The PRO EDU Podcast: S10 E12 - With Guest Pedro Oliveira

Embarking on a fascinating journey through the lens of a seasoned photographer, today's podcast features Pedro Oliveira, a master atcapturing stories through portraiture. A Brazilian native who picked up his first camera in 2014, Pedro's passion for photography ignited from a desire to overcome homesickness in a rain-soaked Portland. From the debut portrait of a local homeless man to shooting for illustrious clients such as National Geographic and Vanity Fair, Pedro's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and creativity. His work, which now spans international borders, resonates with a diverse audience and highlights the beauty found in varied cultural landscapes. Watch this live on the Learn App.

Throughout his career, Pedro has forged a profound connection with the PRO EDU community and credits it as a pivotal part of his artistic development. His narrative weaves into the commercial sphere, where he brings brands to life through his photography, capturing the essence of their identity. With recent work including a six-month stint in Saudi Arabia for their tourism department, Pedro has proven himself not only as a versatile artist but also as a global storyteller with an eye for authenticity. He leverages his expertise to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, exploring new frontiers and embracing cultural nuances in his visual narratives.

Key Takeaways

• Pedro Oliveira shares his personal evolution from a novice to an internationally acclaimed photographer.
• His creative path is deeply interlinked with community support and continuous learning.
• Pedro has expanded his work globally, engaging with diverse cultures and major brands through his photography.

Casual Dialogues Over Drinks

As he greets his listeners with a hearty hello, the speaker, a well-known figure within the PRO EDU community, extends a virtual hand to portrait photographer Pedro Oliveira. Engaging with Oliveira, he exchanges pleasantries in Portuguese, acknowledging their pre-show language practice and delving into the photographer's background.

Pedro, who has not visited his homeland, Brazil, for about eight years, reminisces about his last trip there in 2015. His journey with PRO EDU has been intertwined with his growth as a photographer, dating back to his first forays into photography with tutorials from the company.

Embracing curiosity and adaptation, Pedro started his creative pursuit in Atlanta, Georgia, before relocating to the rain-soaked streets of Portland. To combat homesickness, he took up photography, which led him to capture the essence of a homeless individual, marking the start of a viral portrait project.

His work attracted local attention and presented the opportunity to monetize his passion, aligning with his studies in journalism at Portland State University. Through Groupon deals and local business commissions, Pedro finessed his skills and built a robust portfolio.

Pedro's diligence and exploration into photography have catapulted him onto the international stage, shooting for eminent brands and magazines. His impressive roster includes National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes, showcasing his versatility across editorials and advertising.

Curiosity also paved the path for his most recent venture, a six-month stint in Saudi Arabia creating for their tourism department. With humor and reflection, Pedro recounts his persistent outreach that led to this significant engagement, highlighting the alternating two-month working intervals with interludes back home.

The candid conversation transitions to insights on the warmth and quirky humor of the Saudi people, challenging preconceived notions and enriching Pedro's worldview. As he indulges in cultural experiences and collects gifts that signify local hospitality, he seeks to share the real Saudi Arabia outside the realm of caricatured or negative portrayals.

Pedro's narrative culminates in a message of gratitude for finding his forte in photography, which not only fulfills his creative thirst but also sustains his lifestyle, a balance many artists aspire to achieve.

Introduction to Our Esteemed Guest

Name: Pedro Oliveira
Profession: Portrait Photographer

Origin: Brazilian national with roots continuing to influence his artistic vision, despite not having returned to Brazil for 8 years since 2015.

Current Residence: Originally moved to the United States settling in Atlanta, Georgia, then transitioned to Portland. The move was a significant change, marked by frequent rains and a struggle with homesickness.

Entry into Photography: Initiated his journey into photography in 2014. Picking up a camera helped cope with homesickness, leading to a path of exploration and self-discovery in portraiture. His first project featuring portraits of a local homeless individual gained significant attention and was the foundation for his blossoming career.

