Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Oliver.
Hi Victoria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Faith and Fire Photo & Films started with a whole lot of faith and absolutely no experience. I had just had our first son, but I knew I needed to find a job soon, so we could buy a home for our growing family. I couldn’t see myself being away from my son, so I spent weeks applying to online and work-from-home jobs. After a while longer of not hearing back about any of my job applications, I realized there must be a reason. So, I got on my knees and asked Him for direction. As I was falling asleep that night, I felt very clearly on my spirit that I needed to pursue photography. This was crazy because I had maybe taken two photos on my husband Jared’s amateur camera. He bought a camera to document visiting family in Europe, so we had something to start out with.
Still, I was puzzled. I thought, God, I know I heard you, but I don’t know if I’m even good at taking photos. I have no experience, and I definitely don’t know if I’ll be good enough to stay afloat. But, I had faith that if this was what I needed to do, it would all fall together. That night, our business name came to my heart, I made a quick logo, and I posted on some buy, sell, and trade groups the next morning offering discounted sessions to build my portfolio. Jared and I photographed our first three sessions the very next day. Session to session, our business grew, our talent grew, and our dreams became fulfilled. Our business tied in perfectly with my desire to serve others and help them see their worth. Eventually, we bought a home, paid off two cars, had a new way to serve our church, made more friends than I can count, hired two employees who are amazing, had another baby, have won numerous awards, and the list goes on. We are blessed because of God’s continuous provision and choosing to have faith through all the obstacles.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I’ve had so far is saying no. I prioritized my business’s success before my time, and it snowballed into quite literally a mental breakdown. By the end of my first year, I had taken on nearly 300 sessions, and it had taken a huge toll on me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I had lost a ton of weight, and I wasn’t well. I lost who I was outside of a business owner. When the year ended, I realized I lost sight of why I started in the first place–to make a living while being with my son–and I needed to make some changes. I decided to rest more, say no more, and remodel my business to cater around my needs for self-care and time with my family.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a team of wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers and cinematographers. When people ask me what our style is, and I always say we don’t exactly fit in a box. Our style is unique to us: true to life, deeply emotional, storytelling, and somewhere in-between bright and moody. We simply capture the moment, how it feels, and our editing style enhances that feeling. Each picture and film is a story of how it felt, and that’s really what makes our work different: it’s honest.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I have always been a dreamer. I’ve always been a romantic–a big fan of all thing’s poetry and love. I loved to learn, soaking up everything I could about anything I found interesting. I was heavily involved in sports, academics, cheer, and dance. I’ve always felt closest to God in nature, and I was never found without a good book. When I was about nine, I wanted to be a model. I thought, when I grow up, I’ll be able to go to fashion shows and dress up and get gorgeous photos taken of me. Around the age of nine, I also was one of the tallest in my class. Little did I know I’d never get any taller. So, I am definitely not model-worthy with my two-foot long legs and nearly-booster-seat-wearing height. I stand at a happy 4 foot 9. But, that piece of my childhood never went away. I don’t want to be a model, but I realized what I truly loved was the art. The ability to be a part of something unique and beautiful. So, in a small way, I’m out here living a dream I never spoke aloud. Being a part of true art. Helping people feel beautiful and showing off love in my own unique way.
Pricing:
- Wedding Photography Packages: $2700-4700
- Wedding Videography Packages: $2700-3900
- Portraits: $325-525
- Family & Branding Films: $300+
Contact Info:
- Email: info@faithandfirephotos.com
- Website: www.faithandfirephotos.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/faithandfirephotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/faithandfirephotography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqvttKx51SETAcRZw73mVA
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