Please note that the light distortion in some images is the byproduct of the software used to create this publication and that it does not appear in the actual pictures & prints.
Africa transformed us.
It taught us some of life’s biggest lessons. It taught us how to coexist in harmony, with respect & devotion to Nature. It taught us to overcome fears. It taught us to look beyond the obvious. It taught us to work with elements, rather than against them, to create art.
We struggled with the heatwave that made many of our shots hazy and unclear. We had a set vision for a shot, but no matter what we tried, it just didn’t work. At one moment we stopped, let go of control and tried something different. That is how The Oasis was born.
It took us three trips, three years, and numerous safaris to capture the shot of lion brothers. The moment of their interaction captured was truly worth all the effort.
Every image taken is a raw and authentic moment, something we value and cherish as photographers.
This collection of images is a composition of our artistic view on the wild.
This photograph captures a profound moment of human connection & the transient nature of time. Set against the idyllic backdrop of a beach in Moorea, the composition reveals a subtle narrative that weaves together the lives of three individuals, each lost in their own world, yet intricately linked by the ebb and flow of life.
An elderly man sits on the sandy shore, engrossed in the pages of a weathered book. His slouched body tells a story of a life welllived, etched with lines that hint at the wisdom and experiences accumulated over the years. The man is lost in a world of words and imagination, blissfully unaware of the world around him.
Passing by in the crystal-clear turquoise waters is a beautiful older woman, her radiant presence captivating in its elegance and grace. Her presence exudes a quiet confidence and a sense of inner strength. Her gaze is fixed ahead, seemingly lost in her own thoughts, as the water caresses her body, forming a harmonious dance between her and the gentle waves.
Meanwhile, a younger man stands in the deep water, his eyes drawn to the older woman’s captivating figure. There is a mixture of energies of awe, longing, & admiration as he witnesses her passing by. He is captivated by her beauty and the essence of life that she represents, while the oblivious elderly man remains engrossed in his book, unaware of the fleeting beauty passing before him.
“Oblivious” invites you to reflect upon the passage of time, the transient nature of life, and the profound connections we share, often unknowingly. It explores the intricate tapestry of human existence, where individuals are lost in their own realities, yet intricately linked through shared experiences and the invisible threads of fate. It is a reminder to cherish the present, to look beyond the surface, and to embrace the beauty and interconnectedness of the world around us.
Oblivious Moorea, French Polynesia - November 2020
This captivating black&white photograph weaves together contrasting personalities & beliefs, offering a compelling exploration of unity and the transformative power of shared experiences, as well will as the complexities of faith, the resilience of the human spirit, & the profound connections that can transcend differences.
The driver, an atheist, is confidently gripping the steering wheel of the car. A mischievous smile is hiding behind his black sunglasses, making its way down to his lips & radiating a vibrant personality. His presence challenges preconceived notions, defying stereotypes associated with disbelief. Yet, there is a sense of harmony & mutual respect in his expression, as he navigates the twists and turns of the road with joyful confidence.
The nuns and their serene countenances contrast with the vibrant energy of the driver. One of the nuns looks forward with a warm smile that reflects a shared understanding and acceptance. Her expression encapsulates a sense of unity, bridging the gap between divergent beliefs with an openness to shared human connection.
The interplay of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the photograph, emphasizing the contrasts between the individuals and their respective worldviews. The monochromatic palette of black&white accentuates the timeless quality of the scene and the dichotomy of contrasting beliefs that have coexisted since the beginning of human civilization.
“The Road to Redemption” is an invitation to contemplate the transformative power of shared experiences, highlighting the possibility of personal growth and understanding that arises when diverse perspectives intersect. The striking visual narrative challenges us to examine the intricate tapestry of human existence, where the paths of belief & skepticism intertwine, leading to unexpected bonds of compassion and mutual respect.
“The Road to Redemption” is a journey of self-discovery and empathy, where the road ahead becomes a symbol of possibility, growth, & the redemption that lies within the power of connection.
San Ignacio, Belize - March 2021
OLYA HILL brings her passion & professional background in production into all she does, both creatively and professionally. She brings years of research into the psychology of customer behavior and is widely known for her work as the Creative Director for LivingNotes®. Her work in photography has been sought after by many global brands. She maintains a leading edge on creating visual presentations that have wowed readers and clients alike.
Olya is a well-respected & sought-after thought leader and innovator in the fields of advertising and human psychology. She has developed unique methods of using color undertones and hues to shape viewers emotional responses. While undetectable, these methods have been proven effective to promote specific reactions from readers when viewing images and videos. Her work has been featured in various digital and print publications such as Goop, Parents, Pregnancy and Newborn, Real Simple, and Thrive Global to name a few. Her unique creative advertising ideas have been placed on the Times Square Billboards.
BOBBY AMIREBRAHIMI , a Los Angeles based photographer, grew up among his dad’s rolls of film and camera lenses with many hours spent at shoots and in the darkroom having endless conversations on techniques, composition, and what it takes to create compelling images. Bobby’s singular perspective, creativity, & storytelling abilities combined with his technical perfection are apparent in every single one of his shots. He mainly draws inspiration from nature and people as he gravitates to create real and meaningful memories of moments when light, shadows, emotions, & imagination come together in perfect harmony. His experience, expertise, and ability to create are very diverse. Bobby is able to create imagery that one would expect to be found in National Geographic just as easily as capturing street style in a film-like matter. He is also fully accomplished in producing commercial imagery.. His unique take on seemingly ordinary objects & the ability to combine that with clients’ vision is one of Bobby’s biggest strengths.