Career Progression: His engagement with photography ignited seamlessly alongside his studies in journalism at Portland State University. An unexpected opportunity arose to monetize his photography skills, spurring a shift from Groupon deals to more prestigious endeavors.

Clients: Eclectic mix, ranging from local businesses to internationally recognized publications and brands. Notable mentions include National Geographic, Vanity Fair, Forbes, along with various advertising campaigns for well-known automotive and lifestyle brands, such as Jeep and the tourist department of Dallas.

Global Ventures: His global assignments have included a significant project in Saudi Arabia for the country's tourism department, which lasted six months and provided an immersive cultural exchange.

Outreach and Engagement: His proactive approach entails routine outreach to potential clients, which often means extending the professional network and fostering business relationships through persistent communication.

Professional Philosophy:

Pedro believes in the continual evolution of one's craft, positing that embracing both local and global perspectives can significantly enhance artistic development and professional opportunities. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and the power of visual storytelling in connecting with diverse audiences.

Pedro Oliveira's Journey in Photography

Pedro Oliveira is a respected portrait photographer whose creative journey has been intimately connected with the Pro EDU community. Originating from Brazil and now an international name in the industry, Oliveira's eye for compelling portraiture has garnered him recognition and jobs from notable editorial and advertising clients.

Early Days:

• Born in Brazil, Oliveira did not own a camera until 2014.
• Initially, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, before moving to Portland, Oregon.
• His first significant photographic project was a series of portraits of homeless individuals, which gained local media attention and paved the way for his future work.

Transition to Professional Photography:

• Studied journalism at Portland State University.
• Transitioned to photography as a profession after realizing the potential to merge his interests and make a living.
• Started with Groupon deals for $35 photography sessions.

Career Growth:

• As his abilities improved, Oliveira's work caught the attention of more local businesses in Portland.
• Began gaining international acclaim, shooting for magazines and brands worldwide.
• Clients include National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes among others.

Wide Clientele:

• His portfolio also comprises various assignments from the advertising sector, shooting lifestyle and automotive subjects.
• Recently completed a campaign for Visit Dallas and has worked with Jeep.

Recent Adventures:

• Spent six months in Saudi Arabia, hired by the tourism authority to revitalize their brand.
• Adopted a methodical approach to obtain the role, involving a persistent outreach strategy involving emails and meetings.
• Describes the warm and humorous nature of Saudi locals he encountered during his time there.

Notable Experiences:

• Oliveira details the culture of generosity in Saudi Arabia and reflects on shifting his perspective through this immersive professional and cultural experience.

From initiating his professional trajectory with local gigs to capturing images that appeal to international audiences, Oliveira's story is one of transformation and discovery through photography. His work has not only shaped his own life but has also allowed him to form a bridge between different cultures, perspectives, and stories.

Photography Ventures: Starting Out

Photography can begin as a hobby, as it did for Pedro Oliveira, a long-resident expert within the Pro EDU community and distinguished portrait photographer. Originally from Brazil, Pedro only started exploring photography seriously in 2014 after relocating from Atlanta to Portland. The constant precipitation in Portland led to feelings of homesickness, which inadvertently nudged him to pick up a camera for the first time. Pedro's first photographic project captured the essence of a homeless individual, and subsequent portraits organically gained local media attention. This initial series created a ripple effect, culminating in professional offerings and marked the beginning of his foray into the world of paid photography.

While attending Portland State University for journalism, Pedro discovered the synergy between his studies and photography, paving the way for a unified career. Groupon became an early platform for his affordable photography services, which resonated well with local businesses. Their growing interest in his work indicated his increasing proficiency with the camera, leading to his eventual recognition beyond the local sphere.

