Preserving Your Legacy for Generations: A Unique Experience Awaits
Meet the owner and photographer
OLESYA
(pronounced A-li-sia) 🔊 Listen to pronunciation:
Celebrating Life’s Most Meaningful Moments
Whether you’re a busy professional, a new parent, or someone who values capturing life’s important milestones, you are the hero of your story. Your journey deserves to be beautifully celebrated, and I am here to support you in capturing those precious moments. You deserve more than just a picture—you deserve a way to capture emotions, preserve memories, and turn moments into timeless works of art that reflect your family’s story. I’m Olesya, the heart and vision behind Zesty Orange Photography, and my passion is to create an unforgettable journey for my clients — one that feels personal, joyful, and beautifully reflective of who you are in this phase…
How It All Began
Do you believe in serendipity?
My journey in photography began long before Zesty Orange Photography came to be. Picture a four-year-old, tiptoeing down the creaky basement stairs to her father’s darkroom. The red glow of the light, the smell of chemicals, and the magic of images slowly coming to life sparked a sense of wonder that never left me. That wonder grew stronger as I studied art in Russia, adapted to a new life in the United States, and eventually found my way to New York City to study at the Pratt Institute, School of Arts.
Keep reading to uncover the magical moments—some that will make you laugh, others that might bring a tear to your eye.
Discovering the Magic of Photography
The first time I stepped into the magical world of my father’s darkroom, I was just four years old. I still remember the creaky wooden stairs that led down to the basement, my tiny feet tiptoeing as I snuck out of bed, curious to see what my dad was up to. The glow of the red light spilled out from under the doorway, and as I peeked in, I saw a world that seemed almost mystical. Photos hung from a clothesline, clipped with clothespins, swaying gently as if they were alive. Trays filled with mysterious liquids sat on a table, each holding secrets waiting to be revealed. The air smelled of chemicals, and the light bathed everything in a crimson hue.
I saw my dad standing there, completely absorbed, his eyes soft with pride as he looked at the images that slowly appeared on the paper. There were pictures of my mom, her 80s hairstyle perfectly coiffed, her laughter frozen in time. My mom hates having her picture taken, and this is one of the few cherished shots I have of her to this day. There was me, my chubby baby cheeks and unruly curls capturing the essence of childhood innocence. My grandparents, with their gentle smiles, and my cousins, with gaps where their front teeth should have been, all stared back at us from the hanging photographs. It was a world of love, captured in moments that felt both fleeting and eternal.
One night, in my eagerness to see the magic unfold, I snuck down the stairs after bedtime. Of course, being a four-year-old with questionable balance, I misjudged a step, and suddenly, I was flying—quite literally. I remember the feeling of weightlessness, the tumble, and my dad’s panicked face as he ran to catch me. Thankfully, I was fine—just a bit shaken and with a newfound respect for gravity. My dad, on the other hand, probably aged a few years that night! And my mom? Well, let’s just say she wasn’t too thrilled about my midnight adventures. But that’s another story for another time. From that moment on, the darkroom wasn’t just a place where photos were developed; it was where my fascination with capturing life truly began.
The Art School Journey
As I grew older, my passion for art only deepened. I enrolled in an art school for children, which I attended alongside my regular middle and high school education. I remember trudging through the harsh Russian winters after school, my arms laden with canvases and art supplies, bundled up against the biting cold. Despite the freezing air and snow crunching under my boots, those walks were filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. I was on my way to a place that felt magical—a place where I could create, learn, and dream.
Art school was no ordinary after-school activity. I spent three to four hours there multiple times a week, diving into the world of art history, classic drawing, and painting. The classrooms smelled of oil paints and worn wooden easels. My teachers were a mix of gentle mentors and fierce artists. One of them was an older gentleman with a bushy mustache and a deep, raspy voice. He loved to tell us stories about the great masters, his eyes lighting up as he spoke, his enthusiasm contagious. Then there was my art history teacher—a petite woman who seemed to grow taller whenever she spoke about the Renaissance. Her passion was infectious, and she had this incredible ability to make the past come alive, transporting us to times of grandeur and artistic revolution.
I remember the warmth of the art studio, the soft hum of classical music in the background, and the sound of brushes moving across canvases. It was a place where the outside world seemed to disappear, replaced by a world of color and creativity. It was there that I found my voice as an artist and learned to see the beauty in the everyday.
