Resilience Through the Lens: An Editorial Portrait Session with Actress Olivia De Leia
High-contrast dramatic close up portrait of actress Olivia De Leia pulling up a black turtleneck sweater
As an editorial and portrait photographer based in New York City, I am constantly meeting artists who redefine what it means to persevere. NYC is a city built on grit, but every now and then, I connect with someone whose story stops me in my tracks. Recently, I had the privilege of capturing portraits for Olivia De Leia, a remarkably talented Colombian actress whose journey to the United States is nothing short of inspiring.
From South America to NYC: A Journey of Survival and Art
Before arriving in the competitive landscape of the New York acting scene, Olivia lived in Argentina, immersing herself in the vibrant cultural furor of that country. However, moving to New York meant starting entirely from scratch. She arrived without a foundational grasp of English, facing the monumental challenge of navigating a new language, a new culture, and an intense creative industry all at once.
The weight of that transition brought a profound, heavy battle with depression that lasted for a couple of years—a raw reality that many immigrant artists face but few openly discuss. Yet, over the past year, Olivia has undergone an incredible resurgence. Seeing her overcome those dark periods to fully reclaim her space as a creator, storyteller, and artist is deeply admirable. Today, our creative paths cross frequently; she has become an invaluable collaborator, stepping behind the camera and directing video projects with an exceptional eye for narrative.
Capturing the Soul in a 30-Minute Session
One of my favorite aspects of portrait photography in NYC is proving that you don’t need an elaborate studio setup or hours of production to capture an honest image. We shot these portraits in just 30 minutes right inside my apartment building.
Moody editorial portrait of Colombian actress sitting on a leather couch during a portrait session in New York City
Olivia’s primary focus is acting, not professional modeling, which made the session even more rewarding. When someone isn't hidden behind rehearsed modeling poses, the camera gets to capture something much more authentic.
By utilizing high-contrast lighting, deep shadows, and a moody color palette, we carved out a safe space to let her guard down. In that brief window of time, a beautiful, vulnerable facet of her personality emerged. Through the lens, it felt less like taking a photo and more like witnessing her soul—capturing both the depth of what she has endured and the fierce brilliance of where she is going next. Olivia is an excellent human being, a brilliant creative partner, and a testament to the power of artistic resilience.
Are you an actor, director, or creative in NYC looking for portraits that go beneath the surface? Let’s connect and capture your story.
