Carianne Older is an LA-based film photographer and creative director who channels her energy through vintage inspiration. Her blossoming career has seen her capture the essence of renowned stars, including Charlie Puth, SZA, Olivia Rodrigo, and Christina Aguilera.
Carianne stops by on Close-Up Culture to share some wisdom and talk about her incredible journey.
Hi Carianne, welcome to Close-Up Culture. Can you tell us how you broke into the industry?
I started out managing theaters on Broadway in New York City, and before long moved over to a talent agency. To balance out the stress of a corporate office job, I picked up my first serious camera and fell in love. I started an Instagram account @cariannaolder to share my work, initially just with friends. But when Covid hit, I moved back home to Florida and had the time to really lean in. Before I knew it, photography was my job!
What have been some of the biggest barriers and challenges you’ve faced making a name for yourself in the industry?
I’m a little bit of an outsider when it comes to entertainment, or at least I wasn’t born into it at all. When I say I’m from Hollywood, I’m talking about Hollywood, Florida, just outside of Fort Lauderdale! Moving to California and building a career from the ground up wasn’t easy – especially as a woman – but a good attitude and a little elbow grease got me to where I am today.
You have an all-female team and run a mentorship in LA. For you, how important is inclusivity and giving back to others?
When I think about mentorship, I think about myself as a little girl. As much as I want to pass on technical knowledge, I also want to pass on confidence, especially to people who weren’t born with an obvious career path in the arts. I want to be for others what I needed when I was younger.
What piece of advice do you give to others that you wish you were told when starting out in the industry?
Treating people well trumps talent any time. The entertainment industry is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t burn any bridges – you never know when you’ll need to cross that river.
You’ve worked with some big name talents, including SZA and Olivia Rodrigo. What do you value most in a creative collaboration?
Above all, I value openness and willingness to take risks. Every time I work with someone, I want to take their favorite portraits they’ve ever shot. If we don’t try new things, it’s a lot harder to make that happen!
What are your plans and ambitions for the future?
I want to move from pure photography into other media like video and theater. I’m excited to grow as a creative multihyphenate and show people that my vision is bigger than just a still image.
Instagram – @cariannaolder
Website – CARIANNEOLDER