here, I focus on creating empowering and artistic images for families and individuals, celebrating their life milestones. My career has been diverse, from shooting advertising campaigns for international brands and editorials for renowned magazines to capturing celebrities like Robert De Niro and Bella Hadid. I’ve also worked on corporate projects and managed a team for events and productions, including weddings.

My journey into photography was serendipitous. Inspired by my father, an amateur photographer, I found myself drawn to the camera. At university, where I was disenchanted with my course, photography became my refuge and passion. I learned the language of light, composition, and art, a journey of discovery that continues even after 20 years. My professional path has been varied, from working in the Champagne industry in Reims to a stint in sales and marketing for my family’s hotel business in Jersey. My move to Dubai was a turning point, where photography became my full-time profession, starting with a foundational role at a leading photo studio and then evolving through self-teaching and learning from photography masters.

Currently, my studio in Jersey offers bespoke heirloom art products, focusing on families and individuals celebrating significant life moments. I address specific needs for different clients: helping women over 40 feel visible and confident, aiding business owners in enhancing their brand identity, and leveraging AI and photography to create compelling brand stories.

What sets me apart is my empathetic nature, business acumen, and creative flair. I’m a master of lighting and posing, ensuring clients not only enjoy the experience but also love their final portraits. My studio offers a luxury, full-service experience, from the first interaction to the delivery of final products. The studio atmosphere is warm and inviting, more like a cozy living room than a commercial space.

I’m most proud of my ability to make people feel good about themselves. My tailored approach to lighting and posing celebrates each person’s unique qualities while addressing any insecurities. It’s about more than just taking photos; it’s about creating a positive, transformative experience for every client.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The transition from commercial photography to portrait photography, particularly in the context of shifting from a B2B (business-to-business) to a B2C (business-to-consumer) model, was a significant pivot in my career.

Commercial Photography in Dubai:
In Dubai, my focus was primarily on commercial photography. This involved working with businesses, brands, and magazines, often on large-scale projects. The work was diverse, ranging from advertising campaigns and corporate shoots to capturing events and celebrities. The clientele was mostly businesses and organisations, and the photography was tailored to meet specific commercial objectives, such as brand promotion or editorial content.

Portrait Photography in Jersey:
Moving to Jersey, I ventured into portrait photography, which marked a considerable shift. Unlike commercial photography, portrait photography is more personal and intimate. It involves capturing individuals or families, often to commemorate special moments or milestones in their lives. This type of photography is more about storytelling and creating emotional connections through images.

Setting Up a New Studio:
Establishing a studio in Jersey was a new experience for me. Unlike in Dubai, where studio spaces could be rented as needed, setting up a permanent studio in Jersey required a significant investment in both time and resources. It was a commitment to a new way of working and a new market.

Market Differences and Challenges:
The market in Jersey was vastly different from Dubai. With a smaller population of around 100,000 and a different economic landscape, the demand for commercial photography was limited. Shifting my focus to a B2C model meant targeting everyday people, not just businesses or the affluent. This shift was daunting, as it involved putting my name and brand forward in a community where I was re-establishing myself.

Misconceptions About Jersey:
While Jersey is often perceived as a wealthy island, the reality is more nuanced. Yes, there is wealth, particularly among retirees, but they make up only a small portion of the population. The majority of my clients in Jersey are working and middle-class individuals who value photography as a means to celebrate and preserve life’s milestones and memories.

Embracing the Change:
This pivot required a complete reevaluation of my business strategy and target audience. It was about understanding and adapting to the local market, building relationships with individual clients, and focusing on the emotional aspect of photography. Despite the challenges, this transition has been rewarding, allowing me to connect more deeply with my work and my clients, capturing the stories and moments that matter most to them.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

Certainly, Oliver. Here’s a story that illustrates the challenges and close calls I faced in my business, particularly regarding financial management and cash flow:

During my time in Dubai, running Photo Solutions, I experienced both highs and lows in the business. There were periods of great success, with abundant work and healthy cash flow, allowing me to comfortably cover living expenses, business costs, and pay my staff and freelancers. However, managing a business’s finances is a constant learning curve, especially in understanding the importance of saving for leaner months.

In the early years, I often found myself in financial difficulty. Managing cash flow was a significant challenge, particularly during periods of reduced work. On several occasions, I was dangerously close to missing payroll and other critical payments. In an attempt to keep the business afloat, I even resorted to using a credit card to cover office and staff expenses. This decision quickly led to mounting debt, a situation exacerbated by the financial laws in Dubai.

In Dubai, rents are typically paid by cheque, written upfront. If a cheque bounces, the recipient, usually the landlord or agency, can press criminal charges. This was a particularly daunting prospect, as facing criminal charges in Dubai for financial matters is a serious issue. I found myself in a precarious position, with the threat of legal consequences looming over the business.

To navigate this crisis, I had to negotiate with the bank to set up a payment schedule, agreeing to repay the debt over several years. For many years following, I was burdened with substantial credit card bills each month, a far-from-ideal situation.

The moral of this story is a crucial lesson in financial management: avoid relying on credit cards for business cash flow. The high costs associated with credit card debt can quickly escalate into a significant burden. If a business requires an injection of funds, it’s more prudent to approach a bank for a loan with more manageable terms. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about financial planning, risk management, and the importance of prudent cash flow management in business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oliverdoran.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliverdoran/
• Facebook: Oliver Doran Studios Facebook · Oliver Doran Studios 3.5K+ followers
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/oliverdoran
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliver_doran

Image Credits
All photos Copyright (c) 2024 Oliver Doran