This guy doesn’t need much of an introduction - it’s his second time on the pod and we’re stoked to have him back. He’s an incredible friend, artist, creative, businessman, photographer and educator- an inspirational figure in our industry. Oli has a really unique way of doing things, not bending to any rules but teaching others to forge their own path. Get to know Oli Oli started his creative life in advertising, UX and design - working at product agencies creating graphical elements, flash games and animations. He then moved into photography - assisting other photographers and making a lot of creative work without consequence. Over the years he’s built a business that has continued with this creativity albeit within the guise of weddings and projects. Now, he not only has become an iconic photographer in the space but also shares his knowledge with other photographers through workshops, guest speaking, mentoring and assets to help blow their clients’ minds. What we spoke about A Q&A answering your questions on Instagram The strangest thing Oli’s ever done Upcoming broadsheet release His advice project - 100 mixed messages His favourite film camera Minimising what you show to increase the power of the shots Storytelling at a wedding practically Using scarcity to push your creativity Accessing your ‘zone of genius’ What inspires him to push his boundaries of creativity The power of music for Oli Why the bigger questions can become crippling for some How contradiction can help communicate a message How not knowing the rules and not being paid allowed him to be the most creative Creating opportunities to flex your creativity How his education platform came to fruition Mixed mediums of content - bitesize, short-form, long-form etc. Making content for people with different learning styles His new spins on workshops Three things that hold photographers back The power of connections within the photography community Where he thinks the wedding industry is going to be in 10 years time Advancement in technology and how it’s playing into the standards within the industry Timeless styles and storytelling Leaning into his own style on Instagram Making your wedding couples feel ‘safe’ and focusing on your people Tech solving problems and thinking about where it’s going to go Why a business is more than just being different The new educational space he’s created My biggest takeaway There’s always so many good nuggets of info from a thought leader like Oli. But my top takeaway was his thoughts on creativity - using scarcity to force your hand into being more thoughtful, using other art mediums to trigger creative thoughts and how storytelling will always be a timeless form of creativity. Links mentioned in the pod Oli’s Instagram www.instagram.com/olisansom His website www./olisansom.com/ His education website https://strangeatlas.co/ Mannequin talks Instagram /www.instagram.com/mannequintalks/ Briars Atlas Instagrm www.instagram.com/briarsatlas/ Briars Atlas Weddings https://briarsatlas.com/ My website https://ryanteague.co/ Feather & Finch Instagram www.instagram.com/featherandfinchphotography/