Our interview with Olga Rubio Dalmau, an award-winning fashion photographer, born in Barcelona, and currently based in Vienna. Olga started out in front of the camera, as a model and enjoyed a 20-year successful modelling career, working with most of the top international fashion brands and photographers. Following the natural step to take all her knowledge and experience to the other side of the lens then.
The Fashiongton Post: Having in mind you are living between Vienna and Barcelona – what’s the difference between being a photographer in each of these two cities and countries? Which one you guess is a better playground in terms of a career of a successful fashion photographer?
Olga Rubio Dalmau: Vienna’s central location and architectural beauty make it perfect for timeless editorials, with easy access by car or train to other European cities. Barcelona offers versatility, with stunning coastal locations like Costa Brava, palm trees, and beaches that are ideal for year-round shoots, especially in winter for summer themes.
F.P.: Olga, is there any story behind your first name? It doesn’t sound typical for a Spanish name and is more similar to a Slavic name origin. Is it?
O.R.: The Spanish Civil War, in February 1939, forced my grandfather to flee to France because he was anti-Franco. In Marseille, he was detained in the Argeles-sur-Mer concentration camp, where many Spanish Republicans were held. The Russians helped him escape, and he later worked at the Russian embassy. My grandmother and uncles soon joined him, and my mother was born in Marseille. They named her Olga, and my mother passed the same name onto me. My name carries a deep connection to my family’s history tied to resilience, survival, and international bonds. It reminds me of the strength and adaptability that runs through my family’s heritage.
F.P.: Have you ever had a wish to move back from Austria to Spain or you prefer to continue live and work in Austria and why?
O.R.: Honestly, I feel lucky to be in Barcelona quite often, and I absolutely love being in Spain. However, Vienna holds a special place in my heart, and I truly consider it my home. It’s a very safe and cozy city, and I find it to be the perfect base for both my personal and professional life.
F.P.: How do you incorporate elements of culture or societal themes into your fashion photography?
O.R.: I think I incorporate elements of culture into my fashion photography through the architecture of the places where I shoot. The buildings and spaces around me often carry a sense of history and identity, which naturally infuses the work. The environment itself adds depth to the narrative, reflecting either the modernity or heritage of a location. Additionally, I enjoy working with models from different ethnic backgrounds. I believe that by embracing diversity, my work can challenge traditional beauty standards and represent a wider range of identities.
F.P.: What was the most memorable behind-the-scenes moment from one of your fashion shoots?
O.R.: One of the most memorable behind-the-scenes moments from a recent shoot was in Vienna, where I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Cartier’s iconic Nature Sauvage collection at the Palais Rasumofsky. It was a privilege to work alongside 17 amazing teams from all over the world, including teams from several international Vogue, L’Officiel, Numéro, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. I absolutely loved being a part of such an incredible group of professionals, and it was inspiring to see the different creative approaches. I only wish I had more time to visit the other teams and watch them work in person—it was an unforgettable experience.
F.P.: The most unusual or funny photoshoot request you’ve ever received from a client?
O.R.: One of the funniest and most unusual requests came during a sustainability campaign for Swarovski. The team was staying in the incredible house of Daniel Swarovski, high up in the Austrian mountains. One night, I had the idea to wake up super early—around 6 am—before sunrise to shoot the model in the stunning landscape. The catch? The model wasn’t arriving until 9 am the next day. So, we convinced one of the Swarovski team members to dress up as the “scientific model” with a pink wig. It was hilarious, but the result was a beautiful shoot in the early morning light at that breathtaking location. It was definitely one of the funniest moments behind the scenes.
F.P.: What was the project or collaboration that challenged you creatively and pushed you out of your comfort zone?
O.R.: For me, the projects that challenge me creatively are the ones where I take on a lot of responsibility. I have some clients who trust me so completely that they let me lead every part of the process—creating mood boards, assembling the team, casting the models, and even choosing the location. This level of involvement pushes me out of my comfort zone every time because I know that every decision I make, no matter how small, can shape the final outcome. The pressure is intense, but it’s what drives me to keep thinking outside the box and coming up with fresh ideas.
F.P.: Having an agent to represent you as a photographer or being your own agent yourself: what do you think are the benefits of this and that, and which option do you prefer?
O.R.: Having an agent can be extremely beneficial, especially when it comes to managing contracts, negotiations, and finding new opportunities. An agent often has established industry connections and can advocate for you in ways that might be challenging to do on your own. It allows you to focus more on the creative side of your work, knowing that someone else is handling the business aspects. On the other hand, being your own agent gives you complete control over the direction of your career and your decisions. It allows for more personal interaction with clients and a deeper understanding of the business side, which can be empowering. While balancing both creative and business responsibilities can be challenging at times, I enjoy being hands-on in every aspect of my career. Looking ahead, I would love to have a strong agency to represent me abroad and help expand my work into new markets.
F.P.: What’s your guilty pleasure when it comes to photography?
O.R.: My guilty pleasure when it comes to photography is definitely buying gear. I know I could easily rent equipment, but there’s just something about owning the latest camera or lens that I can’t resist. It’s like a little thrill – I get excited about the possibilities that come with the new tools, even though I know it’s not always the most practical decision. Still, having the right gear at my fingertips makes the creative process even more exciting.
F.P.: What’s the last hobby you picked up?
O.R.: The last hobby I picked up is walking meditation. It’s a form of mindfulness where I focus on the rhythm of my steps and my surroundings, allowing me to clear my mind and center myself while being active. I find it to be a perfect way to connect with nature, reflect on my day, and reset mentally. It’s become an important part of my routine, giving me the space to recharge, which helps me bring more focus and creativity to my work.
F.P.: Traditionally, your piece of advice to The Fashiongton Post readers?
O.R.: Trust your intuition and stay true to your vision; your authenticity is your greatest strength. Be kind—to yourself and others, as creativity thrives in positive spaces. Keep creating—passion and curiosity will guide you; they are the soul’s fuel. And work hard, for dedication is the key to growth.
Official site of Olga Rubio Dalmau: www.olga-rubio.com
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