May 1, 2017

Meet Oliver Thom of OJRT Photography in Wellesley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oliver Thom.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to the United States almost two and a half years ago with my wife and son, who was nearly 5 years old. For the first year, I stayed at home with my son, we explored our new surroundings and got to spend a lot of quality time together.

While at home, I was planning my return to work. Prior to moving to the United States, I was working in the Film and Television industry shooting commercials and short films as a Director of Photography. The hours were unsociable so I decided that when I did start working in this country, I was not going to be looking in that area. My roots lie in Photography, it is the discipline that I hold my degree in (BA Honors) and where I decided I would focus my efforts. The other factor in my job search was my son. I was and still am his primary care giver so I wanted to find something I could do that would allow me to pick him up and drop him off from school, and to take care of him during the school holidays. Not many jobs appeared on using those filters on a job search website!

After extensive research, I decided to become self-employed. I wanted to find clients, much the way that I had found jobs on short films. I wanted to work from home using my space to shoot and edit. I gradually compiled a kit list that would allow me to respond quickly to enquiries and save my profits to reinvest in more modern equipment.

My business feels like it is growing well. I have had a couple of commercial gigs and I have photographed many local families, receiving encouraging positive reviews.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning, I had to lean on my wife and father considerably. They picked up the slack by looking after my son when I had to do a shoot that meant gaining a new client. They provided so much support.

Otherwise my challenges were mainly technical. I could only afford ‘used’ equipment so everything I scavenged had to be engineered to work and communicate with each other. I imagine I am one of the only people in this part of the country that shoots using the setup that I use. I think this gives my work a uniqueness.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with OJRT Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business is called OJRT Photography. The initials stand for Oliver James Robert Thom, which is my full name. I liked the idea of having ‘studio’ in my name but I feel I can only use that when I actually have my own studio.

I am a photographer. The idea for my business was to treat it like a craft, people need things photographed. Whether it be a family portrait session, a wedding or product shots for a local business. That is my approach to finding clients. I have photographed weddings, have done corporate headshots and children’s portraits, as well as several events.

I wouldn’t say that I ‘specialize’ in one type of photography but I do have a preference for children’s portraits. I enjoy working with children of all ages and guiding them to open up in front of the camera. I don’t mean just being there when they are running around being ‘candid’, I mean really observing their faces and helping them to feel comfortable so that their personality shines through. When this happens, the photographic results are outstanding. I also love the parents’ reactions when they see their children’s true personalities conveyed in these photos. This is the result they seek.

I think what sets me apart is my approach to a job. I like to work closely with my clients and develop the idea or theme for a shoot in advance. It is very much a collaborative process, which I think benefits the quality of my work and therefore the satisfaction of the customer.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My wife is due to give birth to our second child at the end of April. I think I am going to have my hands full being a full time dad of two kids. I am going to assess what I have achieved over the past 18 months and see how I can develop the business and where I can take it. Personally, this adventure/challenge isn’t about making six figures a year and using state of the art equipment. It is about contributing to the family and keeping my creativity flowing.

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