Self-portrait of photographer Raquel Olague taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA. in their garden designed by Almejo Landscape, Inc.

 

Welcome!

 

I am Raquel Olague, an artist working with photography as my medium. This site features a curated selection of works over the years. Each subject is thoughtfully explored with attention to light, composition, and the emotion or statement I wish to convey.


I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ community and the Safe Space Alliance. I engage thoughtfully with the environments I photograph, minimizing impact and collecting discarded items. These values shape the way I engage with the world through photography. I seek galleries that embrace inclusivity, thoughtful presentation, social responsibility, and opportunities to foster connection through art.


Gallery and curatorial inquiries are welcome.


Let's Connect
Orange silhoutte of an intricate branch featuring a naturally-formed question mark taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Purple silhouette of a curved leaf reaching for the last bit of sun as twilight hour approaches taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA
A hidden treasure chest half-buried in sand taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
White daisies standing tall against a blurred green background taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
A blue crystal hidden beneath beah drift wood with sunlight filtering through the background taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton's legs lounging in a blood-red bed taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Black and white image of spiderwebs overtaking a light taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Intricate mask veiled with colorful layers with an mysterious and romantic air taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.

Series

Photographic series capturing a range of subjects and tones, each part of ongoing explorations.

California love

An exploration of environmental neglect. Each space is approached with care and discarded items are collected along the way.

California Love series; image featuring a discarded fast-food cup in a muddy puddle taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series; image featuring a torn and abandoned baseball taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series; image featuring a broken bottle in a grassy puddle taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series; image featuring condensation in a discarded water bottle taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series; image featuring metal scraps being overgrown with grass taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series; image featuring an overshadowed, discarded fast-food container taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
California Love series image featuring an overshadowed, discarded tire taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.

Golden Opportunity

A dark, playful boudoir series created during Covid. Our golden stand-in delighted the models while we patiently awaited the postponed live session.

Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton hand holding a wine goblet taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton reading in a dark, shadowy room taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton with a wine goblet reading a book taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton browsing magazines taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton's legs lounging in a blood-red bed taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Golden Opportunity series; image featuring a gold skeleton playing with a phone cord taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.

Veiled Muse

Two mood-driven images featured in an online exhibition segment exploring artists’ journeys and gallery experiences

One of seven featured artists, Bubble Pop Gallery, "Online Pop Up Party", 2020

Mermaid image featuring a custom caustic lighting effect. Light built by Artifex Imaging. Image taken by Artifex Imaging in Bakersfield, CA.
Abstract musical notes on textured red and yellow background with artistic effects.
Documentation from Bubble Pop Gallery,

Peer pressure

Close-ups capturing the obsession with, and undue pressures of, beauty standards imposed on women.

Juried exhibition, Bubble Pop Gallery, "Rise - A Female Artist Showcase", 2019

Peer Pressure series of close-ups capturing the obsession with, and undue pressures of, beauty standards imposed on women.
Peer Pressure series of close-ups capturing the obsession with, and undue pressures of, beauty standards imposed on women.
Documentation from Bubble Pop Gallery,
Documentation from Bubble Pop Gallery,