Pedro's client list features prestigious names, showcasing his evolution to shooting for international magazines and brands. His skills behind the lens attracted editorials like National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes. On the advertising front, his work spans across various sectors, including automotive and lifestyle, with notable campaigns for entities like Visit Dallas and Jeep. His remarkable six-month stint photographing in Saudi Arabia for their tourism department is a testament to his international acclaim. Pedro attributes his success to his persistence and openness to different cultures, which is an essential ingredient in the diverse world of photography.

The onset of Pedro's photographic journey teaches us that a passion, fostered by curiosity and hard work, can lead to a fulfilling and expansive career. His path illustrates how initial steps can propel one into realms unimagined, particularly when seizing the opportunities that arise from humble beginnings.

Career Advancement and Recent Endeavors

Pedro Oliveira, a portrait photographer with a rich international portfolio, has seen a significant evolution in his career over the past years. Hailing from Brazil, Pedro has not visited his home country since 2015. Despite this, he has become an integral part of the Pro EDU community, a platform where his creative journey gained momentum.

Pedro's entry into photography was unconventional; he picked up a camera for the first time in 2014, not out of longstanding passion but as a remedy for homesickness. Settling in Portland, Oregon—known for its rainy climate—Pedro began exploring his new environment through the lens of photography. His initial foray into portraiture featured the local homeless population, which unexpectedly propelled his work into the limelight. The project, though not intended to, went viral and was featured by local media.

Key Career Highlights:

• First Major Project: Started with a heartfelt series of portraits of the homeless, leading to local recognition and offers for paid photography.
• Education Path: Shifted from journalism at Portland State University to a photographic career by merging storytelling with visual art.
• Client Base Expansion: Gained local business attention and increased photography work while juggling academic commitments.

Pedro's craft quickly advanced, leading to assignments with prestigious publications and brands. His notable clients include National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes. Aside from editorial work, Pedro has diversified his portfolio to encompass automotive and lifestyle photography. He recently completed a campaign with Dallas's tourism department and has worked with other recognizable names, such as Jeep.

Recent Engagements:

• International Work: Photographed campaigns for magazines and global brands, handling projects around the world.
• Saudi Arabia Campaign: Spent six months documenting Saudi Arabia's evolving cultural landscape, shaping the country's new brand image.

Pedro's efforts to secure the Saudi Arabia job illustrate the persistence and proactive nature of freelance advertising work. After multiple attempts at contacting the Saudi tourism authority and nearly abandoning hope, he received a response that led to one of his most extensive projects to date. The experience not only enhanced his portfolio but also broadened his cultural understanding and appreciation for Saudi hospitality and humor.

Throughout his career, Pedro has demonstrated a remarkable ability to merge his journalistic roots with his newfound photographic expertise, establishing himself as a confident and adaptable visual storyteller.

Customers and Completed Works

Pedro Oliveira is a Brazilian-born portrait photographer with a notable presence in the PRO EDU community. He began his journey in photography in Atlanta, Georgia, later moving to Portland where he was inspired to pick up a camera to combat homesickness. His first serious project was a portrait series of a homeless man in his city square. This series garnered local attention, leading to local publications and opportunities to photograph commercially.

His career advanced as he pursued a parallel path in journalism at Portland State University while simultaneously marketing his photographic services on platforms like Groupon. As his portfolio expanded, so did his client base, with a growing number of local businesses seeking his distinctive photography.

Today, Pedro has an international footprint, having worked with magazines and brands across the globe. His editorial work includes shoots for prestigious publications such as National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes. In the realm of advertising, he has worked with various brands, including notable projects in automotive and lifestyle photography. Recent campaigns include work with Visit Dallas and Jeep.

Pedro's international recognition continued to rise as he took on a six-month project in Saudi Arabia for their tourism department. Securing this job involved persistent direct outreach to the Saudi Tourism Authority, showcasing his skills and portfolio. The successful campaign required bi-monthly trips to the Middle East, where his work played a crucial role in renewing the nation's brand image.

