Meet Olen Whitely | Photographer, Musician, artist and lover of living

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olen Whitely and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olen, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic and creative profession over a traditional job because it aligns deeply with my passions, values, and the way I view life. Creativity allows me to express myself, tell meaningful stories, and connect with people in profound ways. A traditional job, while valuable in its own right, often felt limiting to my sense of freedom and self-expression.

Through photography and film, I’ve been able to transform moments into lasting memories, which brings both fulfillment and purpose. The ability to work on diverse projects—whether it’s capturing the essence of a celebration, documenting a milestone, or preserving legacies—offers me the variety and emotional connection I crave in my career.

Choosing a creative path was not just about work; it was about building a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. It’s about waking up every day excited to create, inspire, and leave an impact, something I feel is harder to achieve in a traditional setting.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about telling stories, capturing emotions, and making real connections. Through photography and film, I turn everyday moments into something unforgettable. What makes me different is my ability to see beauty where others might not and to create experiences that make people feel truly seen and celebrated.

I’m super proud of the work I’ve done, like building my Selfie Museum and helping people preserve their most special memories. One project I’m really hyped about is Legacy 21, where I capture stories and moments for families to keep forever—it’s deep, meaningful work that I love doing.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve faced challenges, and one of the biggest has been figuring out how to live and work with ADHD. For a long time, it felt like a roadblock—I struggled to stay focused and get things done. But once I realized ADHD wasn’t a weakness but a superpower, everything changed. It’s what helps me think creatively, adapt quickly, and bring unique ideas to the table.

I’ve learned a lot along the way, like not being scared to fail, leaning into what makes you unique, and keeping supportive people around you. Challenges aren’t the end—they’re just part of the process of growing and leveling up.

What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s real, authentic, and built on passion. Olen TV Photography and Legacy 21 are all about celebrating life’s moments and making them last forever.

If there’s one thing I’d say to anyone reading this, it’s to embrace what makes you different. That’s where your power is. I’m proof that owning who you are and chasing what you love can take you farther than you ever imagined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Florida for a week, I’d make sure they got the full experience of everything this beautiful state has to offer. Here’s the ultimate itinerary:

Day 1: Chill and Beach Vibes
• Morning: Start the trip with a relaxing morning at Lake Worth Beach. Grab breakfast at Benny’s on the Beach for some killer oceanfront views and delicious food.
• Afternoon: Hit the beach for some sun, sand, and jet skiing. You can’t visit Florida without riding the waves!
• Evening: Head to Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue for dinner and drinks. I’d recommend The Sandbar for a laid-back vibe or El Camino for amazing tacos and margaritas.

Day 2: South Beach & Nightlife
• Morning: Take a drive to Miami and explore South Beach. Walk along Ocean Drive, check out the Art Deco architecture, and grab lunch at Big Pink for some iconic diner food.
• Afternoon: Relax at the beach or stroll through Lincoln Road Mall for shopping and people-watching.
• Night: Experience Miami’s nightlife with a stop at E11EVEN or hit up a chill lounge like The Broken Shaker for craft cocktails.

Day 3: Culture & Local Gems
• Morning: Visit Wynwood Walls for incredible street art and then grab brunch at The Salty Donut.
• Afternoon: Explore Little Havana for authentic Cuban culture—try some cafecito and a Cuban sandwich at Versailles.
• Evening: Catch a live band at a local lounge like Lagniappe House for a mix of great vibes and music.

Day 4: Nature & Adventure
• Morning: Take an airboat tour of the Everglades—it’s a must to see Florida’s wild side.
• Afternoon: Head to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in Palm Beach for some kayaking and nature trails.
• Evening: Have dinner at The Breakers Palm Beach for a touch of luxury.

Day 5: Relax and Reset
• Morning: Visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens for some peaceful zen vibes.
• Afternoon: Stop by my Selfie Museum in Lake Worth Beach for some creative fun and amazing photo ops.
• Evening: Grab dinner at The Alchemist Garden in West Palm Beach for an unforgettable farm-to-table dining experience.

Day 6: Food Tour & Shopping
• Morning: Do a food crawl in West Palm Beach, starting with Subculture Coffee for a pick-me-up.
• Afternoon: Explore The Square (formerly CityPlace) for shopping and casual dining.
• Evening: Head to Rocco’s Tacos for great food and energy to end the day.

Day 7: Farewell Day
• Morning: Wrap up the trip with a brunch at RH Rooftop Restaurant in West Palm Beach—perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and amazing views.
• Afternoon: Hit up a local farmers’ market or grab last-minute souvenirs before they head out.

Florida is all about blending chill beach vibes with exciting adventures, and this itinerary would show anyone the best of both worlds. Whether it’s jet skiing, nightlife, or cultural gems, there’s something for everyone!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible people who have shaped and supported me on this journey.

First, a special thanks to my mom, who has always encouraged me to strive for excellence in everything I do and to trust in the Lord throughout it all. Your faith and belief in me are the foundation of my strength.

To my family, thank you for allowing me to be unapologetically myself and for standing by me from day one. Your love and support are the backbone of everything I’ve achieved.

To my friends, you’ve been my cheerleaders, motivators, and constant reminders to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get. Your encouragement means the world to me.

To my clients, thank you for trusting me to capture your memories and sharing your experiences with others. Your reposts and recommendations keep me inspired to deliver my best every time.

To all the girlfriends of my past, thank you for being a part of my journey and contributing to the person I am today. Every chapter taught me valuable lessons that shaped my path.

To my amazing daughter, you are my biggest motivator and the reason I aim higher every day. Your presence in my life fuels my ambition and drive to succeed.

And finally, to my other half, thank you for never letting me settle for being regular and always pushing me to live life to the fullest. Your love and belief in me remind me every day to keep dreaming bigger and doing better.

To all of you, I am endlessly grateful. You’re my village, my inspiration, and my reason to keep going. Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey.

Website: https://Olentvselfiemuseum.com

Instagram: @Olentv

Facebook: Olen Whitely

Youtube: Olentv

Image Credits
Olen Whitely