Rising Stars: Meet Khalique Oliver of West Midtown

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

Hi Khalique, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In the beginning, I embarked on my career as a freelance model, spending about three years honing my craft and utilizing social media as my portfolio. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with various talented photographers in my hometown. Observing their work sparked a deep passion for photography within me. I was particularly inspired by their ability to bring out the best in their subjects, helping shy individuals feel important and seen—qualities that I aspire to embody myself.

Driven by curiosity, I began exploring the photography industry through extensive online research and tutorials on platforms like YouTube. After a year of self-directed learning, I decided to formalize my education by pursuing a degree in photography. This academic experience has not only deepened my understanding of the technical aspects of photography but has also introduced me to the corporate side of the industry and the art of film.

Currently, I am managing my own brand, Rated Aesthetically, while continuing to work toward my degree. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to blend my passion for both modeling and photography.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would be lying if I said my journey in this industry has been completely smooth. It certainly hasn’t! However, it has been incredibly rewarding in terms of love, personal fulfillment, and financial growth. This is a very competitive field, and it’s vital to enter with a genuine passion for your craft, rather than solely for monetary gain; otherwise, you may find yourself struggling.

One of the biggest challenges is with self-education. I’ve had to navigate many aspects of the industry on my own, learning valuable lessons through trial and error without formal guidance. Additionally, working with clients can sometimes be demanding, especially when their expectations for a shoot don’t align with reality. In those situations, it’s important to help them find a more grounded perspective while still delivering a creative vision. Overall, these experiences have shaped me and strengthened my resolve to succeed in this industry.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So my Career is in finance, specializing in Loan operations & Fraud detection. Thats my 9-5, Photography is my passion, and I’m working towards making it my Career. .

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I strongly recommend finding a mentor who can guide you in mastering the fundamentals of the industry. A good mentor can provide invaluable insights, share tips and tricks, and help you navigate the challenges you’ll face. Having someone with experience to lean on can significantly accelerate your learning process and set you up for success.

Pricing:

• rates as low as $50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ratedaesthetically.as.me/schedule/1ed8d579
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rated_aesthetically/

Image Credits
All image credits go to RatedAesthetically