Hello, hello, I am Olivia Bates!
I am a wedding + elopement photographer living in Minnesota but available to travel to YOU, anywhere! Because I love the personal connection that is formed in more intimate settings, I do lifestyle sessions that can include anything from seniors to boudoir to celebrating any new addition to the family!
Everything I do, whether it is my academics, jobs, or hobbies, they are all centered around connecting with people, challenging myself in new ways, and finding the joy in what I do.
Speaking of which, outside of photography, you can catch me: practicing outpatient therapy at a clinic in New Brighton, going on walks and hiking, likely doing handstands somewhere, hanging out with my family, or spending quality time with my partner!
I love the aspect of photography where you can capture the beauty of what is already naturally there. Whether it is confidence, love, adventure, or anything else, I get to see it all through a new lens - both literally and figuratively. I am here to capture your story in its truest form.
My work is about empowering YOU,
empowering your RELATIONSHIP(S),
and celebrating LIFE together!
How it all started...
Since I was little girl, I have loved the idea of photography. I would take photos on my iPod touch and flip phone, and I would watch my father be the photographer—or "paparazzi" as we called him—on our family trips. There was something about taking photos of the world surrounding you and being able to treasure the memories uniquely for so many years, or decades, later.
This interest in photography flourished into a passion after doing impromptu session that would turn into my best friend's senior portraits. I absolutely fell in love with working with people and the affect that exploration has had on both myself and them! The first wedding I ever did was my dad's wedding in 2018 using my first camera, my Canon EOS Rebel T6. (For the camera fanatics out there, I have upgraded and invested in myself and have a new baby, my Canon Mirrorless R6. I love it.)
I also enjoy second-shooting weddings to have exposure to a wide variety of photographers. Starting in September 2021, I started photographing weddings consistently! I worked with DEMPAG Photography as an Assistant/Second Photographer for a little over a year seasonally. I have been an intern-to-Associate photographer on the Emily Paulson Photography team since 2023! In total, I have had the honor of photographing 35 weddings and 49 sessions!
It's the people I love—the way they can see themselves in new and creative ways and the opportunity to provide them with photos that bring them back to chapters in their story.
(YES this is an original photo from 2017!)
Shooting my first wedding in 2018!
Individuals, Partners, Families...
It's what I do!
I recently achieved my Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (aka 'Systems Therapy,' as I like to call it) and I absolutely LOVE IT! I not only get to explore the many complexities of our essence as human beings, I have opportunities to holistically connect with people in ways that allow them to feel heard, seen, and understood as well.
I graduated from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (MPLS) with my MFT degree, and for undergrad, I graduated from Bethel University in Arden Hills with two degrees: Psychology and Reconciliation Studies. Wondering what that is? Ask me, I would love to share!
I was born and raised in Minnesota, and I love to travel and immerse myself cultures different from my own. Long term, I plan to take my therapy and photography businesses abroad!
This is Sully (my incredible fiancé) and me! He is my biggest supporter and the love of my life! I am so grateful every day to be with such an incredible, compassionate, silly, wonderful human being.