Eventually, my dedication paid off. I was accepted into a highly competitive art college—a place where only a select few were chosen each year. It felt like a dream come true, a validation of all those late nights and winter walks to art school. But just as I was beginning to settle into this new chapter, life took an unexpected turn. My family decided to immigrate to the United States. We packed our lives into a few suitcases and, humorously, some pillows—someone had told us that good pillows were hard to come by in America, and we weren’t about to take any chances.
I arrived in Chicago at 17 years old, stepping off the plane into a hot summer day. The warmth hit me like a wave, a stark contrast to the chilly, rainy Russian summer we had left behind. We settled in Minnesota, where I began to adapt to a new life in a new country, slowly learning English and figuring out what my future might hold.
Moving to NYC and Attending Pratt Institute
After some time in Minnesota, my journey led me to the bustling streets of New York City. The city was a stark contrast to everything I had known—its energy, its people, and its endless possibilities. I had just become a single mom after an early marriage fell apart, and I was determined to make a new life for myself and my young son. With my 1.5-year-old in tow, I navigated the gorgeous chaos of NYC, balancing motherhood, art school, and everything in between.
I attended Pratt Institute, one of the most prestigious art schools, while living in Brooklyn. Every day, I took the subway—carrying canvases and art supplies, my headphones on, either listening to music or losing myself in an audiobook. I loved people-watching on those subway rides. The commuters were a mix of dreamers, doers, and everyone in between, each face telling a story, each person a character in this vast, ever-moving city.
Pratt’s Brooklyn campus was like a sanctuary amidst the hustle, with its beautiful architecture and peaceful gardens. Then there was the Manhattan campus, surrounded by skyscrapers that seemed to touch the sky—an inspiring blend of nature and human ambition. Life was hectic, but it was also full of magic. I stayed up late into the night to finish my assignments, knowing that the evenings were reserved for walks with my son. We’d roam the beautifully landscaped streets of Bay Ridge, the neighborhood’s charm offering a quiet escape from the busyness of the day.
It was a challenging time, but it was also one of growth. I learned to embrace the chaos, to find beauty in the struggle, and to create art that reflected not just my journey, but the resilience and love that defined our little family.
Love, Family, and Moving to Texas
During my time in New York, life had another surprise waiting for me. One day, through a mutual friend, I met George. He was visiting his family in NYC from Texas, and from the moment we were introduced, something just clicked. There was an instant connection, a spark that felt like the beginning of a new adventure. What started as a chance meeting quickly turned into a whirlwind love story—filled with long walks through the city, shared laughter, and late-night talks about dreams and the future. We fell in love under the shimmering lights of New York, surrounded by the magic of the city that never sleeps.
After finishing Pratt Institute, I knew I had a big decision to make. The choice to leave New York and move to Texas to be with George was both exhilarating and daunting, but I knew it was the right one. I packed up my life once again, and with my son by my side, I moved to Texas to start a new chapter. The move brought its own set of challenges, but it also brought so much joy.
Now, years later, George and I are still happily married. Our family has grown—we’ve welcomed two beautiful daughters, making us a family of five. George has been more than just my partner; he became a loving father figure to my son, embracing our little family with open arms. George is a son of immigrants from Greece, and I am an immigrant myself, so we have a lot in common—many shared stories of adapting to a new culture and blending our backgrounds. Our life together has been a beautiful blend of cultures, filled with shared traditions and a mutual love for cooking. In fact, George says he fell in love with me the moment I mentioned that most dishes from the post-USSR kitchen are eaten with sour cream—something he already loved with Greek dishes. It turns out, our love for sour cream brought us together! Together, we’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and creativity.
The journey from a young girl in Russia, fascinated by her father’s darkroom, to a mother, business owner, and photographer in Texas has been full of unexpected twists and incredible experiences. Every step of the way has brought me closer to where I am today, capturing the beautiful stories of families, just like my own.
A Vision to Redefine Photography
In 2013, I founded Zesty Orange Photography Studio because I wanted to do more than just take pictures—I wanted to create a meaningful, unforgettable experience for families. My journey in photography has always been about preserving the moments that mean the most, the moments that tell the story of who you are today, for your children and your grandchildren to look back on.
I understand how important these memories are, having grown up with the cherished photos my father developed in his darkroom—images of my mother’s laughter, my baby curls, and my grandparents’ smiles. These were more than just pictures; they were pieces of my history, captured forever. This is why my goal is not just to take a picture but to create lasting printed products with archival qualities that reflect your journey in a deeply personal way while making the entire process feel effortless and special for you.
