Hi everyone! My name’s Ollie, I’m a queer activist and a body positive photographer from Russia
I’ve been doing photography and activism for around 6-7 years now. I focus on the topics body positivity, acceptance of different human bodies and identities, and diversity in general
I’ve been doing photography and activism for around 6-7 years now. I focus on the topics body positivity, acceptance of different human bodies and identities, and diversity in general
For me, body positivity in photography isn’t just “naked fat people”, it’s a lens through which I see photography itself. I believe that this helped me find a craft I truly love and can use to translate my views to the world.
I believe that excess retouching of faces and bodies harms people — we get used to looking at flawless, unrealistic representations and see them as an ideal, unattainable in reality. We have pores, we will always have acne, sweat, “excess weight”, and so on. Instead of trying to make photos “perfect”, I think, we should make them realistic: people should be able to recognise themselves on the pictures as they truly are instead of blaming themselves for not looking as sharp as photographer made them out to be.
Besides that, I follow a few other principles:
To always remember how a person in front of my camera feels, I occasionally model myself. Sometimes photographers can forget how people they work with feel, and that it’s important to communicate properly and walk the clients through the “what’s” and “how’s”
Besides that, I follow a few other principles:
- A model has to feel comfortable even if they’d never worked with a photographer before;
- A model should always feel safe and be able to say no if something isn’t quite comfortable to them;
- Rejection of objectivation and sexualisation on the photo and during the work process.
To always remember how a person in front of my camera feels, I occasionally model myself. Sometimes photographers can forget how people they work with feel, and that it’s important to communicate properly and walk the clients through the “what’s” and “how’s”
Commissions
All hail Manizha, the Tajik-Russian musician rewriting the rules on what it means to belong
For these queer young Russians, makeup is both armour and a weapon
These portraits demonstrate the true diversity of Russian society, and the challenges still faced by minorities
Queer homes: a glimpse into the domestic lives of Russia’s LGBTQ+ community
In Russia, ideas of beauty are stuck. Meet the rebels looking good on their own terms
Russian and feminist: how a new generation of activists are fighting for their rights
Body positive: for these Russian women, self-love is a radical weapon
‘Our bodies are our main weapon of resistance’: body positivity activist Miliyollie on fighting Russia’s beauty standards
FEEDBACK
Alena
My name is Alena I’m tattoo artist in France.
With Ollie we had two very cool photo sessions in the photo studio.
And I would say that it was one of the most comfortable shooting I ever had. Usually I afraid a bit of camera and my body becoming stressed and tense.
But with Ollie that didn’t happen. Because she doesn’t try to find any special angle where I looks more like a fashion model or more skinny and “ideal”. I’m not a model any way, I have simple body and I don’t find me especially pretty on pictures usually. Or it’s pretty but too different from reality, what makes me just hate my real image.
But I’m very happy with Ollie’s result because it’s just real me and she didn’t photoshop me on the pictures. I love her style , bright shining colors.
Also we had nice time, just laughing and playing with colors and textures. For me perfect photo session is that, it’s like funny game. Thank you Ollie.
With Ollie we had two very cool photo sessions in the photo studio.
And I would say that it was one of the most comfortable shooting I ever had. Usually I afraid a bit of camera and my body becoming stressed and tense.
But with Ollie that didn’t happen. Because she doesn’t try to find any special angle where I looks more like a fashion model or more skinny and “ideal”. I’m not a model any way, I have simple body and I don’t find me especially pretty on pictures usually. Or it’s pretty but too different from reality, what makes me just hate my real image.
But I’m very happy with Ollie’s result because it’s just real me and she didn’t photoshop me on the pictures. I love her style , bright shining colors.
Also we had nice time, just laughing and playing with colors and textures. For me perfect photo session is that, it’s like funny game. Thank you Ollie.
Kamil
I started following Ollie on Instagram a few years ago because of her body-positive attitude, not just to her own life but also to photography. My previous profession and life were connected to the fashion industry and unfortunately it influenced my worldview, so that I couldn’t even look at a picture without wanting to do a quick photoshop retouch on it. It was kind of a must for me. Ollie changed my life and showed me that things can be bright and diverse without conforming to the standards of an often artificial fashion industry. I was lucky enough to meet her in real life and we collaborated in my vlog as well as two beautiful photoshoots with some of my close friends. She creates a special atmosphere and brings you into a place where art and magic are made. With Ollie there is no fear of being yourself, no uncomfortable questions about being different, and of course an absolutely LGBT-friendly aura which she and her team have.
How It Works
1
We contact each other and discuss your request, location, format (outside or in-studio), time and participants
2
I take 50% advance payment, after which we book the studio or discuss the environment details
3
If you’d like, I can help you choose a look and/or makeup
4
At a set time, we meet and do the set. After all is done, you can submit the last 50% of the payment
5
In three weeks, you’ll receive the final result in a form we’d previously agreed to
What is your preferred format?
I usually work with people, but due to my relocation, I can also work with object and food shoots (at a lower rate)
How do you photo people?
I can work with a single models as well as with love stories and group sessions. I’ve also had an experience of professional shoots for small companies, but I prefer a more casual environment
You said that body positivity in photography isn’t just “nude fat people” for you; but do you actually do nude photography?
Absolutely! Again, my main priority would your comfort — I usually don’t add these works to my portfolio without your consent. I also enjoy looking at a human body without sexual subtext, and rather view it as another tool for out self-acceptance
How do I contact you?
You can leave your contacts in a form below and leave the details in the comment section: location of the shoot, how many people are going to participate in it, your preferred environment and other details you find important. The more information you give me, the faster we can arrange everything
Do you have any requirements for the participating models?
I work with people of any looks and experiences. What matter is that you want to do it! I have a lot of experience with people who’d barely seen a camera in their life; I am a professional and I try my best to accommodate everyone. The only barrier is my somewhat limited proficient in English, but I’m sure we can work it out, too
Do you work with queer people?
Of course I do!
Prices
Photoshoot for 1 person
— Lasts for 2 hours
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
€170
Studio rent is not included
LOVE OR FRIEND OR FAMILY STORY (2-3 persons)
— Lasts for 2 hours
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
€300
Studio rent is not included
GROUP PHOTOSHOOT OR LOOKBOOK
— Lasts for 2 hours
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
— additional details are discussed separately
— I can help you with posing
— 30 photos in 3 weeks
— additional details are discussed separately
€450-600
Studio rent is not included
OBJECT PHOTOSHOOT
— Lasts for 2-3 hours
— we can discuss technical details (composition, references, mood, colours, etc)
— photos are ready in 3 weeks
— we can discuss technical details (composition, references, mood, colours, etc)
— photos are ready in 3 weeks
€150-300
Studio rent and additional lighting are not included
CONTACT ME
