hey, i’m OLIWIA Pawelczak!
(pronounced “Olivia”)
Hey again! I’m Oliwia—a 35mm film photographer with a love for capturing the raw, beautiful, and sometimes chaotic essence of life. I was born in Poland, moved to Queens, NYC as a kid, and grew up in the heart of North Carolina. I’ve got a degree from East Carolina University, a point-and-shoot camera that started it all, and a camera passed down from my dad. The rest? Well, it’s history I’ve captured frame by frame.
Photography has been my passion since 2019, but I’ve spent some time in front of the camera, too. It’s given me a unique perspective that I bring to every shot I take—whether I’m working on editorial projects, weddings, or intimate portraits, each session is an opportunity to tell a story, your story, on 35mm film.
the good stuffI’m a bit of a wild soul, but my family and friends keep me grounded. They’re my foundation and my inspiration, along with my pup, Jax, and a love for the little things—like freshly washed sheets, Trader Joe’s runs, and weekends by the lake. You’ll often find me with a coffee in hand or planning my next trip, always searching for moments worth capturing.
Here’s a peek into what I love:
Long hugs
Inside jokes
Black and white film
Chocolate cake
The thrill of documenting life as it unfolds
the inspirationMy style has a hint of nostalgia, inspired by early Tumblr days, beauty, fashion, and culture. My friends have also shaped my work, and I’m constantly fueled by a need to document all the real, unfiltered moments. I aim to create images that feel authentic and effortlessly stylish—a mix of fun, raw emotion, and a little touch of magic.
“Do what sets your soul on fire.”
get to know me
What’s your favorite time of day?
Even though I'm a night owl, I love the morning. Nothing beats the morning glow, and the start of a new dayHow would you describe your style of photography?
I would say it's raw, fun, authentic and edgy.How long have you been a photographer?
Six years!! best six years of my life.What’s your favorite 35mm film stock?
I'm very loyal to Kodak Portra, but I have a soft spot in my heart for the Ilford b&w.Why film photography?
Honestly, i picked up a film camera and just never put it down. film has a look and feel that cannot be duplicated. to me, moments feel extra special on film. What inspires you?
This is such a loaded question. Everything around me. I get inspiration from my daily life. I've gotten photoshoot ideas from having conversations with my best friends. Whatever catches my eye; I love to take that and make it my own. Give it my own spin.Favorite beverage?
Depends on the time of day. but my absolute go-to is peach snapple.What’s one of your favorite shoots?
OOooooo this is tough. i'm so sentimental; all of my shoots have such a special place in my heart. but one of my recent faves has to be the shoot i did with sixtine rouyre in mallorca. we were traveling on a trip, and it's always such a treat to shoot in a destination like that.