Camera Obscura: Ollie Ali’s Search for Serendipitous Beauty

Ollie Ali is a director and photographer, exuding an honest and contemporary appeal that resonates with a modern generation, the perfect combination of charisma, technical know-how and expertise. Ollie’s Irish, Indian and English heritage give his work a worldly touch and throughout his career Ollie has travelled the globe shooting some of the most desired brands, artists and models in advertising, music and fashion. Ollie’s work embodies a unique sought after look and signature aesthetic that brands crave, effortlessly unlocking the feeling of freedom within his subjects, with a focus on individuality in natural and authentic locations. Ollie’s work demonstrates the rare ability to create work that feels timeless whilst still infused with an elevated edge.

LBB> What is your niche craft obsession?

Ollie> My niche craft obsession revolves around the art of merging directed cinematography and photography with the serendipitous beauty of the natural world and people's genuine expressions. Leaning into the unexpected, and allowing it to become part of the process. What truly fascinates me is the element of unpredictability inherent in this fusion. On a shoot, you can never quite anticipate every detail, but the universe has a way of making each moment special. I go into every project with a clear understanding of what I want to get, but I also know the importance I give to pursuing something that might happen spontaneously or be totally unplanned on the day. It might be the captivating expression a talent conveys, channelling an experience they’ve had in their own personal life, the ethereal quality of natural light on a given day, or an unforeseen twist in the narrative of the day that ultimately becomes the most extraordinary aspect of the project.

The true magic lies in these unexpected occurrences seamlessly blending with meticulously planned elements. It's the art of staying open to the serendipitous and recognising how powerful and authentic these unscripted moments can be in the world of film and photography.

LBB> Where / when / how did you first come across this thing?

Ollie> I suppose it has always been all around me. At first I thought of people’s work as just technical artistry, and then I realised what makes it powerful is how authentic it is to their own experience and the world around them. So it eventually clicked for me to not only focus on the aesthetic and obvious technicalities but infusing my work with my own real life expression and experience, and being open to the experiences of others in front of my lens, merged with the world around us on the day, and how that forms the final creative.

LBB> Was it an obsession straight away or something that has evolved over the years?

Ollie> If we look at our profession as a craft and something that we hone and try to perfect over time, then I’d definitely say that this is one of those elements about my work that has developed over the years.

This change for me gradually evolved as I‘ve delved deeper into capturing the unscripted moments where nature and human emotions harmonise, but through a considered and professional lens, which I’ve crafted a skill for over the years. Meaning my work can simultaneously hit a brief, ensure consistency, but find its own unique story within the unexpected and connect in an authentic way with the audience.

LBB> What are the most interesting debates or conversations you are having around this obsession?

Ollie> Within the creative sphere, there are a wide range of obsessions. Some are engrossed in the technical aspects, fine-tuning equipment and using the latest software for advanced post production. My path, however, leads me into the realm of authenticity, where I seek the unadulterated moments where people and the world collide, resulting in I think in the most unique and authentic form of creativity, and work that touches its audience more deeply.

LBB> How widespread do you think this obsession is with your peers?

Ollie> I think this fixation resonates widely among creatives in my field, including directors, photographers, and more. We share a collective appreciation for the beauty of human expression and the world's wonders. What sets us apart is our unique experiences, our interactions, and the worldviews we bring to our craft. It's this diversity that allows us to channel our obsession into distinct, personal expressions of art.

LBB> For anyone just getting into your field, what advice would you share to help them get their head around this particular thing?

Ollie> For newcomers venturing into this field, I'd advise you to blend your personal taste, life experiences, and creative boldness. Lean in and embrace the unexpected elements that can arise in your work, whether it's the landscapes you explore or the spontaneous moments that unfold during a project. Dive into these experiences, allow your creativity to harmonise, and trust that by honing your technical expertise and accumulating professional experience, you'll find your way.