Throughout his career, Pedro has been adaptable, adopting a confident and proactive approach in securing opportunities. His routine includes a disciplined regimen of networking, client outreach, and fostering relationships within the industry. The uniqueness of his work lies in his approach to capturing stories, creating imagery that resonates with his clients and audiences alike. His tenure as a photographer has proven that through creativity, persistence, and adaptability, success in the industry is achievable.

Personal Journey Through Saudi Arabia

His experiences in Saudi Arabia speak volumes about his adaptability and broadened horizons. He embarked on a six-month stint with a focus on capturing the essence of the country for its tourism department. Embracing such an opportunity meant diving into a culture vastly different from his own, with preconceived notions quickly being replaced by authentic interactions.

Challenges and Adjustments

• Initially hesitant to commit to a long-term project away from the U.S.
• Structured the engagement with breaks to maintain work-life balance.
• Became immersed in local customs and hospitality practices.

Cultural Immersion

• His daily routine included multiple meals with locals, reflecting their warm hospitality.
• Received numerous gifts, a sign of respect and kindness in Saudi culture.
• Discovered a unique sense of humor among the Saudis, contrary to his prior understanding.

Professional Highlights

• Engaged in a nationwide campaign to revamp the Kingdom's brand image through photography.
• Developed a deep appreciation for the region's beauty and the generosity of its people.

Relevant Clients	Description
Editorial	National Geographic, Vanity Fair, Forbes
Corporate	Automotive and lifestyle brands, Dallas tourism department

His dedication to reaching out to potential collaborators, coupled with his craft and unique approach, won over the Saudi Tourism Authority. Despite the initial lack of response, he persisted and caught the attention of their executive creative director, leading to this transformative project.

Embedding himself in Saudi Arabia for extended periods, he experienced the nation's culture and hospitality firsthand, leading to workdays filled with not just photography but also the warmth of human connection. The varied tasks and the delicate balance of professional commitment and personal growth were a testament to his ability to navigate and portray diverse environments.

Establishing a Career in Photography Through Daily Habits and Opportunities

Embarking on a new career path often starts with a simple yet significant step. For a passionate individual who hasn't been back to their home country for nearly 8 years, the journey began in earnest upon moving to Portland amidst frequent rainfall and pangs of homesickness. They immersed themself in photography, initially as a hobby to find solace and capture everyday moments. Their first endeavor in portraiture involved documenting a homeless man, which unexpectedly set them on a course to local recognition.

Key Daily Activities:

• Exercise: Starts the day with jogging.
• Correspondence: Dedicates time post-jog to write emails, reaching out for potential coffee meet-ups or job opportunities, a practice that is integral to their routine.

Climbing the Professional Ladder:

• Education vs. Career Pursuit: While studying journalism at Portland State University, a local business offered payment for photographing services, introducing them to the feasibility of a photography career.
• Client Engagement: Initially worked with Groupon, charging $35 for photography sessions, relishing the learning experience.

Transition to Professional Photography:

• Local Businesses: Began attracting attention from local enterprises, presumably due to an enhancement in the quality of produced imagery.
• Industry Advancement:* Evolved to work with prominent magazines and brands internationally including National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes.

Securing Major Projects:

• Methodology:* Secured international shoots through consistent and persistent outreach, exemplified by the contract with Saudi Arabia's tourism authority after multiple attempts at contact.
• Project Requirements:* Undertook lengthy projects such as a six-month stint with the Saudi tourism department, accomplished through a negotiated schedule.

Cultural Exposure and Impact:

• Perceptual Shift:* The experience in Saudi Arabia altered their preconceived notions, bringing an appreciation for the generosity and humor of the Saudi people.
• Hospitality Encounters:* Received numerous gifts to the extent of returning home with more presents than personal belongings, indicating the depth of the local culture's kindness.

Professional Insights:

• Self-sustenance:* Portrays a freelancing career in advertising as repeatedly transitioning between employment and seeking new opportunities.
• Craft and Recognition:* Suggests that personal improvement and persistence in engaging prospective clients lead to success in a competitive field.

