Portrait Session with Oli Lee Andersson: A Creative Exploration of Identity and Belonging

Last week at my DTLA studio, I had the profound privilege of photographing Oli Lee Andersson. This session left me profoundly inspired and reminded me of the power of art in storytelling. Oli, an artist, filmmaker, writer, and educator based in Los Angeles, bridges the realms of identity, community, and belonging through their work. Drawing from their experiences as a trans and queer diasporic Korean person, Oli brings a deeply personal perspective to their artistry.

Oli's artistry seeks to incite imaginings of identity, community, time, and belonging. Through film, photography, writing, and art, they harness ancestral artifacts and rituals, intergenerational oral histories, and practices of collective care to embolden more capacious visions of desire, joy, and aliveness. This multifaceted approach to storytelling is both innovative and deeply rooted in personal and communal histories, making Oli's work resonate on many levels.

Portrait Session with Oli Lee Andersson: A Creative Exploration of Identity and Belonging, Rory Lewis Photographer.

During our portrait session, I aimed to capture the essence of Oli's visionary approach and their profound connection to their heritage and community. Utilizing my signature technique of combining precise direction and inventive scenarios, I sought to create images that reflect Oli's unique perspective and the depth of their creative spirit.

Oli is a first-year Master’s candidate in the Division of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. They write, direct, and produce their own short films and are actively involved in student productions, working as a cinematographer, production designer, and makeup artist. Before coming to USC, Oli earned a B.F.A. in Art and Design with a concentration in Studio Art from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Portrait Session with Oli Lee Andersson: A Creative Exploration of Identity and Belonging, Rory Lewis Photographer.

Their academic journey and diverse creative pursuits have equipped Oli with a rich tapestry of experiences and skills, all of which contribute to their distinctive voice as an artist. In our session, I sought to highlight this blend of technical expertise and artistic intuition, capturing moments that speak to Oli's dedication to their craft and their passion for storytelling.

Oli's work is profoundly influenced by their identity as a trans and queer diasporic Korean person. Their art is a celebration of their heritage and an exploration of the complexities of identity and belonging. Through our collaboration, I aimed to create portraits that not only capture Oli's physical presence but also convey the depth of their emotional and cultural landscape.

The resulting images are a testament to Oli's strength, resilience, and creativity. Each portrait is a narrative in itself, reflecting Oli's journey and the many layers of their identity. From the thoughtful expressions to the subtle details in their attire and surroundings, every element of the portraits is infused with meaning and significance.

As a portrait photographer, my goal is always to capture the true essence of my subjects, creating images that are both authentic and thought-provoking. Working with Oli Lee Andersson was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of telling stories that matter.

Based in Los Angeles, with a presence in New York and London, I specialize in distinctive portraiture for a diverse range of clients. My portfolio includes royalty, former prime ministers, Wall Street CEOs, Hollywood stars, and members of the armed forces. My unique approach combines precise direction and imaginative scenarios, encouraging sitters to express themselves authentically and resulting in captivating and meaningful portraits.

To be selected among the top 10 in the portrait category of the Hasselblad Masters 2023 Finals, amidst a vast sea of 85,000 submissions, is an honor that leaves me both humbled and elated. This recognition is a testament to the power of portraiture and the importance of capturing the human spirit in all its complexity.

My portrait session with Oli Lee Andersson was a profound and enriching experience, one that I will carry with me as a reminder of the power of art to connect us to our roots and to each other. Oli's work is a beacon of creativity and resilience, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to capture their essence through my lens.

For more about my work and to see other portrait sessions, including those with esteemed individuals such as Michael James Shaw and Ray Dalio, please visit my portfolio. Whether in Los Angeles, New York, or London, I am committed to providing high-quality, distinctive portraiture that resonates with both the subject and the audience.