From the moment you step into my studio, you can expect to be guided every step—from wardrobe to styling and posing—so that you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your story. I want each session to feel like an experience you’ll remember, and each image to be something you will treasure, beautifully preserved for generations to cherish.
The Story Behind the Brand Name
Finding the perfect name for my photography business was no easy feat. I wanted something that truly captured the spirit of my work—something vibrant, joyful, and memorable. I also wanted a name that was easy for my clients to remember and pronounce. Using my own name, Olesya, was not ideal because I knew the spelling and pronunciation could be challenging for many. After much thought, ‘Zesty Orange Photography’ was born. Each word has a special meaning that reflects the heart of what I do:
- Zesty: Zesty embodies the zest for life that I see in my clients—the energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm that they bring to every session. It’s about celebrating your journey and capturing the joy, love, and excitement that define your story. My goal is to make each image as lively and full of character as the precious moments your family experiences together.
- Orange: Orange represents happiness, warmth, and positivity—the emotions I aim to capture in every photograph. Just like the bright, invigorating color of an orange, I strive to infuse each image with warmth, life, and a sense of refreshment that resonates with your unique story. The color also symbolizes a zest for life, making it the perfect choice for capturing cherished milestones.
- Photography: Photography is more than just taking a picture—it’s about telling a story. It’s about capturing emotions, preserving memories, and turning fleeting moments into timeless works of art. My mission is to create art that tells your story and preserves those cherished memories for generations to come.
700+
SESSIONS PHOTOGRAPHED
9+
YEARS IN BUSINESS
18+
YEARS OF FINE ART AND PHOTOGRAPHIC EDUCATION
20+
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Creating an Exceptional Experience
You deserve to feel confident, comfortable, and completely at ease during your entire photography journey. I understand the concerns that can come with being in front of the camera—how you’ll look, whether everyone will be relaxed, and if the experience will be truly enjoyable. That’s why every detail of my boutique studio is designed with you in mind, transforming each session into an experience that is refined, luxurious, and effortless. From complimentary hairstyling and makeup to a thoughtfully curated wardrobe featuring elegant maternity gowns and precious newborn props, I provide guided posing, personalized outfit styling, and even facial expression coaching, ensuring that you feel beautifully supported, pampered, and ready to capture the essence of your story.
With over 10 years of experience and countless glowing reviews from satisfied families, I bring a depth of expertise to every session, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and truly celebrated. My certification in newborn safety posing ensures that your baby is always in expert hands, while I create an environment that is as warm and welcoming as it is professional—from a selection of beverages and snacks for parents to a dedicated play area for siblings.
More Than Just a Photo Session
Many of my clients are not only parents but also business owners and immigrants, just like myself. I love capturing generational images that celebrate relationships and preserve the legacy of your family to share with your great-great-grandchildren. Clients often come to me for maternity sessions and continue to return as their families grow—newborns, cake smashes, family milestones, branding headshots, boudoir, and limited edition sessions. I am honored to be part of your journey, building long-term connections and capturing each beautiful stage of your life.
Every family is unique, and my goal is to capture what’s truly special about yours. Whether it’s the joy of an expectant mother, the tiny details of a newborn, or the laughter of a family together, I strive to create images that you will treasure for a lifetime.
FEATURED IN | AWARDS
Think Beyond Digital
In an age where everything is digital, I believe in the value of printed memories. I learned this the hard way. When my son was two years old, I lost all the images of his early years—his first steps, his first smiles, the candid moments of our life together—because I accidentally dropped the hard drive that held all of them. In an instant, those precious memories were gone, with only a few printed images left behind. That experience changed me. It made me realize just how fragile digital memories can be. There’s a common misconception that digital lasts forever, but in reality, it can be more vulnerable than we think. I consider it my mission to prevent that kind of loss for my clients.
Over the years, I’ve also heard so many heartbreaking stories from my clients—unreadable memory sticks to crashed hard drives, floppy disks, milk spilled on computers, and lost files that vanished without a trace. These stories remind me again and again why printed photographs are so important. That’s why I offer heirloom-quality photographic products that you can hold, share, and pass down through generations. It’s not just about having a photo on your phone—it’s about preserving these precious memories in a tangible, lasting way that can be cherished for years to come.
Let’s Create Together
If you’re looking for an Austin photographer who will not only take the time to understand your vision but also capture the heart and essence of your family’s story, I would be honored to be part of your journey. I believe in creating an experience that exceeds expectations—one that is personal, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. Let’s turn your moments into timeless art, and your memories into something that can be cherished for generations to come.
Contact me today to begin creating memories that last forever.