If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
If you are in the market for bold and memorable images that will stand out in a world where photography has become ubiquitous, then you have come to the right place.
My portfolio, available below (more can be seen at OlkerPhoto.com and social @OlkerPhoto), is diverse, but my specialties lie in event and portrait photography. I enjoy finding the balance between photojournalism and fine art that exist in these spaces, blurring the line between documentation and art. I hope this is apparent in my work, through my use of both natural and off-camera, artificial light.
If you like my style, the rest should fall into place. My reviews speak to the quality of my services and professional demeanor. Photography is my full-time passion and career, so every client is given my full attention and resources to provide an exceptional experience and product. Furthermore, I look to offer a great value in order to get referrals and build a strong client base here in Austin.
If you serious about booking or have any questions, don't hesitate to message me (an actual message is highly appreciated :) If your inquiry gets declined, it is most likely because I am booked. As my availability might change, or my second shooter may be able to help, I encourage you to reach out via my website.
Cheers!
Steve
Overview
Hired 176 times
Serves Austin, TX
Background checked
2 employees
11 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
2020
2019
2018
Services offered
Photo type
Property type
Residential
Commercial
Physical copies
Physical proofs and prints
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.
Excellent 4.9
81 reviews
5
91%
4
8%
3
0%
2
0%
1
1%
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Read reviews that mention:
Takashi S.
Jun 22, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Not only did he respond promptly to my messages, but he also carefully discussed my preferences regarding the style of photography I wanted in advance and was very flexible on the day of the shoot. Of course, the quality and technical skill of the photos were outstanding. I am very satisfied.
Details: Corporate event • Fewer than 25 guests • Indoors • Digital or online download
Wedding and Event Photography
Cassandra W.
Oct 2, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Steve was INCREDIBLE!! He recently photographed one of my keynote engagements. He was responsive, on-time, and incredibly professional. But above all else his talent and drive are remarkable. He moved around the room working to get highly creative and high-impact shots. I couldn’t be more pleased with the shots received. HIGHLY recommend for event photography if you’re looking for high-quality, high-value beautiful shots!!
Details: Corporate event • 150 - 199 guests • Indoors • Digital or online download
Wedding and Event Photography
Christine H.
Jan 7, 2019
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephen Olker is a top rated professional, in my book. I am ecstatic over my photos to select from for my RealEstate business! Thanks!
Details: Glamour • Photo studio • 1 person • 1 outfit change • 1 - 5 shots • Professional use • Physical proofs and prints • I travel to the headshot photographer
Headshot Photography
Tanner M.
May 13, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Stephen did an absolutely amazing job! I hired him to shoot my surprise proposal to my girlfriend out in the Hill Country (in Burnet). He was very professional, responsive, and just an overall joy to work with! He went above and beyond to get to the venue early and got set up before we arrived. Got the perfect angles of the moment and took some amazing shots. He also was very gracious to stick around a little bit extra time to account for family arriving late so that he could capture us all together.
Attached are just a couple of the photos he took. They all turned out wonderful!
I highly recommend him to capture your special moments!!!
Details: Proposal photoshoot • Candid • Natural or environmental • Traditional posed • Outdoors • One location • Online or digital proofs and prints • CD / DVD • My home, venue, etc.
Engagement Photography
Paul R.
Jan 8, 2018
Stephen took my request on short notice. I was in the area on business but had a day and needed a photo shoot. He responded quickly, picked me up at my hotel, and took me to a couple of sites that fit my personality. His equipment is great and his skills are fantastic.
Details: Solo portrait • Natural / environmental (photographed in an outdoor setting) • Candid (captured in the moment) • Photo studio • 1 - 5 shots • Digital or online download • $100 - $150 (Budget) • Need some more information before hiring • I travel to the portrait photographer
Portrait Photography
Credentials
Background Check
Stephen Olker
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
As of November 2019, my current minimum for any project is $200, though I have some flexibility depending on date, day of the week, my demand, and the final deliverables needed. Quotes on thumbtack are updated regularly, but it really depends on the details of the project.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Again, this seems to vary a little, but in general the process is as follows:
- Discuss project via email / text / phone.
- Agree on date / time / price.
- If the project is an event, I send a short survey to be completed.
- I send a photo agreement via email which outlines the terms and payment schedule. In most cases, I take an initial payment to reserve the time, the balance and applicable tax is due the day of the shoot.
- I create a calendar event with location and invite the customer via email.
- Check in the week of appointment to confirm.
- Customer can bring a shot list / examples of desired look to the shoot.
- After the session, the images are delivered digitally via Dropbox, between 2 and 28 days depending on the type of project.
-Prints are always custom and take about 3-4 weeks.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have my remote pilot certification for small unmanned aircraft systems (which is required by the FAA to operate drones for commercial purposes).
