Oli Sa, photographer and educator

Oli Sa

Senior Editor & Photography Educator

Teaching photography one shutter click at a time. I believe great photos come from vision, not gear.

My story

I've been behind a camera for over a decade. What started as a hobby—borrowing my uncle's old film SLR—quickly turned into an obsession. I shot everything: street corners at midnight, family gatherings, landscapes that made me forget to eat. Somewhere along the way, I realized that photography isn't about the gear you own; it's about how you see the world.

After years of working as a commercial photographer and teaching workshops, I built SHOTAVIX to share what I've learned. My mission is simple: demystify photography, cut through the marketing hype, and help you create images you're genuinely proud of. No gatekeeping, no gear shaming—just honest advice and a shared love for the craft.

When I'm not writing or shooting, you'll find me testing vintage lenses, hiking with a medium format film camera, or arguing about the best focal length for portraits. (It's 85mm, obviously.)

50+
articles written
3+
years shooting

What's in my bag

Nikon Z8 Primary workhorse
Fujifilm X100V Everyday carry
Nikon F3 35mm film love
Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 Favorite lens

Ask me about my film scanning setup. I'll talk your ear off.

“Your first 10,000 photos are your worst. So start shooting—and don't delete them. Every mistake teaches you something.”

— Oli Sa

How I teach

I believe photography should be accessible, not intimidating. That's why every guide I write starts with the assumption that you're holding a camera for the first time. I avoid jargon when I can, and when I can't, I explain it like I'm talking to a friend over coffee.

My goal isn't to turn you into a copy of me. It's to give you the tools and confidence to develop your own voice. Whether you're shooting with a $500 kit or a $5,000 body, the principles are the same. And I'm here to help you master them.

Let's connect

Have a question, a story, or just want to say hello?

[email protected]