Seaside portrait session with black lace dress and wide-brim hat against blue ocean backdrop.

Hello, I'm OLIVIA

SAN DIEGO BASED PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi, I’m Olivia, and Astra Light is my way of turning life’s fleeting moments into lasting stories. Based in San Diego, I work with people, families, and brands to create photography that feels both cinematic and deeply human. Every person carries their own unique light, and my goal is to capture that truth with honesty, elegance, and warmth. Whether it’s a portrait, an editorial concept, or a memory you want to hold onto forever, Astra Light is about honoring your story in its brightest form.

A picturesque beach cove in Big Sur with turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and a sandy shoreline meeting the Pacific Ocean.

A Little of My Story

California born, raised between New York and Seattle, and finally finding my way back home to San Diego in January 2020, just three days before my birthday! That return was marked by one of my favorite adventures: driving the entire West Coast solo in three days.

I actually started out behind the camera shooting nature, landscapes, and travel photography. Exploring new places and chasing light taught me how to see beauty in small details and fleeting moments. Over time, that same love of light and storytelling grew into photographing people, families, and brands, capturing not just places, but lives and connections.

That road trip and those early days in nature still shape my work today: an eye for atmosphere, a love of movement, and a deep appreciation for change, the very things I look for in every session I photograph.

FUN FACTS BEYOND THE CAMERA!

I have 2 lovely rescue cats

🐾 I rescued two beautiful brother furbabies named Simba & Leo who think they’re my assistants, though their version of “helping” usually involves sitting on my gear.

I'm obsessed with concerts

🎶 Concerts are my happy place! I’ll take anything from a cozy dive bar set to a massive stadium show. The energy of live music always sparks new inspiration for me, and fun fact: I’ve even work as a concert photojournalist, chasing both the lights and the moments on stage.

I enjoy arts & crafts and DIY projects

🎨 I’m a little crafty! I love making things with my hands, whether it’s DIY projects or experimenting with new creative outlets.

A majestic long-haired tabby cat with bright green eyes gazes into the distance against a soft blue and green background.

I watch lots of comedies & documentaries

🎬 I balance my downtime between comedies that make me laugh and documentaries that make me think.

I've moved A LOT

🌵 Growing up between California, New York, and Seattle, and even Florida (only for a month) gave me a love for different cultures, vibes, and landscapes.

I love to adventure & explore

✈️ I love to travel, whether it’s a quick road trip with endless playlists or exploring somewhere entirely new. For me, the best part isn’t just the scenery, it’s the people I meet, the little stories I stumble into, and the way every place has its own light and vibe. Travel keeps me curious, inspired, and always chasing new ways to see the world through my lens.

Close-up photo of a tabby cat's face progression from different angles against an orange background.

WHY I DO THIS

Coastal sunset view with red aloe plants and ocean waves along Laguna Beach.

My love for photography started at home. My dad always had a camera in hand, and because of that, I’m lucky to have so many amazing childhood photos and memories preserved. Those photos took on an even deeper meaning after the loss of both of my parents and several other family members. They became priceless reminders of love, connection, and moments I’ll never get back. That’s when I realized just how important photography really is.

I started Astra Light because I believe photographs are more than snapshots, they’re little anchors for memory. They remind us of who we are, the people we love, and the moments that shape us. Every time I step behind the camera, I bring that belief with me.

My goal isn’t just to take photos, but to create a safe, welcoming space for everyone. I want each person, family, or business to feel comfortable and confident, knowing their story is captured in a way that feels true to them. That’s also why I offer custom packages so no one is left out, and everyone has the chance to have their memories preserved.

And beyond everything else, photography keeps my creativity alive. By exploring a variety of shoots, from portraits to branding to events. I stay inspired, challenged, and connected to the stories that make life so meaningful.

Vintage camera with lens lying among blooming white daisies in green grass.

My approach

Photography is more than creating beautiful images. It is about honoring people and the stories that shape them. Every person carries their own light, and my work is about capturing that essence in a way that feels real, timeless, and true.

The best photographs happen when people feel comfortable, seen, and free to be themselves. I take the time to connect with my clients before the camera even comes out. I want to learn about their story, their vision, and the feeling they want to remember.

My style blends cinematic artistry with authenticity. I use light not just as a tool but as a way to reveal emotion, atmosphere, and memory. Whether it is a portrait, a lifestyle session, or an event, my goal is to create images that feel elegant and deeply personal. These are the photographs that hold meaning long after the moment has passed.