Photographer Spotlight: Wedding Photographer Sydney Olivia Photography from Brookings, SD

At 5 Family Ranch, a beautiful wedding venue in Southwest Minnesota, we’ve had the honor of working with and getting to know some incredible wedding photographers from both Minnesota and South Dakota. In our Photographer Spotlight series, we’re highlighting the creatives who have captured love stories at the ranch...or can’t wait to!

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Sydney Olivia, a wedding photographer based in Brookings, SD. Sydney’s work is candid, heartfelt, and full of genuine emotion.

📍 Business Name: Sydney Olivia Photography

 🌐 Website: https://www.sydneyoliviaphotography.com/

 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/sydneyoliviaphotography

 📸 Instagram: @sydneyoliviaphotography

1. What’s your story—how did you get started as a wedding photographer?

It has been a long and rewarding journey to get here! As a child, I always took videos with my mom’s camcorder, and frequently made my siblings and friends “model” for me. Then, in high school, I had a sports injury that led me to needing to find a hobby. My mom purchased a camera, and encouraged me to photograph my sibling’s sporting events. I fell in love with photographing people, and slowly started growing! I made my business official in 2020, and have loved every minute! Clients have become friends, and I really value capturing the most important milestones in their lives! I knew early in my business that I wanted to photograph weddings, and a sweet couple took a chance on me in 2021. I have seen so much love and happy days over the years!

2. How long have you been photographing weddings? Approximately how many weddings have you shot?

I have been photographing weddings since 2021, making this my 5th wedding season as a photographer. After this year, I will have shot 50 weddings!

3. How would you describe your photography style in a few words?

I would describe my photography style as candid, detailed, true to life, and natural, with a storytelling element.

4. How far in advance should couples book you?

I always say the sooner the better! My summer availability books up about a year in advance.

5. What packages do you offer, and which is the most popular?

Since every wedding and couple is different, my pricing is by the hour. When booking, a complimentary engagement session and planning guide is included! Having my pricing structure by the hour has been very convenient for the couples I’ve worked with. It allows us to personalize their experience and find the perfect amount of coverage for their day!

6. Are you the photographer who shoots the wedding, or do you have a team?

I am the primary photographer for all weddings I shoot. I typically bring another talented photographer as my second shooter!

7. Do you charge a travel fee? If so, for what distance and what does it include?

I do not charge mileage for weddings within 1 hour of Brookings, which means there is no mileage fee to 5 Family Ranch! For opportunities not within 1 hour of Brookings, I charge a flat rate of $0.70/mile.

8. Are albums or prints included in your packages?

Albums and prints are not included in my package, but couples do have the option to purchase them. I do include polaroid prints on the wedding day, and a post-wedding gift that usually involves photos!

9. How long after the wedding do couples receive their images, and how are they delivered?

I deliver all of my wedding photos to clients in an online gallery! Clients can expect 500-1000 edited digital images within 10 weeks of their wedding, usually much sooner. I also do a sneak peek gallery within 24 hours of their wedding, which includes approximately 50 edited images!

10. What is your cancellation/refund policy?

I require a 25% non-refundable retainer upon booking, which would not be refunded upon cancellation at any point. The remaining balance is due one week prior to their wedding, which can be refunded if cancellation is within the week of the wedding.

11. Bonus: What’s your favorite spot to shoot at 5 Family Ranch—and why?

I have not shot there yet, but from being there, I think my favorite would be the line of trees outside, or maybe some creative shots on the stairs to the balcony!

✨ Extra Bonus:

Sydney is getting married at the ranch in June 2026! We can't wait!!! 💍💐

Ready to start planning your wedding? Book a tour or contact us at 5 Family Ranch, a family-owned and locally-owned wedding venue in Southwest Minnesota. We’d love to meet you, answer your questions, and help you plan your perfect day!

📞 Tel: +1-507-401-5918

📧 Email: info@5familyranch.com

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/5familyranch

📸 Instagram: @5familyranch

We’re proud to be part of a growing community of locally owned venues throughout the region that are passionate about love, connection, and creating unforgettable events. Check out our local venue friends below!

• Lizton Lodge

• Homestead 32

• The Postmark

• Hightower Falls

• The Venue At Springfield Estates

• Heart D Farm

• Brandt 1910

• The Haycraft

• Cherry Barc Farm

• Willow Creek Farm

• A Room With A View