PhotOlé Photography

PhotOlé Photography PhotOlé is a full-service photography studio located in Lancaster PA.

We mix the principles of photography with ideas that should be common practice to produce classic portraits for print and digital audiences. Research guides and allows the photography team to help clients gain visibility and influence.

One thing I’ve learned from running a business for the last 18 years: we assume people know way more about our business ...
08/28/2026

One thing I’ve learned from running a business for the last 18 years: we assume people know way more about our business than they actually do.

We think we’ve already talked about a service enough. We assume people know how to book, what things cost, what the process looks like, or even everything we offer.

They probably don’t.

Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.

Keep talking about what you do. Keep showing your process. Answer the same questions. Share the behind-the-scenes. Bring back an old post that’s still relevant.

What feels repetitive to you might be brand new information to someone who just started following you.

Sometimes marketing isn’t about constantly coming up with something new.

It’s about making sure people actually understand what you do and that you are still doing it really, really well.

When I have the opportunity to teach studio lighting, I do. This time, I had the chance to teach Brandon about lighting ...
08/22/2026

When I have the opportunity to teach studio lighting, I do. This time, I had the chance to teach Brandon about lighting specifically for tintype portraits.

Brandon already had a solid understanding of the fundamentals of tintype portrait chemistry, so we used this time to focus on testing and understanding studio lighting. And of course, what better way to test than to make a portrait of him?

Metering for tintype photography isn’t as simple as looking at shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It’s about truly understanding the capabilities of your lens and the power output of your light source. From there, it’s about finding that middle test point—a solid starting place where simple adjustments can lead to really good results.

I enjoyed sharing what I know and love with Brandon. There’s always something new to learn with tintype photography, and I’m always happy to pass along what I’ve learned along the way.

And at the end of it all I got to spend quality time with my friend Brandon.

We both agreed that Lancaster needs more Korean food and restaurants!Drop a comment or a photo comment and let me know w...
08/20/2026

We both agreed that Lancaster needs more Korean food and restaurants!

Drop a comment or a photo comment and let me know where you think I should go for some good Korean food. I'm especially looking for cold noodle dishes!

Where should I try next?

THE SHOTS I TRY NOT TO LEAVE WITHOUTEvent photography can mean one hour or five hours, and there’s always a lot happenin...
08/19/2026

THE SHOTS I TRY NOT TO LEAVE WITHOUT

Event photography can mean one hour or five hours, and there’s always a lot happening.

After years of photographing events, I’ve developed a quick mental shot list that helps me make sure I’m capturing the people, brand, details, and experience no matter how much time I have.

Here’s a look at that shot list, with examples from a recent event with Brent L. Miller x TUDOR Watches at Strasburg Rail Road & Paradise Station.

The last time they had their tintype portraits made by me was 10 years ago… wow, how time flies.It’s always special when...
08/16/2026

The last time they had their tintype portraits made by me was 10 years ago… wow, how time flies.

It’s always special when clients return and trust me to capture another chapter of their story.

The Brady’s came in for individual family tintype portraits. Can’t wait to see how Mike frames up the photos.
08/16/2026

The Brady’s came in for individual family tintype portraits. Can’t wait to see how Mike frames up the photos.

WritingA little behind the scenes from today’s business portrait session.One thing I’ve learned over the years: lighting...
08/16/2026

Writing

A little behind the scenes from today’s business portrait session.
One thing I’ve learned over the years: lighting diagrams are a great starting point, but they don’t always translate the same way from person to person. Every face, expression, and personality responds differently to light.

The real process is:
Set up. Shoot. Examine. Adjust. Shoot again. Re-examine.

It may seem like a long process, but those small refinements are what help create a portrait that actually represents the person in front of my camera.

A great portrait isn’t just about where the lights are placed—it’s about understanding the subject, shaping the light, and creating an image that feels authentic.

Photographers: what’s your go-to lighting style or setup for business portraits, and why?

I really do love getting to know people and hearing how they met, what brought them together, and the little connections...
08/16/2026

I really do love getting to know people and hearing how they met, what brought them together, and the little connections that keep their spark alive.

Believe it or not, your love for each other is inspiring. Getting to witness that connection and turn it into a portrait makes my job that much more meaningful and so much more fun. ❤️

Forever portraits should be on every couple’s bucket list.

Today’s sitter, Dillon, is a local videographer, and I always feel a little humbled when another photographer, videograp...
08/16/2026

Today’s sitter, Dillon, is a local videographer, and I always feel a little humbled when another photographer, videographer, or artist chooses me to create something for them.

As creatives, we have so many people we could turn to, so when another creative chooses my work, it gives me a real sense of worth. It reminds me that what I’ve spent years learning and practicing means something to someone else.

Dillon didn’t come in with a specific pose or idea, so I used inspiration I brought home from John Coffer's Camp Tintype. The Robert Redford print from The Last Picture Show really stuck with me, and I wanted to create something with that same quiet, timeless feeling.

I’m really glad I went to Camp Tintype. I learned so much, and it’s been exciting to bring some of that inspiration back into the studio and apply it to a session like this.

Grateful for the connections, the opportunities, and the people I’ve met along the way.Take that shot, it's visually val...
08/14/2026

Grateful for the connections, the opportunities, and the people I’ve met along the way.

Take that shot, it's visually valuable.

Address

114 East Chestnut Street
Lancaster, PA

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 4pm
Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 11am - 4pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm

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