Work Showcase:

• Diverse Portfolio:* Aside from editorial work, has ventured into automotive and lifestyle photography.
• Remarkable Campaigns:* Participated in notable campaigns for entities such as Jeep and the Dallas tourism department.

The trajectory from taking casual photographs due to homesickness to capturing images that traverse international borders for top-tier brands exemplifies the amalgamation of passion and perseverance. Through a methodical approach to self-promotion and seizing opportunities, they established themselves as a sought-after professional in a highly competitive industry.

Experiencing Culture Through Lenses

Embarking on a voyage of cultural discovery, Pedro Oliveira, a seasoned portrait photographer and influential member of the PRO EDU community, shares his journey through the realm of professional photography. Pedro, a Brazilian native who spent a substantial period away from his homeland, found solace and artistic expression through photography during a bout of homesickness after relocating to Portland from Atlanta, spurred by a friend's suggestion to take up the camera.

Pedro recounts his initial steps into portraiture, beginning with a candid photo of a local homeless individual. This initial foray blossomed into a significant project that garnered local media attention, leading to his first publication and a proposition to photograph professionally.

Highlighting his evolution from journalism student to professional photographer, Pedro utilized platforms like Groupon to offer affordable photography sessions, which in turn became his gateway to more lucrative opportunities. His dedication to the craft soon attracted an array of clients, from local businesses to globally recognized magazines such as National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes, not to mention engaging in advertising projects for brands like Jeep and liaising with tourism departments across nations.

Pedro's vibrant career has taken him to international locations, shooting lifestyle and automotive content. Notably, he shares his experience of a six-month sojourn in Saudi Arabia on assignment for the country's tourism authority. This venture was not only pivotal in his professional growth but also pivotal in altering his preconceptions of the Middle Eastern culture. Pedro extols the genuine kindness and quirkiness of Saudi hospitality, emphasizing how this adventure expanded his cultural understanding and appreciation.

His routine, grounded in discipline, involves consistent outreach to potential clients and nurturing professional connections through persistent communication. Pedro's assertiveness and commitment to his craft are evident in the way he approached and eventually secured the substantial project in Saudi Arabia – an amalgamation of audacity, perseverance, and skill.

Pedro's narrative concludes without delving too deeply into personal triumphs but rather reflects on the transformative power of cultural experiences and the ability to reshape perspectives through professional endeavors. His account stands as a testament to the meaningful connections and growth that emerge from the interchange between culture, art, and commerce in the dynamic field of photography.

In Closing

Pedro Oliveira, a distinguished member of the Pro EDU community and notable portrait photographer, shares his journey in the realm of photography and how it has intertwined with his personal and professional growth. His first forays into the craft began with simple portraits, leading to local acclaim and opportunities that spurred him on to further refine his skills and portfolio.

Recognized internationally for his work, Oliveira has contributed to esteemed publications like National Geographic, Vanity Fair, and Forbes. His foray into advertising has seen him collaborate with brands such as Jeep and the Dallas tourism department, illustrating his diverse capabilities in producing compelling imagery for a variety of clients.

Perhaps one of his most remarkable experiences came from a unique six-month project with Saudi Arabia's tourism authority. Oliveira recounts the extensive process of securing the project and his immersion into a culture very different from his own. Working in the Middle East offered him exposure to a world previously colored by misconceptions, allowing him to discover the kindness and quirky humor inherent to the Saudi people.

Through persistence and a passion for communication, Pedro Oliveira's story stands as a testament to the opportunities that arise when one is willing to reach out and embrace the unknown, whether through a lens or across cultures.

Notable Clients and Brands:

• National Geographic
• Vanity Fair
• Forbes
• Jeep
• Visit Dallas

Reflecting back on his experiences, the impact of these opportunities is evident in the quality and breadth of Oliveira's work. His contributions not only to the field of photography but also to cultural understanding are a profound reminder of the power of visual storytelling.